Preparing your rental property for winter tenancy

In the New Zealand rental market, the winter months tend to be more competitive and finding the ideal tenant can be more challenging. With this in mind, it pays to make your property as warm and dry as possible, while also getting the marketing basics right.

“Traditionally, putting a property to the rental market in the winter months is a lot more challenging than listing your property in summer”, comments Martin Donnelly, Operations Manager at Ray White Ponsonby.
The key to marketing a property in winter is ensuring that the property is warm, dry and comfortable for those viewing it. This can be achieved in a surprisingly cost effective manner.

“Having a well-insulated home goes a long way. People looking for rental properties in winter are quick to enquire about insulation”, says Donnelly.

Auckland Councils retrofit your home scheme offers up to $5,000 of financial assistance to insulate a property. This is paid back through your rates over a nine year period. In additional to this you can apply to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) for under floor and ceiling insulation grants.

Donnelly highlights other simple ways to create a cosy home such as checking windows and doors for any large gaps or poor sealing.

“Roughly 20% of warmth can be lost through gaps around windows and doors. Check your property for loose caulking, torn weather stripping, and gaps where doors and windows meet frames”.

“You can also look to trim any trees which are preventing sunlight entering the home – natural light goes a long way in keeping a home warm and dry”.

Ensuring your rental property is warm in winter will help generate more interest for you property. Not only is it more attractive to prospective tenants due to higher comfort and lower heating costs, but it is also beneficial to the landlord.

“Creating a warmer, dryer home means that your rental property will be less prone to dampness and deterioration. This not only decreases your maintenance costs over time but it also helps foster good, long-term tenants and decreased tenant turnover”.

Once you have your property prepared for winter tenancy, it is now a matter of marketing your property effectively to reach the right people. Enlisting the services of an experienced property manager can go a long way in landing your ideal, long-term tenant.

“Presenting your property as a comfortable home through use of well-presented, professional photography, as well as correctly pricing the property are two key aspects of getting a good, long-term tenant in winter”, comments Donnelly.

A smart investment in your property, combined with professional marketing will mean your winter rentals will be tenanted quickly, filled with quality, respectful tenants.

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