5 affordable spring spruce-ups for your investment property

Whether you want to attract a quality tenant or justify a rent increase, small property upgrades can go a long way in lifting your investment property’s appeal.

Here’s the good news: with a bit of DIY effort, you don’t need to break the bank. Prefer not to get your hands dirty? There are still some smart spots where a small spend can make a noticeable difference. 

Either way, here are five practical, low-cost improvements that can help your property stand out in the rental market.

1. Fresh paint 

A fresh lick of paint makes a property feel cleaner, brighter and well-maintained. Light, neutral colours not only suit most tenants’ preferences, but they can also make a room feel more spacious. Prioritise refreshing any yellowing walls and ceilings, especially in high-impact spots. For houses, even repainting the fence and front door can seriously uplift your property’s street appeal. If you’re after a quick win, recoating splashbacks can help freshen up the kitchen or bathroom, without the need for a costly replacement.

2. Practical storage  

Good storage makes a home feel bigger, tidier and easier to live in. Shelves in the linen cupboard and floating shelves around the home are tenant favourites, which can be easily put up in a weekend. For something even simpler, a broom and mop rack can help declutter the laundry. If the bathroom is tight on space, an over-toilet shelf or a mirror cabinet can add handy storage while enhancing the overall aesthetics.

3. Curtains, blinds or shades 

Window coverings are one of the easiest ways to make a property feel naturally cooler and more private. Block-out blinds or curtains help stop harsh sun and heat coming through the glass. This makes a big difference on those scorching 40-degree days while helping bedrooms stay darker. Alternatively, dimming curtains can soften glare from the sun while giving tenants privacy and are relatively easy to install.

4. Bathroom refresh 

The bathroom is one of the first areas prospective tenants will usually check. Replacing tired tapware gives your bathroom a fresh look that photographs well. For a hotel-like feel, opt for a rail shower that will also make showering more comfortable for all heights. If you’re willing to put some elbow grease into it, replacing old silicone around the vanity, bathtub and shower gets rid of the grimy look that can put tenants off.

5. Kitchen cabinet hardware 

You don’t need a full renovation to update your kitchen. Swapping dated handles and knobs for modern ones can instantly elevate your kitchen and makes cupboards nicer to use. For a quieter kitchen, adding soft-close hinges to your cabinet doors and stick-on rubber bumpers to your drawers can be a quick, low-cost job. Because who likes slamming doors and drawers?

Pro tips 

1. Be smart about DIY – Some work should be left to the pros. Use licensed tradespeople for any electrical or plumbing work. Not only does it protect you and your tenants, but it can also avoid mistakes which cost more to fix.

2. Keep receipts – Make sure you keep a copy of your receipts or tax invoices for your accountant. They’ll be able to advise whether you can claim a tax deduction on any works completed and/or items purchased.

3. Prioritise durability – Choose sturdy products that will stand the test of time over trendy ones. Your investment property needs to survive different tenants.