What tenants want...

Aside from the glaringly obvious answers like a roof over their head, stability, security or free rent (rolls eyes jokingly).

I have compiled a list of observations, learnings and experience from meeting with tens of thousands of tenants over the years, to nail down the most common things wanted (or expected) in a property these days.

1. Climate relief.

Perth gets hot and stays hot for a long time.

Being cold is a seemingly easy fix - you rug up. Heat, on the other hand, is harder to overcome...

Acknowledging there may be financial or logistical challenges in installing a fully ducted split system (10k plus) which is perceived to be the zenith of the cooling spectrum, I have some alternate solutions.

Whole house Evaporative systems can be installed from around $5k, in contrast to this you can expect $2k-$3k for a single split system unit.

On restricted budgets, I would assign priority to the main living space and parents bedroom (they pay the rent, not the kids!) for the latter.

As an absolute bare minimum, if nothing else, I would advocate ceiling fans to bedrooms and living spaces.

In a first world country, in 2024, it seems almost barbaric not to have some form of cooling aid.

2. Dishwashers.

Perhaps the least-transient appliance and yet, the most requested/expected in a property in 2024.

I think it is fair to say most tenants own a fridge, microwave, tv, washer and dryer but not a dishwasher.

In a fast paced world, people are more time poor than ever, this is a life enhancing appliance.

With prices starting at around $400 for an entry level model, there isn't much of an excuse for an empty recess under a kitchen bench.

I will concede some older kitchens may not be able to accomodate one (or, without some modifications) so leniency is extended in these instances.

3. A decent sized shower head

Or better yet, a larger head on a wand & rail set , if you want bonus points.

You can thank "The Block" circa 2012 for starting the obsession with rain-style shower heads.

Few would dispute that there are few greater comforts in life than a nice shower after a hard day.

Why rob your tenant of the luxury of this? With a low acquisition cost, there aren't many excuses for you not to have one.

4. Good lighting.

Aside from providing a welcoming environment, good lighting is important to tenants.

Unless you are intending to house the Phantom of the Opera, very few want to live in dim settings.

With bayonet light fittings dying a slow death, LED downlights are a great way to keep a modern aesthetic whilst providing a good ambience.

5. A neutral colour palette.

Tenants want to make the house (or apartment) their home and stamp their style on the property to some extent.

A fluorescent green feature wall or a bright orange carpet is not to everybody's taste. Would you believe it is very polarising?

Exercising restraint in colour decision making is vital to have a broad appeal.

For those of you who have done a Fremantle Prison tour, you will have noticed the abhorrent living conditions that led to its closure.

No air con, poorly lit, terrible ablutions. If we cannot expect criminals to exist in these conditions, can you expect a paying tenant would?

Rob Woolmer

Head of Property Management

CONTESSI PROPERTIES