Small Refurbishments That Boost Rental Yield in London
In a competitive London rental market, small, well-chosen refurbishments can increase rent, reduce void periods and attract better tenants. The key is to focus on the changes that tenants notice and value, without overspending.
At coreMaint, we help landlords and letting agents in prime London areas identify the highest-impact improvements for their properties.
Which Improvements Have the Biggest Impact?
Painting and Decorating
A fresh, neutral paint scheme is one of the cheapest ways to transform a property. It makes rooms feel brighter, cleaner and larger. Stick to warm whites, soft greys and muted tones that appeal to a broad audience.
Kitchen Refresh
A full kitchen replacement is expensive, but small refreshes deliver strong returns:
- Replace cabinet doors or repaint existing units
- Update handles and worktops
- Replace the sink, tap and splashback
- Fit new appliances if the old ones are dated or unreliable
- Re-silicone around sinks and worktops
Bathroom Refresh
Bathrooms are high-impact spaces. Effective improvements include:
- Re-grouting and re-siliconing
- Replacing taps, showerheads and wastes
- Updating the mirror, lighting and accessories
- Repainting ceilings with anti-mould paint
- Replacing a dated suite only when necessary
Flooring and Carpets
Worn flooring makes a whole property feel tired. Replacing carpets, polishing wood floors or installing LVT in high-wear areas can dramatically improve first impressions.
Lighting
Good lighting changes how a property feels. Replace dated fittings, add dimmer switches, and ensure each room has layered lighting: ambient, task and accent.
Storage
Built-in storage is highly valued in London properties. Adding wardrobes, shelving or cupboard space can justify a higher rent and reduce clutter.
Setting a Realistic Budget
For a typical London rental, a focused refresh budget might be:
- £1,500 - £3,000: painting, cleaning, minor repairs and refresh touches
- £3,000 - £7,000: painting, flooring, kitchen and bathroom refresh
- £7,000 - £15,000: more extensive kitchen or bathroom updates, plus flooring and decorating
The right spend depends on the property's current rent, target market and location. In prime Central London, tenants expect higher-spec finishes.
Avoiding Over-Improvement
It is possible to spend too much. Match the quality of finishes to the property and the likely rental income. A luxury finish in a mid-market rental may not generate enough extra rent to justify the cost.
The coreMaint Rental Refurbishment Service
We provide a single service covering painting, decorating, flooring, carpets, kitchen and bathroom refreshes, joinery, electrical updates and minor repairs. We work with landlords and agents to prioritise the improvements that deliver the best return.
Want to increase your rental yield? Get a free quote or call us on 020 3488 1913.
