Why should I renovate my London property?

Owning rental properties in London is a great way to build wealth and secure your financial future. But like any investment, keeping your property competitive requires smart management. By focusing on key upgrades, you can attract better tenants, reduce maintenance issues and boost your property’s value.

With so many options available in a competitive market like London, landlords need to invest in areas that offer the best returns. Tenants often look for modern amenities and are willing to pay more for features like updated kitchens, stylish bathrooms, improved plumbing and electrical systems, and energy-efficient upgrades. At the same time, preserving original features like fireplaces, cornicing, and ceiling roses can add character and value to period properties.

At Benham and Reeves, we understand the challenges of refurbishing rental properties. We work with both domestic and international landlords to align with their goals and budgets while optimising their return on investment. Our London property experts offer end-to-end solutions, including consultation, design, planning, material sourcing, and project management.

In a recent project near the Science Museum in South Kensington, we transformed an outdated apartment to enhance space and natural light. The result was a larger, more elegant reception area that impressed our client. The apartment was let within ten days, earning £500 more per week than before.

Renovating your rental property isn’t just about making improvements; it’s about maximising your investment’s earning potential. Benham and Reeves work closely with its sister company, InStyle Direct, which specialises in furnishings and refurbishments for rental properties. We collaborate with developers and landlords to fully understand their needs, then manage the project seamlessly, delivering it on time and within budget.

Frequently asked questions

Start with a professional assessment of your property’s current condition and know your target market. Understand who you want to attract as tenants.

Focus on updating kitchens and bathrooms, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing curb appeal. Simple upgrades like new flooring, kitchen worktops, fresh decor, and modern lighting can make a big difference in attracting tenants.

Consider adding smart home features, built-in workspaces, and private outdoor areas. Making the home comfortable and modern will attract more interest.

Generally, yes. A well-done refurbishment can increase the value, allowing you to justify a rent increase. However, it’s a good idea to check market rents or speak with your agent to understand current demand and set a realistic rent.

Renovation costs are typically based on the property’s current value rather than the projected rent increase. While not every renovation directly boosts rental income, it often improves the property’s appeal, leading to quicker rentals or sales. From our experience, well-furnished properties attract more interest and rent faster.

Yes, we can. With over 65 years of experience working with both international and UK clients, we specialise in helping overseas investors.

We provide a full range of services, including lettings, comprehensive property management, tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and regular inspections. We also offer a tax return service for overseas landlords.

Click here to contact us for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your goals and budget to maximise the potential of your London rental property. We can also show you examples of our past work, including before-and-after photos, to give you confidence in our experience with London property refurbishment and securing quality tenants.