14 Oct 2016
Renting out your property can be a difficult and stressful process, but the most important factor is making sure that it is profitable. Whether you’re looking to invest in a property or you already own one that you rent, you will want to maximise your profit potential. But it can be hard to know how to make the most out of your property.
There are a wide range of different factors that can affect how profitable your property will be, so we have come up with some top tips on how you can make the most out of your rental property.
Make use of any tax breaks
It’s important that you first make sure that you are aware of all the tax breaks that are available to landlords. There are a range of tax deductions and allowances that you can claim when renting a property. Check that you are claiming all the expenses you are eligible for as this will reduce your taxable profits and, in turn, your tax bill. You should remember that expenses must only be deducted if they are for the purpose of the rental property. For example, you can claim expenses for such things as maintenance and repair costs.
Keep the home in good order
This might seem like an obvious way to make your property profitable, but it really can make a big difference for a number of reasons. Many landlords will look to save money wherever possible, which can be a good way to ensure you are making a profit. But keeping the property in good order should always be high on your list of priorities, so don't cut corners. People will be willing to pay more for a home that is finished to a high standard, and with lots of competition in the rental market, you need to make sure that your property stands out. Given that you can claim repairs on the house as expenses, you should be committed to keeping your property to a certain standard.
Check out the market regularly
It’s important that you check out the market for a good idea of price guidelines and how much other rental properties are on the market for. This can give you an idea as to whether your property is under-valued or over-priced compared to others in the local area. It can also provide you with a good idea on how competitive you can be with your pricing. If you are having trouble with finding new tenants for your property, then you might want to check if the market has changed in the local area recently, as there may have been a drop in price. Making sure you check it regularly means that you can maintain competitive rates and also turn a profit.
Clean the exterior of the property
First impressions can make a huge difference to your income potential and can be key to getting people through the door. Making sure that your property is clean and presentable from the outside can be an important factor in eventually making a profit. If someone doesn’t like the look of the property from the outside, they're likely not to want to come inside to view. This can mean that you don’t reach your full potential in terms of rental profit. That’s why it’s important to make sure the outside of your property is tidy and welcoming so that it invites people in.
These are just a few of our top tips that can help you when it comes to making the most out of your rental property. There are of course other factors that can make a property more profitable, which include things like the location of the property, whether or not it is furnished, and the size of rooms or living spaces. But these simple tips can be carried out on any property and can actually make a difference in the rental income you can expect to achieve.
