What Renters Really Want in Rental Homes
Ever wondered why some rental properties lease quickly while others sit vacant? It often comes down to the features tenants are actively searching for online. Understanding these trends can help you make smarter improvements to your investment and reduce vacancy periods.
The top rental search terms consistently focus on comfort, convenience and lifestyle. Research shows the most-searched keywords currently include:
- Pet friendly
- Furnished
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Garage
- Outdoor area
- Balcony
- Dishwasher
- Built-in robes
“Pet-friendly” is the number one search term, reflecting the growing number of renters who own dogs, cats and other animals. While some rental providers worry about damage, having the right insurance and screening process for pets can help minimise risk and attract a larger pool of applicants.
Lifestyle features also rank highly. People want a home with an outdoor area or balcony, and any property that has a swimming pool will attract strong interest.
Then there is comfort and practicality. Air conditioning has become an expectation in many parts of Australia, especially during summer, and the majority of renters will avoid putting in an application if there is no air con. Secure off-street parking or a garage is an extra must-have, particularly in busy urban areas where finding a park on the street adds to life’s frustrations.
Inside the home, having dishwashers and built-in robes can also influence renters’ decisions to apply for a property. These are relatively simple upgrades, and adding them can help a property to compete more effectively against similar listings.
Finally, many renters are searching for furnished properties, especially in districts with high numbers of short-term renters and fly-in fly-out workers.
Want to attract quality renters, faster? Your property manager can help identify which upgrades are likely to deliver the strongest return for your investment.
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