London’s super prime rental market has really come into its own as tenants experiment with new neighbourhoods and different ways of living.
Whatever the motivation, quality, convenience and comfort are key so if you are letting a property, it’s vital that you take sufficient steps to ensure that it is both market and tenant ready. Ultimately, taking the time to map out and work through a checklist pre-launch will pay dividends in the long run.
Here are my top tips for super prime landlords to get ready for an incoming tenant:
If a tenant moves into a new home only to find that some of the technology hasn’t been serviced recently or isn’t usable, things may not get off to the best start. Ahead of a new tenant’s arrival, ensure that all devices and features – whether it’s the air conditioning, lift or garden filtration system – are in full working order.
The continuity of service providers can assist in a seamless transition as a home moves from one tenant or resident to the next. If you have a list of who does the garden, cleans the windows, services the swimming pool or tech, share this with an incoming tenant so that they can take them on. If they’re coming with their own team, arrange a handover to brief on how the home should be maintained and presented. Additionally, if appointing an agent with a property management service, make time to meet with the dedicated property manager as this will help them get to know a home inside out so that if any problems arise, they can remedy a situation quickly.
Never underestimate how clean is clean. Many of our tenants will expect the same cleanliness standards shown in some of the world’s leading hotels so a thorough and deep cleanse from top to bottom is essential. This includes everything from de-limescaling showerheads and laundering linen to steam cleaning upholstery and seeing to the grouting in bathrooms. Everything should be sparkling, dust free and looking its absolute best
For an incoming tenant, understanding what a certain switch does isn’t always obvious. Before their arrival, mark up what operates what – it’ll make a huge difference to how quickly they familiarise themselves with their new surroundings.
The individual nature and style of a property can mean it comes with very specific fixtures, fittings and products that are used to maintain it. So, if a lightbulb can only be sourced from a retailer based abroad with lengthy shipment dates, bulk order them in advance so that when one goes, a replacement is ready and waiting at home for the tenant. Similarly if a certain surface spray is the preferred cleanser for the stone work, make sure several are kept in the property for future use.
The many gadgets in a property can be overwhelming to someone who hasn’t used them before, particularly if something glitches. Storing all manuals in one place is incredibly helpful as a turn-to guide, not only for troubleshooting but also for first-time use. But as well as the at-home practicalities, putting together a comprehensive local area guide will allow a tenant to begin living like a local and settle into their new neighbourhood more quickly.
Before the start of a new tenancy, we would always advise that a client arranges a live-in weekend whereby someone is in the property to run all the systems across a few days. This will identify and give time for any last-minute updates that need to be sorted. This is especially important if the property has not been lived in for a while.
When it comes to snagging and final touches ready for a new tenant, be clear on what is taking place so that everything expected on both sides is delivered. And turning to design, don’t go overboard. If you’re working with an interiors expert, involve your agent in the process if you can as they can offer insight through a tenant’s lens. A silk carpet might look wonderful, but in a family home it can be impractical so striking the balance of both luxury and durability is key.
Contact Isabella Birch Reynardson
Read more about the changing face of the super prime rental market.
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