How a Well Designed Bathroom Adds Rental Value

Over the past few years, the property market has been a hot topic. From rising house prices and economic uncertainty to record-breaking interest rates, property investors have had a lot to navigate. But the silver lining is that rentals are becoming a more popular option and landlords have the opportunity to make a few strategic upgrades to maximise their profits and the desirability of their properties.

Just like kitchens, the bathroom is a room we use every single day so making changes here can provide significant returns. As we await the Renters’ Rights Bill coming into effect, landlords need to prioritise the condition of their buy-to-lets to attract applicants and prevent problems arising in the future.

Stick to a Fresh Colour Palette

Bright, light colours are great for creating a clean and fresh look that also serves double duty by making smaller bathrooms appear larger. Tenants want to know that the bathroom is clean and hygienic, and bright colours bring the space up to date. Just because you’re choosing a neutral palette doesn’t mean the room needs to look boring though. Adding in a classic subway tile or a geometric pattern for a visually interesting splashback or shower surround will create a modern bathroom that won’t go out of style.

Include Plenty of Lighting

Good lighting is essential in any room, but particularly in a bathroom where it creates more functional appeal to tenants. In addition to a large ceiling light, you may also want to add under cabinet lighting for task lighting or wall sconces that add ambience and are practical, especially if the room is small or only has a single small window. In a smaller space, or bathrooms that don’t receive a lot of natural light, mirrors can be a great trick to reflect light around the room to brighten it up and make it feel bigger than it is.

LED lights are more energy efficient and have a longer lifespan, so tenants won’t need to replace them as often. Dimmable lighting can also help tenants control the brightness of the room, depending on their mood, which can be an unexpected but valuable feature.

Focus on Durability and Quality

In a rental, durability is incredibly important, and while it’s not essential to spend a fortune to achieve a well-designed bathroom, choosing the highest quality your budget will allow will ensure a higher return on investment in the long-term. Bathrooms endure a lot of use and they’re also exposed to more moisture than any other area of the home, so you need to choose materials that will stand up to these conditions without deteriorating.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are popular in bathrooms for a good reason—they’re water resistant, easy to keep clean and long-lasting. What’s more, they can be used on walls and floors for a cohesive look. Vinyl flooring is another great option that’s perfect for high-moisture areas and affordable. Finally, choose brass or stainless steel hardware for shower heads and taps to prevent rust.

Make the Best Use of Space

It’s not always possible to extend a rental property, so you might have to be strategic about your bathroom layout to optimise the space you have to work with. The layout should be comfortable to use and convenient, so use space-saving cabinets and storage solutions like over-the-toilet cabinets or vanity units with drawers that will provide your tenants with as much storage as possible. Compact fixtures are also a great idea—wall-mounted sinks and toilets free up floor space and shower-bath combinations will save space without compromising on functionality.

Keep it Easy to Maintain

Your tenants don’t want to spend all of their time keeping the home clean, so easy maintenance is a key feature. Focus on designing a bathroom that can be kept clean with minimal products and low effort, which not only makes life easier for your tenants but also reduces the need for frequent deep cleaning.

Non-porous surfaces for counters and bath or shower surrounds, like quartz, will prevent staining and bacteria growth, while mould-resistant grout and sealants minimise mildew and mould from forming where water pools. Dark-coloured grouts are also more practical as they’ll hide stains more effectively than white.

Don’t Neglect Safety and Accessibility

As a landlord, you have a responsibility to keep your tenants safe, so safety should be a critical component of your design. This is particularly vital if you’re renting your property to older people or families with children.

There are several features you can include to make a bathroom safer, including slip-resistant tiles or mats on the floors to prevent slipping or falls, as well as grab bars near the shower or toilet. Finally, ventilation is often overlooked but it can prevent moisture and condensation from building-up which not only reduces slippery surfaces but also minimises mould growth for a healthier indoor environment.

When it comes to designing a rental bathroom, you want to find a balance between affordability, functionality, and style. A neutral design with high-quality materials and energy-efficient fixtures will create a room that will appeal to as many tenants as possible and minimise maintenance requirements, both for you and tenants.