Rental improvements/add on

Discussion in 'Property Management' started by Trinhy, 19th Feb, 2021.

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  1. Trinhy

    Trinhy New Member

    Joined:
    16th Jan, 2021
    Posts:
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    Location:
    Sydney
    Still a few weeks to settle on our first IP and looking for feedback on what are some rental property add ons or improvements that will either add more rent, improve quality of tenant or help keep the property in better condition and also any to avoid if it will just be a headache down the track. Looking for feedback on here before speaking with property managers to have a balanced thought on what to get or not.

    Newly renovated 3br house with 1 bathroom in western Sydney with decent lawn front and back lawn. No garage or carport.

    A few items I am wondering about:
    - Dishwasher, there’s a void under bench so thinking a dishwasher would be good to get
    - Shed? there’s no garage or storage for a lawn mower etc, might be good to store lawnmower and bikes etc. Will this encourage a neater yard?
    - Carport? Long driveway with 2 side by side parking spots at end, no garage but would putting a carport on it be worth it?
    - Awning in backyard? No covered areas in backyard but an awning will also make the kitchen and dining areas a little darker.
    - Dryer (there’s a clothes line)
    - Concrete or paving to join the driveway to the path/porch
     
  2. balwoges

    balwoges Well-Known Member

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    Location:
    Lake Macquarie
    Dishwasher, carport with shed at end and concrete path [will help prevent dirt being walked into house].... :)
     
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  3. Mel Morgan

    Mel Morgan Sydney Property Manager Business Member

    Joined:
    6th Jun, 2017
    Posts:
    1,448
    Location:
    Sydney
    Under the assumption this will be a long term investment:
    - dishwasher will definitely be appealing
    - air-con is a big plus at the moment if budget stretches that far
    - flyscreens on the windows
    - built-ins if not already there
    - no need for a dryer in western Sydney
    - carport/shed/path will complete the house but might not get ROI, could be used to help improve the house for the right tenant and get it done after tenant moves in
     
  4. Paul@PAS

    Paul@PAS Tax, Accounting + SMSF + All things Property Tax Business Plus Member

    Joined:
    18th Jun, 2015
    Posts:
    23,319
    Location:
    Sydney
    Clothes dryers can be something to provide the standard wall bracket for. BUT damage to walls is common during install or removal and consider ventilation.
    Check smoke alarm compliance
    DWashers can be cheap. I like the Beko - Affordable, quiet and a 5 year onsite warranty included. (Appliances online). If plumbing / power is there its simple to install. Measure first. The top lid can be removed if needed in underbench models
    AC is almost essential
    Check appliances and note all models etc and interior condition. Consider replacement soon if older. Murphy's law says elements will fail within 30 days of the lease.
    Earth leakage compliance (test button)
    Outside water taps and hoses - Hard to maintain lawn etc and this will assist.
    Consider planting trees etc to stop parking on lawns and nature strip. A cheap way to avoid damage
    The carport wont attract much by way of deductions (2.5% pa) and doubtful it will assist rent in any way other than it being present.
    General pest service. Flick offer a $49mth service which includes 2 x 6mthly treatment in and out. Do that and you wont get complaints.
    LL insurance
     
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  5. SeafordSunshine

    SeafordSunshine Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    24th Jun, 2015
    Posts:
    993
    Location:
    Sydney
    Dear Trinity,
    congratulations on taking the leap into investment!
    1.Have you interviewed any property mangers? and compared and contrasted their styles and prices?
    2.Have you had a look (one day when you are bored!!) at the latest NSW legistlation?
    3.Have you had a look at what is your competition available to rent?(and made your property just little bit more appealing than theirs? So you can have the best pick of tenants?
    I hope this helps
     
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  6. SeafordSunshine

    SeafordSunshine Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Posts:
    993
    Location:
    Sydney
    Sorry should be Trinhy.
    I take responsibility for my spell checker....o_O
     
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  7. Tom Rivera

    Tom Rivera Property Manager Business Member

    Joined:
    1st Jul, 2015
    Posts:
    2,718
    Location:
    South East Queensland
    There's already been some great advice here that I thoroughly agree with, I just wanted to add that I think the carport is really important! Generally the concrete slab is the expensive part anyway, the actual roof and support structure is not too pricey. The trick is making sure it doesn't look ugly and detract from the front facade, which could involve ornamentation that makes it more expensive (e.g. merbau cladding?). It's a cheap way to turn a 3-Bed 1-Bath 0-Car into a 3-Bed 1-Bath 1-or-2-Car, which are key numbers for advertising.
     
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