A flat listing with damp walls, unmatching curtains and a garden growing in the bathroom isn’t going to make the top of your potential tenant’s rental wishlist.
Why should it? After all, you want to rent out a home, not a shoebox dungeon.
Want to know the secret to rental success? It’s design.
When a tenant scopes out a flat, the first thing they notice is how it looks. Is the place spacious or cramped? How’s the natural light? Does it even feel like a home? Location is great, but if the house itself isn’t up to scratch, it’ll sit empty until kingdom come.
So if you’re building, converting, refurbishing or buying your next buy-to-let (or even just sitting on a potential rental), now’s the time to ask: where does design fit in?
Good design is more than eye candy. Done well, it can make the difference between a poor rental return and a brilliant one. In this post, we’re going to take a look at the entire design journey: from that very first paper blueprint to your tenants moving in with the keys, fresh flowers and all. Let’s get started…
Impressions from the Get-Go
You wouldn’t build a house without a solid foundation, right? Well, the same goes for design.
Think of your project’s design journey like the path from blueprint to rented-out flat. And if your property’s still on paper, that’s where you need to start.
Layout decisions you make in that initial design phase can make all the difference to your finished property. Get this stage right, and you’ve won half the battle.
Got a poky London two-up, two-down you’re converting into flats? Clever use of space will transform the smallest footprint into generous-feeling rooms.
Building from scratch? Your early design and layout choices will set the tone for your property. So first things first, forget about space constraints. Instead, get your thinking cap on and ask: “If I were the tenant, what would I like?”
Thinking of renting out to young professionals? Look for floorplans with space to work remotely. Families? Aim for plenty of storage, a practical, open flow and private sleeping areas. Students? Communal living areas separate from private bedrooms are key.
The golden rule of design for rental success: Don’t skimp on space. Yes, space = more building costs. But when renting, bigger isn’t always better. Clever use of space is always the way to go.
Light and Light…and Light
If there’s one thing we hear landlords and property investors forget time and time again, it’s light. Natural, natural light.
Bright spaces make everyone feel better. They make your property look bigger. And they also make for beautiful photos.
If you’re still at the initial design and planning stage, think carefully about where those windows go. We’re not saying every wall should be glass. But avoid creating dark corners and poky boxrooms.
Or if you’re renovating, think about swapping heavy curtains for blinds, adding skylights or just decluttering to create a brighter interior.
Kitchens Make the Sale
The kitchen is where your would-be renters will daydream about their future roast dinners, late-night snacks, and impressive breakfast spreads.
Design-wise, this means you can’t skimp on the kitchens. You need decent appliances, quality fittings, a practical layout and a splash of modern style to stand out from the competition.
But don’t overdo it, either. This isn’t the Ritz, and you’re not designing a millionaire celebrity chef’s dream pad. Clean lines, quality fittings, stylish but practical finishes.
And if you fancy adding a bit of colour, there’s no better place than the kitchen. Statement worktops or smart tiling can add a premium feel without breaking the bank.
Remember, rental-friendly doesn’t have to mean boring.
Bathrooms = Sanctuary
Did you know that a small bathroom can feel luxurious if it’s been designed right?
Why should it matter? Tenants notice and it’s a key driver of rental demand.
Keep it simple. White tiles, a decent shower and well-considered storage. It’s the little things like practical hooks for towels that make a difference.
Avoid ‘70s retro colours if they’re not, y’know, on purpose. Muted whites and greys are always a safe bet.
Bonus tip: bathrooms need good ventilation. Invest in extractor fans and, where possible, a window. No one wants mould and damp, and it’s a health and safety priority if you have children or expectant mums renting.
Tenants care more about clean, modern, and well-ventilated than decorative tap designs.
Think Durability and Low-Maintenance
Tenants can be… shall we say tough on properties? So, if you’re picking paint finishes, flooring or bathroom fittings, think long-term.
Opt for materials that are harder-wearing. Vinyl or laminate floors instead of carpet. Washable paint finishes over matte. Fittings that aren’t going to pop off after a couple of months.
Sound good? It’s that simple.
The magic formula: low-maintenance but stylish. A flat that’s easy to clean and maintain is more attractive to tenants and saves you time and money down the line.
Oh, and a final pro tip: when in doubt, go for easy access. Plan for easily accessible plumbing and modular kitchens if possible. You’ll thank us when it’s time to rip out that kitchen or fix the pipes.
Tech Touches and Smart Living
Renters are getting savvier every year. They’re not just looking for four walls and a roof. They’re looking for modern, techy flats that make life easier.
We’re not saying go all out smart home (unless that’s your style, of course). But think about a few well-placed upgrades to take your rental to the next level.
Video doorbells. Smart thermostats. USB outlets. High-speed broadband. A fold-out desk for remote workers.
Simple, right? These little upgrades have one job: to whisper “modern. Convenient. Liveable” in your next tenant’s ear.
Outdoor Space
If you’ve got a garden, balcony or patio (even a shared courtyard space), highlight this in your rental advert.
Outdoor space is huge. It’s a massive draw for many renters, especially now we’re all emerging from the pandemic, Zoom-exhausted and yearning for a balcony gathering.
It doesn’t need to be the ideal in gardening perfection. A tidy garden with a few planters and space for a table and chairs is all it takes.
Privacy is key, too. Fencing or screening makes outdoor spaces feel more secluded.
Call in the Professionals
We’re not trying to sell you anything here, but smart design isn’t a one-man show.
If you’re at the starting line and feeling a bit out of your depth, it’s ok to ask for help. The best landlords and property investors know the importance of calling in the experts.
And when it comes to everything from layout and design tweaks to long-term rental strategy, it helps to have trusted advisors for property investment in your corner.
Whether it’s letting agents, architects, interior designers or property consultants, each expert can add their own spin. Use them wisely, and you’ll reap the rewards.
The Wrap-Up
Look, here’s the thing: design isn’t an afterthought. It’s a strategic tool. The smart landlords and property investors know that. They know that good design is the key to demand, higher rental income, shorter void periods and happy tenants.
By thinking through the whole process from blueprint to keys handed over, you’re setting yourself up for long-term property rental success. You’re not just splashing paint on a wall and crossing your fingers. You’re building a property people will actively want to live in.
So whether you’re planning, buying or refurbishing your next buy-to-let or building an entire portfolio from the ground up, don’t let smart design be an afterthought.
So, let’s recap.
How can you put smart design into action on your next rental property?
We suggest you start by grabbing your current or future property’s plans and reading through with a fresh eye.
If you were the tenant, where can you improve? What would make this place more appealing, more liveable?
Because here’s the secret to today’s rental market: it’s not just bricks and mortar. It’s creating a home that feels right.
And that, my friends, starts with design.