Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa June 2018 | Page 28

IMPROVING
Renovations That
Make a Difference
Making your property stand out
BY MONIQUE DU TOIT
W
e don’t need to search far to see how many homes
or apartments are available on the rental market.
As a landlord, you need to ensure you not only grab
potential tenants’ attention with your listing, but also get them
to fall in love with the place once they come to view it. In a
perfect world, we could completely remodel a home every few
years, thus keeping up with market trends. In reality, however,
it pays to be selective in your upgrades.
Lighting
This one’s particularly relevant if your property is on the
smaller side. The last thing a tenant wants is a dark, dreary
apartment to call home. If your property doesn’t have large
windows and natural light, consider the practicality of a sky-
light. If that’s too large an expense, or not physically viable, pay
close attention to your light fittings. Whether the space needs
downlighters, a dimmer switch, or bright spotlights, tailor your
choices around your specific property.
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JUNE/JULY 2018 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine
Don’t fall for fads
When it comes to renting your property out, it’s important
to keep in mind that you’re targeting a broad market. While
those black tiles may be just up your (and some tenants’) al-
ley, they won’t necessarily be attractive to everyone else. Home
decor trends are constantly changing - from colour choices to
the latest innovation in kitchens. Keep your property timeless
by investing in features that won’t age as soon as the new trend
walks through the door.
Opt for neutral shades when choosing paint and flooring,
as these will appeal to the general market for longer. Also keep
in mind that you’re looking for durable solutions. While it
may be cheaper to install carpeting, this could very well end
up being a costly nightmare to clean or replace after the tenant
moves out. Instead, look for timeless tiles or wood. As for the
walls, make sure the paint is durable and easy to clean. Satin
or semi-gloss paints are usually your best bet, as these can be
wiped clean without needing a new coat.