Marketing your rental property – With the property market in the UK booming, some landlords might be tempted to sit back and relax when it comes to property marketing. If you are one of them, think again: good marketing is vital to make sure you achieve top rents and get good quality tenants.
Knowing who to target
‘Targeting’ might sound like a rather involved process, but it doesn’t need to be. It does pay, however, to know what your target demographic is and to work towards meeting their needs. If you are advertising your property through a letting agency, they will do most of the work for you, but it is a good idea to make sure they are targeting the right people. Families will probably be attracted by things like proximity to schools, outside space and extra bedrooms. Couples and singles might be more interested in proximity to local bars and restaurants and are more likely to want furnished properties.
Getting the image
Photos of a property have been proven to help market it, and it is well-worth enlisting the services of a professional photographer. Many letting agents do not use professionals, despite the fact that amateur photograph are often very poor. A pro will know exactly how to make rooms look bigger and lighter and pick out the best features, leading to more enquiries and viewings. Research by lettings agency UPad shows that the same property gets significantly more viewings and takes less time to let when advertised with professional pictures.
There is little point, however, in encouraging prospective tenants into your property if it is not kept in good condition. Try and foster good relationships with your tenants so that when it comes time for them to leave, they will be willing to keep the property tidy and clean for viewings.
Marketing yourself
Good landlords attract good tenants. It is worth making sure you tenants know that you are trustworthy and that you will carry out repairs quickly. Let them know that you have comprehensive property insurance (and if you don’t, why not?). If you are a member of any professional associations, mention it. Make sure you do any necessary repairs before viewings – otherwise assurances that you will look after your tenants could look half-hearted.
Letting a property is not just about getting anyone in. Conscientious tenants who will stay a long time and pay rent on time want conscientious landlords. Show them that you are one.