Want to reduce vacancy rates, attract better tenants, and boost your rental income?
It all starts with smart design.
In today’s evolving Perth rental market, designing an investment property is about more than just cost; it’s about creating homes that are desirable, durable, and practical. The right design choices can make your property stand out and keep it rented longer.
Here’s how to strike the perfect balance between broad tenant appeal and smart financial decisions.
What Modern Tenants Look For
Today’s renters have evolved in their expectations. While location remains a major consideration, the internal features and overall presentation of a property often determine whether prospective tenants sign a lease or continue their search.
- Functionality first: Practical layouts with sensible room proportions and adequate storage
- Energy efficiency: Features that reduce utility bills are increasingly valued
- Low-maintenance living: Busy lifestyles mean tenants prefer properties that require minimal upkeep
- Connection to outdoor spaces: Even small balconies or courtyards add significant appeal
Design Elements That Boost Tenant Appeal
Neutral Colour Schemes
While it might be tempting to express your personal style, neutral palettes create a blank canvas that allows tenants to envision their own belongings in the space. Opt for warm whites, soft greys, and natural tones for walls and major fixtures.
Durable, Quality Finishes
Investing in quality materials upfront can significantly reduce maintenance costs over time. Consider:
- Hard-wearing flooring options like luxury vinyl planks or quality tiles
- Stone benchtops that resist staining and damage
- Quality tapware and fixtures that won’t need frequent replacement
Thoughtful Kitchen Design
The kitchen remains the heart of the home for many tenants. Focus on creating functional spaces with ample bench space, sufficient storage, and quality appliances. Dishwashers are no longer considered a luxury but an expected inclusion in most rental properties.
Bathroom Considerations
Modern, clean bathrooms with adequate storage and good lighting are essential. Consider including a bath in at least one bathroom if targeting families, while ensuring all wet areas have excellent ventilation to prevent moisture issues.
Technology Integration
Smart home features are increasingly appealing to the modern tenant. Consider incorporating:
- NBN-ready connections for reliable internet
- Air conditioning systems with energy-efficient ratings
- Security features such as video doorbells or smart locks
- Adequate power points throughout, including USB charging options
Outdoor Spaces That Work
Even modest outdoor areas can become significant selling points when thoughtfully designed. Low-maintenance landscaping, covered entertaining areas, and secure parking add considerable value to your investment property.
The Importance of Storage
Never underestimate how much storage matters to tenants. Built-in wardrobes, linen cupboards, and kitchen storage are essential features that can make your property stand out from competitors.
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Design for Appeal – Without Overcapitalising
It’s tempting to over-upgrade in the name of quality. But not every premium inclusion delivers a return. The key is understanding which features tenants will pay more for, and which won’t affect rental yield.
We’ve seen this mistake play out far too often.
Example 1: An investor recently engaged an independent designer to draw up plans for a duplex in Perth’s outer suburbs. The design looked great on paper, but the designer had no understanding of real-world build costs. The oversized floor plan, complex rooflines, and unnecessary architectural features pushed the build price well beyond what the local market could justify. The result? Overcapitalisation and a struggle to secure tenants at the required rent to cover holding costs.
Example 2: In another case, a client brought us a plan designed for a lower socio-economic area, but with luxury finishes, an upstairs alfresco, a balcony, and designer kitchen upgrades. While the house looked stunning, it was completely mismatched to the demographic, renters weren’t willing to pay a premium for features they didn’t value. That overspend ended up wiping out the investor’s profit margin and slowed tenant uptake.
Mistakes like these don’t just blow the budget, they set your long-term investment on the wrong foot. Every dollar overspent without return can erode equity, impact your borrowing capacity, and delay your next move.
Designing an investment property that attracts the right tenants and delivers long-term returns takes more than guesswork; it takes strategy, local insight, and smart design choices. At Better Way 2 Build, we help Perth investors get it right from the start. From concept to completion, our team guides you through every step to ensure your property is aligned with the market, built to budget, and positioned to perform.
📞 Book your free consultation today and let’s create an investment property that stands out and pays off in Perth’s rental market.
