5 Budget-Friendly Upgrades to Boost Curb Appeal

When it comes to your rental properties, first impressions matter. Whether you’re a property owner looking to attract quality tenants or to raise the value of your rental, curb appeal can make a significant difference. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to make a big difference in your rental’s curb appeal. Below are five budget-friendly options you can try out to impress prospective renters.

Before diving into upgrades, a good cleaning can work wonders.

Power washing the driveway, sidewalks, and exterior walls will immediately brighten the visual appeal of your property and i’ve it the clean look tenants love. A buildup of dirt, grime, and mildew can make a property look run-down, but a quick wash can revive the overall appearance. An average power washer costs $200, and by purchasing your own for maintenance to use as needed, you are saving a lot of money in time and labor for an outside vendor to do it.

Lawn maintenance will have a similar effect. Keep the grass trimmed, bushes pruned, and pathways free from overgrown vegetation. If your rental home’s landscaping looks unkempt, it can give the impression that the property is not well cared for, which can drive away potential tenants. Contracting a landscaping company will likely cost $1,000 or more a month depending on the size of your property and the work needed. If maintenance has the time to dedicate to lawn care, then it may be more cost effective to invest in a riding lawn mower to help save cost on landscaping. If not, we find that the cost for hiring a vendor for lawn care is minimal compared to the benefit having a well-maintained lawn has for your property value.

Amenity upkeep is essential when boosting the attractiveness of your property. This can include keeping your pool deck clean (including proper pool maintenance), adding a communal charging hub where residents can charge their devices outdoors, making sure the coffee bar is always stocked, and replacing old or worn-out seating every few years. This is a small touch that can be especially important on the pool deck, as lounge chairs can often become sun-bleached or broken down from use over time.

The exterior of your building, especially the front door, is one of the first things potential tenants see, and it’s an easy spot to upgrade. A fresh coat of paint can be a small upgrade that makes a huge difference in the overall appearance of your rental. If repainting the entire building just isn’t feasible, then consider painting entryway front doors, which will give the facade of the building an upgraded feel. This can easily be completed by maintenance staff, which will help save costs while still improving the overall look and feel of your property. Five-gallon paint buckets can cost anywhere from $50 – $100 per bucket, depending on the type of paint you purchase.

Good lighting is crucial for both aesthetics and safety. If lighting fixtures are old, rusty, or mismatched, consider upgrading to modern, energy-efficient options. New fixtures can instantly update the look of your property without a major investment. Quality LED lights, while a more expensive option up front (typically $100 or more per light), will last several years, which will save cost with replacements overtime.

Additionally, consider adding motion-sensor lights to exterior doors, whether that be building doors or apartment front doors. Not only are these lights practical and energy efficient, but they also provide an extra layer of security, which is a major selling point for tenants.

You don’t need to hire a landscaper to give your rental property some greenery. In fact, low-maintenance yard plants like shrubs, or perennials, often found at local greenhouses, are an easy way to add life and color to the exterior. These plants generally require less upkeep, which is perfect for rentals.

Another smart update is adding fresh mulch to garden beds. Mulch helps control weeds (which can help with landscaping costs) while giving flower beds a clean, vibrant appearance. A bag of mulch costs $5 at local hardware stores, and while you will need several bags, it is considerably cheaper than paying for regular weeding.

Potted plants placed near the entrance or along pathways are another simple yet effective way to brighten up the space.

Whether you own an apartment complex or just a single rental house, outdoor spaces like porches, fences, and pathways can always benefit from a little attention. If you have a fence or railing, a fresh coat of paint or stain can make it look new again.

Current tenants may also want to decorate their porches, and you should encourage them to do so. However, it’s important that you or your property management company keep an eye for any trash or extremely cluttered areas, as this can have the opposite effect for curb appeal. Adding an addendum to your lease that goes over common area rules, such as keeping porches and walkways free of trash or debris, can help mitigate these types of issues.

If there are cracks in the walkway or uneven areas in the driveway, you’ll need to consider your options for repairs. While hiring a contractor for concrete work can be pricey, you may want to consider maintenance completing in-house repairs with concrete patch until you are able to hire a vendor for a more permanent and professional fix. Not only does this boost curb appeal, but it also prevents potential safety hazards for your tenants.

Improving the curb appeal of your real estate property doesn’t have to be an expensive or time-consuming endeavor, complete with large-scale renovations. A few strategic, budget-friendly upgrades like cleaning, fresh paint, modern lighting, and easy landscaping can equal big returns if done right. Upkeeping your property not only leaves a positive impression with potential tenants, but it also resonates with current tenants and may even encourage them to take better care of their home. By investing a little time and money, rental homeowners can increase both the property’s appeal and value — ultimately making it easier to fill vacancies, drive higher ROI through your rental income, and keep tenants happy.