If you want to get your property let quickly, writing a good advert for any property you plan to let is absolutely essential. But while sounding professional is important, that doesn’t mean you have to write in jargon or a bunch of obscure abbreviations.
A clear and complete description of just what you’re offering is all you need. Upad.co.uk, the online letting agent, highlights top tips to follow:
1. Location, location, etc. This is probably the most important criterion in terms of any property you are about to put on the rental market, but you’d be amazed how many people get it, well, inaccurate. Don’t say “central London” if you mean Camden, or Barnet. Don’t say Brighton if you mean Hove. Don’t say Manchester if you mean Salford – because you’re not only putting off the people who want to live in Manchester, but anyone who wanted a Salford property would be ignoring your ad too. Pitching your property as being in a more desirable location than it really is doesn’t help you, the letting agent or the person planning to rent your property.
2. Furnished, or unfurnished property? Because different people’s interpretations of just what “furnished” means can differ so wildly, it can be worth being more specific here. If kitchen white goods are provided, say so: “unfurnished; has washer/dryer, fridge, microwave” is better information than just “unfurnished”, or even calling your property “part-furnished”. Provide full details just what furnishing you plan to provide in your let property.
3. Property style - Here’s your chance to be a little bit creative. You don’t need to go over the top – a couple of words can be enough, particularly when you’ve included some great photos with your ad. “Light, airy, modern”, “traditional classic style”, instantly conjure up an image of what your property might be like. And if it’s tiny, you can always call it “cosy”.
4. Indoor space - Now we get to the meat of your ad: what exactly are you offering? Mention the number of bedrooms and their size, but also reception rooms, kitchen and so on. If it’s newly decorated, or recently re-carpeted, then say so.
5. Outdoor space - If your property has a garden, say so. Likewise if you have an ultra-desirable garage. Even if it’s a tiny terrace just big enough for a chair or two, mention it: you’ll attract more interest that way.
6. Entrance - If your property has its own entrance, it’s worth mentioning that specifically. Shared hallways can be a source of friction, and the thought that they won’t have to deal with other people’s cooking smells, junk mail and visitors can be an attractive one for your tenants.
7. Transport links - Mention the Tube lines, train station or bus routes closest to your property (with distance) and you’ll help your prospective tenants visualise living there. You’ll also make it more likely they’ll turn up to view in the first place.
8. Other amenities - Do you offer broadband, a power shower, off-street parking, a concierge, an alarm system, a cleaner? Say so! Again, every extra feature you can offer should help to pull in potential tenants.
9. The legal stuff - Saying “deposit and references required” might seem so obvious you wouldn’t need to say it, but it does demonstrate you mean business and you’re taking a professional attitude to your letting. If that puts anyone off, it’s someone you wanted to put off! It can also be worth mentioning the length of tenancy you’re offering, particularly if it’s not the standard six months. You also need to mention the rent of course – it’s worth giving the figure as both weekly and monthly, because we’ve all come across the tenant who thinks that a month’s rent should be four times the weekly figure.
At Upad.co.uk, we're focusing on helping landlords keep properties filled and earning. Our top tips to avoid the voids come directly from experienced landlords, offering advice not only on the best way to market your property, but on keeping happy tenants in your property long-term. Follow us on Twitter to avoid – the - voids too.
