Renovating Your Investment Property

How to know when is the right time and circumstances. 

Buying an investment property requires a lot of thought, as does deciding whether or not to renovate. When buying a investment property, there is a tendency to fall into the notion that changes need to be made in order to make a property not only more appealing but also more liveable.

What investors need to take into account is that while their investment properties might not tick all their personal boxes, it could meet all the needs of renters. Therefore, before renovating, there are a few key things that investors should take into account. In order to do this you will have to ask the following questions:

1. Does the property really need renovating?

2. Am I only renovating to align the property with my own personal tastes?

3. Are these changes cosmetic or infrastructure based?

Smart renovations can undoubtedly increase rental returns, however, renovating a property isn’t only about what changes you make, but also understanding when to make the changes.

Understanding the difference between renovation and repair.

To increase the earning power of a rental, an investor might consider making renovations or repairs. Often a simple repair such as changing the handles on kitchen cabinets or  taps and shower head in the bathroom. for a rental this is all that is needed to spruce up a rental and therefore increase renter appeal.

In other circumstances, renovations like adding an additional bedroom or knocking down a wall to create a bigger space for a kitchen might be needed in order to create interest and demand for a rental property.

Before embarking on the process of renovations and repairs, consider the shortcomings of an investment property and list what areas need an upgrade in order of top priority. Its best to keep in mind what you would like potential investors to see when they arrive for open inspections. Make sure you do your research ahead of making renovations or repairs as you want to make the right decisions rather than just renovating to have the home suit your personal tastes.

Remember that renovations don’t necessarily have to signal big changes.

Understanding market demand

Knowing the right time to renovate also comes down to understanding market demand. Sometimes market demand might indicate the properties with a certain amount of bedroom numbers. An opportunity to add more bedrooms would be when choosing to renovate your investment property so that space can be converted into an additional bedroom in order to attract the right tenants come inspection time.

But sometimes market demand doesn’t dictate big changes to renovations, in most cases potential renters are looking for clean, livable spaces in which they can picture themselves living. Then, renovating an investment property simply comes down to replacing outdated fittings with modern finishes, and painting walls and fixtures in neutral colours in order to attract more demographics.

It is also important to understand market demands before commencing renovations if you want to save money. Investors could go through the process of infrastructure related renovations only to find that the rental market isn’t saturated with tenants at the moment. In that instance, investors not only have the lack of rent to consider, but also the renovation expenses.

Things to consider while planning

What would make you feel at home? 

Due to housing affordability, many first time buyers, such as young couples and families, choose to rent instead of buying a property. Therefore, long term tenancies are common so it is important to make them feel at home.

Look at your rental property and determine if things like dishwashers, dryers and or washing machines are going to make for increased livability. More simple things like modern fittings or neutral colour palettes can go along way towards helping renters picture themselves living in your rental property.

What are the tenants’ rights?

Before you launch into repairs and renovations, you have to consider whether you are going to disrupt tenants currently living in the property.

Most tenants would be happy to live through minor repairs if they are going to reap the benefits, but you may have to consider alternative options so as not to upset them.

Depending on the tenancy regulations in your state, you may need to give your tenants plenty of notice by law if you require them to vacate the property temporarily.

Is it time to renovate?

Understanding when and if to renovate requires practical thought. Investors need to consider a multitude of questions. From determining if the scale of the changes are big or small, to working out the cost involved, deciding to go through with renovations is a case of what to change and when to change in order to get the best results.

After determining what your property needs, understanding market demand and the cost involved, if you decide that your investment property needs an upgrade, you don’t have to undertake it alone. The team of property management professionals at Harveys Real Estate can help you, with their extensive property and market knowledge, towards making the most profitable and beneficial renovations.