What is the most suitable kind of kitchen for properties that are rented out?
What is the most suitable kind of kitchen for properties that are rented out?
If you are a property owner or landlord looking for tenants, you have to strike a balance. You want the home to appeal to prospective tenants while still looking amazing.
However, keep in mind that whatever changes you make might not significantly boost either the rental value or the property’s future resale value.
The short answer
For most rental properties, the best kitchen is durable, easy to clean and neutral in style. Choose sturdy cabinets in a timeless design such as Shaker, a worktop that resists scratches and heat, an easy-clean splashback and mid-range appliances, and match the overall specification to the tenants you want to attract.
In this guide
- What is the best type of kitchen for a rental property?
- The Kitchen Remains the Top Priority
- The Best Kitchens in Rental Properties
- Practical and Durable
- Kitchen Floor and Splashback
- How about the Appliances?
- Choose the right kitchen cabinets for your rental property
- Timeless Style for Rental Kitchens
- Do not go for fancy, extravagant, or odd cooking designs
- Making the Right Choice for Your Kitchen in a Rented Property
What is the best type of kitchen for a rental property?
If you are thinking about purchasing a house to add to your rental portfolio, you should view it only as a business deal focused on finding tenants. A lot will depend on the kind of property, its location, and the type of tenant it is expected to attract to establish the right level of investment and need to alter the existing kitchen.
Tenant type
Family
Focus on practical communal spaces like the lounge, kitchen, and garden to suit family life.
Tenant type
Young professionals
Highlight modern features such as a stylish kitchen with up-to-date appliances and tech.
In a highly competitive rental market, you must get it right.
The Kitchen Remains the Top Priority
The right kitchen for your rental property may differ significantly from what you would pick for your own home. A lot of tenants are looking for a place that is not only well-equipped but also functional, easy to clean, and simple to manage. You do not have to spend an excessive amount of money on high-end finishing, but the kitchen is still the most important room in the house. It must be long-lasting, modern in appearance, low-maintenance, and offer a substantial amount of smart storage space to fulfil the demands of the rental market.
The Best Kitchens in Rental Properties
Although there are many factors to think about when choosing the best type of kitchen for rental homes, there are some things that are always the same. There are a few basic ideas that are worth following. To start, use specialised kitchen paint on the walls and ceilings to enhance the overall look of the kitchen in your rental property. This is often somewhat more costly than usual room paint. However, it provides an additional layer of protection against stains and mould.
Practical and Durable
The kitchen, being literally the heart of the home, will be a filled and often used place. The fixtures and décor you choose must be functional, sturdy, and long-lasting. Look for a kitchen cabinet that has a strong base unit, locks of good quality and doors that are solid.
You should also choose a worktop surface that is easy to keep clean, will not show scratches easily, and is heat-resistant. It is sometimes wise to spend extra money on something that will look excellent for a longer period of time.
Kitchen Floor and Splashback
Kitchen splashbacks should be easy to clean, using only a towel. The area behind the stove and sink is the most significant. To keep the kitchen looking excellent, you will probably need to update it every 3 to 5 years.
When it comes to floors, a medium to dark-toned tile is usually the best option. This should be durable and easy to clean. Moreover, if you choose a darker shade, it will cover the marks and stains that will naturally emerge with regular use over time.
How about the Appliances?
Most tenants would expect basic kitchen fixtures and appliances, such as an efficient oven and stove, fridge freezer, microwave, and washing machine. A wine refrigerator or a coffee maker are examples of extras that might add appeal; nevertheless, these are in an ideal world and the primary focus should always be on durability and functionality. It may be enticing to choose the least expensive choices; however, these options often fail to last for a long time and can result in frequent repairs or replacements, which is to the annoyance of both landlords and tenants. Buying appliances that fall within the middle of the price range is usually the best option since they provide a balance between cost, quality, and lifespan, which is essential for keeping the kitchen well to keep your tenants satisfied.
