Property Buying FAQ's

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Buy-to-Let investment tips

Maximising rental income is not just about finding the right property in the right location: With a little bit of effort when furnishing and marketing your overseas property you can increase rental yields. The key is to ensure that your property has the wow! factor and make it really stand out from the rest. Here are a few tips:-

• Thumbnail shots are vitally important and can really make a difference. Photos should generally be taken on a bright sunny day. Take as many exterior photos as possible - from different angles, at different times of the day, with different weather conditions and highlighting those features that will appeal to potential guests. Generally, if you have a pool it should be in the photo. Take your time when choosing the final shot and consult others on your choice.
   
• Take equal care with interior shots and include as many as possible in the ad. It really does make a big difference to the number of enquiries you will get. As a minimum you need to include the main living room, kitchen and one bedroom. If you go for the minimum be prepared with other photos to e-mail to potential guests on request.
   
• Kitchens are always an important feature. Guests like stainless steel or built in appliances and standard developers' kitchen units can look custom built with a careful choice of appliances and door handles. Guests love American style fridge freezers if your budget will stretch to it. Matching kettles, toasters and a few carefully chosen accessories can help to create the look.
   
• Create a wow! factor. Modern four poster beds, outdoor barbecue stations with sink and fridge, jacuzzi baths, contemporary artwork all make your property stand out from the crowd.
   
• Generally speaking guests prefer neutral colour schemes. Creams, browns and beiges (with small touches of a strong accent colour) always look good. Use different textures rather than different patterns. Only use strong colours if you are very confident in putting them together:  

 

• Avoid clutter at all costs. A few carefully chosen accessories (lamps, vases etc) work well. Your property needs to look light and spacious but also comfortable. Cushions and throws can work well and are easy and cheap to replace.
     
• Artwork. Your walls will probably have acres of plain magnolia walls. Large contemporary artwork always works best and can certainly help create that wow factor. You can also use artwork to inject some colour into an otherwise neutral scheme so long as you ensure that the colours don't clash.
   
• Towels and bed linen. Don't be tempted to buy cheap. It's a false economy as they will have to be replaced very quickly. Guests can tell the difference and will be far more likely to return again or recommend to others if you use high quality towels (500-650 gsm) and bed linen with a high thread count (percale). There is a good reason why top hotels have big fluffy towels and soft white sheets. White or cream are definitely the best colours to use and can be dressed with contrasting cushions and throws to give some colour.
   
• Wording your ad. Always remember you are in competition with hundreds of other property owners and, alongside the photos, your description of your property is the only way to maximise its potential. Highlight all the positive features - stunning sea or mountain views, large private pool, spacious and luxurious rooms, state of the art kitchen, double height vaulted ceilings, barbecue station with sink and fridge. Write clear complete sentences and avoid abbreviations. Don't be too wordy (internet users don't have the patience to read long reams of copy).
   
• Quote realistic rental rates. Look at other properties of a similar size in similar locations. Don't have too many different rate bands during the season. If your property is of a higher than average rate for the area make sure that the photos and description justify the extra cost in terms of quality, location or extra facilities.
   
• Respond as quickly as possible to enquiries. The Internet is an immediate medium and faster you reply the more likely you will be to convert enquiries to firm bookings.

If you need advice on Interior Design or where to buy furniture that gives your investment property the wow! factor, check our Cyprus Services Directory section or click on this link: Interior Design.