How To Invest In Rental Property
A rental property investment involves more than just buying a property and renting it out. Renovations, amenities, marketing, and tenancy are all factors that will influence the profitability and manageability of a rental property. So, before you invest in a rental property take some time to consider how you can make the most out of that investment. Indeed, the profitability of a rental property will be significantly affected by how you invest in a rental property.
Renovations
Simply put, a clean, attractive property will be easier to rent and will draw higher rents as well. There may be two identical apartments in the same building but if one is renovated effectively it can make considerably more money. And renovations do not need to be expensive either. Even a new coat of paint and a carpet cleaning can make a huge difference. When considering renovations for an investment rental property, you should try to modernize the apartment as much as possible. New linoleum in the kitchen and bathrooms is inexpensive but can refresh the look of a rental property. Similarly, new window treatments, new carpets, and new cabinets will revitalize a rental property, even if these renovations are somewhat more expensive. Remember, renovations are a short-term investment that can have considerable long-term benefits.
Amenities
Amenities either in the property or the surrounding neighbourhood are additional selling points to potential tenants. In fact, easy access to schools, public transit, community centres, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife can considerably impact the rental value of a property. In-suite amenities such as laundry, extra storage, balconies, and appliances will also have an obvious impact on the value of your rental property. Before purchasing a property for rental, take some time to consider the impact of amenities and try to find a property with at least a few of these selling features.
Marketing
Marketing a rental property can be a difficult endeavour, especially in difficult economies. You want to invest in rental property in an area where there are not too many current vacancies, but also an area that offers some of the amenities mentioned above. One important step before you invest in a rental property is to consider the value of other properties in the area and how much competition you will get from those properties. Clearly, amenities in your property give you a competitive edge, but this edge must also be tempered with affordable and profitable rent. Consider advertising in local papers or online for inexpensive or even free methods of marketing your rental property. Real estate magazines are also useful for spreading the word about your rental property. sup rental