Essential
What tenants expect
- ✓Efficient oven and stove
- ✓Fridge freezer
- ✓Microwave
- ✓Washing machine
Optional
Nice extras
- +Wine refrigerator
- +Coffee maker
Our advice
Best value
- ★Mid-range appliances that balance cost, quality and lifespan
Choose the right kitchen cabinets for your rental property
It goes without saying that a properly functional kitchen is essential for any rental property to attract potential tenants and generate revenue. The everyday appliances in the kitchen will be used the most.
The cabinets, however, are always the main attraction of any kitchen. It is the first thing a potential tenant or buyer notices when they go into the kitchen. And it is definitely what will capture their attention.
When creating a rental kitchen, consider a style that is timeless and will not quickly go out of style. There are two types of Shaker designs: modern Shaker and luxury Shaker. Both of these designs are smart and dependable solutions that give the ideal combination of elegance, reliability, and practicality. Similar to the process of selecting appliances, there are some basic guidelines to consider when choosing kitchen cabinets. You can ensure that your rental kitchen will continue to be charming and functional for many years to come if you keep these things in mind.
Timeless Style for Rental Kitchens
Kitchens in the Modern Shaker or Luxury Shaker styles are also consistently successful. Shaker cabinets have been one of the most popular kitchen cabinet types throughout the years. Shaker kitchens are a true timeless classic that never go out of style. The Shaker kitchen’s classic, clean design lines are always appealing. It also maintains a modern vibe, independent of any current design trends. Our Shaker cabinets are solid and resilient, simple to install, and easy to keep and clean. It is a durable option.
Money saving tip
You do not have to start from scratch if your rental home has a kitchen; you can simply and effectively update the kitchen just by putting replacement doors on the fronts of the existing units in your kitchen for an instant upgrade. Or replace the kitchen worktops for a different style. It will give the kitchen a fresh new look at less than half the cost of a complete kitchen renovation.
Do not go for fancy, extravagant, or odd cooking designs
When it comes to home upgrades for rental properties or houses you wish to sell, neutrality is the best rule. The days of wall-to-wall magnolia are long gone, but it still pays to be careful with décor choices.
This also applies to kitchen cabinets. If you like something fancy, ornate, or out of the ordinary in kitchen design, that is just your taste. Most people who are looking to rent probably will not choose that one. So making the wrong choices can turn people off and hurt your rental income a lot.
During a property viewing, you do not want to offend anyone. This is why white remains a smart colour choice; while it is not the sole option, a white kitchen is unlikely to offend anyone’s design tastes. Most tenants will find it suitable.
Your rental kitchen checklist
- ✓Matched to the type of tenant you want to attract
- ✓Sturdy cabinets with solid doors and a strong base unit
- ✓A worktop that is easy to clean, scratch resistant and heat resistant
- ✓An easy-clean splashback behind the hob and sink
- ✓Durable, medium to dark-toned floor tiles
- ✓Reliable mid-range appliances
- ✓A timeless, neutral style such as Shaker or white
Helpful guides for landlords
Making the Right Choice for Your Kitchen in a Rented Property
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting the finest kitchen style for rental properties. However, the advice provided in this article should enable you to keep on track. A happy tenant usually implies a happy landlord, so it is a good idea to think carefully about the kitchen in any rental home. This will make a significant impact and turn the kitchen into a desirable rental asset.
In the end, most renters just want a kitchen that is aesthetically beautiful, durable, and well-equipped. For many tenants, it is more vital to have easy-to-maintain things than pricey devices.
Nothing is more crucial than the total impact. When it comes to choosing the best kitchen cabinets for your rental property, be proactive. Do your research to locate the cabinets you want to see in your kitchen, and it will pay off. Take your time choosing from the wide variety of cabinets available.
Contact My Beautiful Kitchen’s expert team. We are always available to answer any questions you may have or to offer general information and support.
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