Ask Jane: How do I make an investment property attractive for tenants with families?

Indi asks: “My partner and I have a four-bedroom investment property that needs a little work. How do we go about making it attractive to tenants with families?”

Jane says: “When it comes to renovating to this target market, there are plenty of tips. Keep in mind that families need room, activity and security. From a landlord’s perspective, you want to prepare your property so it can take some punishment, but is also a welcoming environment.

A good place to start is the kitchen. A family will need a large kitchen with generous bench areas, lots of storage capacity and a nearby dining area. Separate cooking elements and an oven is essential, and a hard-wearing floor of tiles or vinyl will control spills.

Two bathrooms are better than a larger single one for families. Install plenty of hooks for towels, an efficient exhaust fan, and tile all over. If space is at a premium, install a second toilet and sink instead of a full bathroom. A family with small children will appreciate a bathtub.

Families need storage space, particularly in the bedrooms. Make sure each bedroom has generous cupboard space, and that living areas feature plentiful shelving. Floor coverings should be durable and hard-wearing such as laminate flooring or a Solution Dyed Nylon carpet for example.

Neutral colours give tenants a workable backdrop to display their personalities against. Carpet with a fleck pattern camouflages dirt and stains, while curtains are a safe option if you keep them neutral and in a darker shade.

If you have space, turn a spare room into a rumpus or game room. Provide plenty of cupboards or built-in shelving. Paint and decorate with vibrant or funky colours. Make sure there are plenty of power points and network connections. Thick curtains ensure that this room can double as a projection room, whether it’s movies or TV games showing on the screen.

Families also need to be comfortable. An efficient heating and cooling system will be welcome, especially if temperatures are independently controlled for different areas. If this is beyond your budget, renovations could include boosting the insulation in walls and ceiling, or installing small reverse-cycle units in the main living areas.

Families like plenty of room, especially outside. Offer them a well-fenced yard with sun, shade and an outdoor dining area. Set up a paved barbecue area or an outdoor dining area. A lawn will go down well for a bit of backyard cricket, a trampoline, a tree house or all of the above! A lockable double garage is an asset to a tenant family, as is a garden shed and internal security system.

If you do have a pool, make sure it is nicely landscaped and safely fenced (to Australian Standards and legislation) for your tenants.

And finally, make sure that you advertise to attract your target market. Highlight appealing features to grab the attention of potential family tenants, such as “near schools”, “plenty of storage space”, “close to beach”, “near train station” and “plenty of room to grow”.

Making your rental property attractive to families can really pay off. If a family likes their home, they’re more likely to want to stay, to grow, to thrive – and that’s good news for a landlord who’s prepared to create that opportunity.

Jane Eyles-Bennett is an interior designer and renovation consultant. She’s the creator and driving force behind Hotspace Consultants and has consulted on more than 550 property renovations.