Whether you're renovating a buy-to-let property you've just bought, or thinking about updating a property you've owned for a while, take a look at our tips on how to renovate your rental property on a budget.
1. Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring has come a long way since it was first introduced in our homes and the options are endless. More affordable then hardwood flooring and easier to maintain than carpets, laminate floors are a good option for your rental property and a surefire way to make the interiors feel more contemporary.
If you fancy rolling up your sleeves and giving laminate a try yourself, it's fairly easy to install and the range of finishes will suit any taste.
It is also more hardwearing than carpets and most manufacturers offer a guarantee of 10+ years.
2. Give kitchen units a lick of paint
If the kitchen units in your rental property are looking a bit tired, a quick lick of paint is an easy way to put life back into outdated cupboards without breaking the bank.
At the moment, greys and greens are popular colour choices inside the home and lucky for you, they're also hardwearing – meaning you won't need to repaint the units as often as lighter colours.
As part of the kitchen revamp, why not change the door handles too, replacing them with a style that is more up to date.
3. Tile-effect panelling
A simple way to reform a dated bathroom is tile panelling. Rather than having to lay and grout individual tiles, tile panels are made of acrylic and come in easy to fit sheets that give the appearance of tiles, but with hassle-free application.
They're also easier to clean than standard tiles and they won't discolour or go mouldy like normal grout and silicone, which is great for maintaining the appearance of the bathroom after a number of tenancies.
4. Turn practical items into design features
Something as simple of installing a new light fitting can instantly update a room, creating a design feature that also doubles as a focal point for the room. The current trend is anything industrial style, with exposed filaments and metal caging.
Although we wouldn't recommend installing features that are too design-led due to the fact that they won't be to everyone's taste, sometimes a striking on-trend feature is what will make your property rent quickly and to well-paying tenants.
5. Upcycle the furniture
Buying a new sofa or a dining table and chairs can be a large amount to cough up when renovating your rental property.
But you might not need to replace items of furniture altogether. A cheap sofa could set you back around £500, but new cushions and covers might cost less than half that.
And with a bit of time and patience, an out of date dining table can easily be spruced up with a fresh coat of paint.
Big DIY dreams? Take a look at these properties to renovate in London for sale.
