How to Renovate an Apartment for Rent Without Going into Debt: 7 Useful Tips

Tip #1: Make the Apartment Comfortable for Tenants

The formula of a cozy interior begins with thoughtful space planning. It should be as convenient as possible for the average renter to live in. Remember the purpose of each room and decorate it with daily household functions in mind. You can be sure that ergonomic furniture placement, comfortable kitchen work zone height, and good lighting will not go unnoticed.

Tip #2: Don't Cut Corners on What's Hard to Replace

During renovation, try not to skimp on materials and finishes. Prefer high-quality and durable materials: this includes flooring and wall coverings, bathroom or shower cabin, and kitchen cabinet. I suggest avoiding acrylic and marble items in favor of robust materials made from cast iron and glazed ceramic. Sometimes using expensive materials not only increases the rental rate of the apartment but also becomes a key criterion in choosing a property. For example, a family with a small child will likely prefer an apartment with natural flooring that is safe for a baby's health.

Tip #3: Use Modern Technologies

Pay attention to important details, such as most renters notice the presence of a dishwasher, shower cabin, or bathtub. The cost of utilities is also significant. To make the apartment more attractive and convenient for living (even if temporary), we recommend purchasing a refrigerator with auto-defrost function and a tap with an aerator that saves water consumption and enriches the water with oxygen. Warm floors, baseboards with internal grooves for TV cables, induction cooktops, and ergonomic storage systems with soft-close mechanisms will also be helpful.

Tip #4: Choose Neutral Color Schemes

The most popular with potential tenants are light, neutral apartments in gray, beige, and white tones. Give renters the opportunity to design their own interior and personalize it with an individual touch that adds a homey flair. On the other hand, vibrant accents in the interior will also be noticed by future tenants. The key is not to overdo it – just a few vivid accessories will be more than enough.

Tip #5: Add Light to the Apartment

Lighting plays a big role in creating a cozy home atmosphere – especially in an urban apartment. Plan several lighting scenarios that visually expand the space of the apartment. For this, place table lamps and floor lamps in the room: they create soft lighting and a pleasant ambiance. Also, consider energy-saving and LED bulbs: they do not contain mercury and consume much less energy than other types of bulbs.

Tip #6: Remember That Quality Is Key

Furniture in a rental apartment should be of high quality and durable. But this does not mean it will cost you a fortune: for example, IKEA offers successful options with good price-to-quality ratio. Personally, I appreciate the "Stockholm" series, which is inspired by the very relevant Mid-Century Modern style. In addition, IKEA furniture is made from eco-friendly materials. If you should not compromise on furniture and finishes in the apartment, then textiles can be chosen more affordably. For example, bedding and decorative pillows bought at discount stores can replace buying a new bed or sofa.

Tip #7: Plan the Budget and Repair Timeline

If everything is planned in advance and you start with enthusiasm, the average renovation of a rental apartment can take about 3 months. Sometimes it's possible to finish in just 2 months – provided that suppliers are prompt, finishing materials and furniture are available, the construction crew works fast, and funding is timely. To avoid possible complications during renovation, we suggest finding out the price range of finishing and furnishing in advance. This will help you plan the budget and timeline for project implementation more easily. Specialists usually develop two or three interior design options to compare and choose the most suitable one.