Maximizing Rental Performance with Targeted Home Improvements
Owning a rental property is a great way to earn passive income. But there's a catch? The rent market today is very overcrowded. The only real way to succeed in this real estate climate is to minimize vacancies
One of the most essential qualities of a rental property is strong online reviews. This is how you typically increase your bookings - whether you’re working on short- and long-term rental agreements.
Increasing foot traffic to your property and gradually boosting your rental reviews is about attracting the proper attention. By focusing on specific property improvements and showcasing a home’s best features, your booking numbers will naturally increase.
Below are some practical areas you can focus on to help maximize your rental performance on the market.
Prioritizing Ergonomics and Furniture Quality
All renters have their own needs and preferences. Regardless, if all of them have one thing in common, it’s wanting to get a good night's rest. While you can’t always guarantee this, you can help set the stage in your rental by upgrading your mattresses and adding more comfortable, ergonomic furnishings, giving them the best chance.
Outside of the furniture itself, when furnishing a rental, be sure to invest in high-quality bedding. Having soft sheets and warm duvet covers makes the space feel much more luxurious and can make a big difference when renters are deciding on a property.
When you take the time to make these upgrades, you turn a “place to stay” into a “restful escape” worth paying a premium for.
Integrating Smart Automation for Added Convenience
While not every home has extensive home automation, many modern homeowners and renters expect it in one form or another. As a rental property owner, this is an excellent opportunity to help your property stand out from the crowd.
The good news is, you don’t need to be a technical genius to make some efficient and helpful smart upgrades to your property. For example, wireless door locks and doorbell cameras can provide both convenience and added security to your guests. Smart thermostats and smart LED lighting are another great addition that are not only easy to use but can also significantly reduce monthly utility costs.
Providing these amenities helps differentiate your rental from others while also supporting your tenants' digital needs.
Curating Distinctive Design Elements
With so many rental options on the market today, most people take their time to find a property that fits their unique personality or lifestyle. This means most aren’t looking for the same experience they just get from a hotel, giving property owners the goal of making their homes stand out from the rest.
Depending on the target audience, this might mean hanging up unique artwork or decorating the home with plants or other cozy improvements. Another nice touch is to set aside a dedicated space for board games or a small library to provide a more “homey” feel to a space.
Given that many business professionals use short-term rentals for business trips, another consideration is establishing a temporary office space. Each of these touchpoints can go a long way in targeting specific renter demographics.
Optimizing the Kitchen for Functionality
A well-designed and furnished kitchen can carry significant weight when renters make a final decision. Anyone deciding between renting a hotel room and a private property will likely consider the amount of space available and how functional the kitchen is. To win them over, the kitchen needs to look enticing, practical, and up-to-date. Simply having a microwave on an end table isn’t likely to do the job.
Additions such as a central island or modern countertops help elevate the space's quality. Stainless steel appliances are a great addition as well. Function matters, but appearance plays a significant role in getting the attention you want for your listings. A clean, updated kitchen creates a "hero shot" for the listing photos. Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, polishing it up makes the whole property feel upscale.
Upgrading Bathroom Fixtures and Finishes
Bathrooms are another essential part of the building that sees the most tenant traffic. While these rooms are typically designed to be highly functional, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look for ways to improve their look and feel. The good news is, you don’t need to take on a large home renovation project just to make impactful upgrades. Even more minor tweaks can go a long way.
For example, replacing older faucets with modern models cannot only look great but also make everything more water-efficient. You can also add cosmetic features, such as towel hooks or cabinetry for toiletries and other bathroom necessities.
Removing Obstructions to Maximize Usable Space
Flow matters in your rental space. If a property feels cluttered, it can be easily associated with lower quality. Guests need room to breathe and move their belongings around. Bumping into furniture constantly is never fun and lowers the perceived value of the unit.
Tearing down walls might be an idea to help open up a space, but it isn't always an option. Often, just modifying the furniture you use and how it's laid out can help. Choosing pieces with a smaller footprint opens things up, clearing up traffic lanes. Keeping pathways empty also helps a smaller rental space feel much larger and more relaxing for tenants.
Optimizing Exterior Living Spaces and Curb Appeal
It’s easy to focus only on the inside of your property when starting a renovation project. However, the exterior is the first thing guests see. That first look sets the mood for the whole walkthrough and can make or break your long-term rental contracts. Curb appeal helps to build confidence in the property before the door even opens.
Improving it doesn't have to be hard. A fresh coat of paint on the front door and basic landscaping help. Consider adding some colorful flower beds. These types of additions help to show that the landlord really cares about the details of the property.
Start Creating More Revenue Opportunities
Great reviews are critical for future rental bookings. By making the right upgrades to your property, you’ll help it to stand out in the market, decrease your vacancies, and improve your revenue over time.
Rebecca Denis is the Head of Interior Design at Revive Real Estate and an accomplished interior designer with over a decade of experience creating inspired, functional spaces. Known for her refined aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail, Rebecca brings creativity and strategy together to transform everyday interiors into meaningful experiences. She’s built a reputation for turning ideas into inspiring spaces that balance beauty, comfort, and function.
Rebecca's diverse portfolio includes commercial projects, curated show homes, and bespoke custom interiors—each reflecting her belief that thoughtful design can elevate how people live, work, and feel in a space.
