Barclays Property Insights data shows the top 10 attributes that renters consider non-negotiable or ‘deal-breakers’ when assessing a property, as well as the qualities that landlords require in prospective tenants.
Some 46% of tenants say damp and mould is a ‘deal-breaker’, while a third consider access to a living room and outdoor space as necessities. One in three also demand double-glazing to retain heat more easily and save on energy bills.
Landlords and property developers looking to make their homes more attractive should consider whether they’re able to check off more of these items, in order to appeal to a broader range of applicants.
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Renters’ top 10 deal-breakers when house-hunting |
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1 |
No damp/mould present |
46% |
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2 |
Living room/lounge |
34% |
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3 |
Private garden and/or outdoor space |
32% |
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4 |
Double glazing on windows |
32% |
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5 |
Fast internet/broadband capabilities |
24% |
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6 |
Pets allowed |
23% |
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7 |
Off-street parking |
21% |
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8 |
Large bedrooms |
17% |
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9 |
Likeability of landlord or property agents |
17% |
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10 |
Private from neighbours/isn’t overlooked |
16% |
From a landlord’s perspective, the qualities most commonly cited as being mandatory in prospective tenants are cleanliness and proof of income (both 27%).
One in three landlords (33%) also say they would accept less rent from existing tenants who look after the property, rather than finding new tenants who’ll pay more. In addition, one in four (23%) landlords would accept an offer below the asking price for an applicant that’s flexible on the move-in date.
Some 20% of renters feel there is too much competition for rental properties in their area and Barclays advises that those looking for an edge over other applicants should look to highlight these qualities in their applications, where relevant. Similarly, one in three landlords (34%) say that personal communication from prospective tenants would make them more likely to consider accepting their application. However, only a quarter (23%) of renters say they’re willing to try this, which gives applicants another opportunity to stand out from the pack.
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Landlords’ top 10 required qualities for tenants |
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1 |
Cleanliness/hygiene |
27% |
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2 |
Proof of income |
27% |
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3 |
Quiet tenants |
24% |
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4 |
Employed in a permanent job |
22% |
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5 |
Strong character references |
21% |
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6 |
Likeability of people |
17% |
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7 |
Strong employer references |
17% |
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8 |
Can provide a guarantor for rent |
17% |
|
9 |
Strong landlord references |
16% |
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10 |
No pets |
15% |
A spokesperson for Barclays says: “Our latest spending figures paint an encouraging picture for UK consumers – rent and mortgage payments are stabilising, energy bills are coming down, and confidence is on the up.
“The research also reveals how prospective tenants can stand out in a crowded market by highlighting sought-after attributes such as willingness to take good care of the property and having strong character references. Meanwhile, landlords looking to upgrade their properties can choose from a range of desirable improvements, many of which don’t require significant remodelling, such as damp-proofing, installing double-glazing, and sourcing faster internet.”
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