Successfully maximise your returns through renovation

The aim of purchasing an investment property is simple: to achieve the best possible return through rental yields in the short term and capital growth in the long run, but astute investors always look for ways to maximize their returns and renovation can be a very effective method. One can usually charge a higher rental on a renovated property and savvy upgrades can also potentially boost your property's value over and above what you would have been able to achieve by waiting for it to simply appreciate over time. "Another benefit is that it is possible to attract a better quality of tenant with a more modern home and this often translates to a reduction in prolonged vacancies and loss of rent, something that all investors aspire towards," says Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty. However, she cautions that not all upgrades are equal and over capitalization is a very real risk. In order to capitalize on the additional investment and maximize the return, it's essential to do one's homework, especially as building costs are now at a premium. The first step is to take into consideration the current value of your home as well as property prices in your area as neighborhoods generally have a ceiling value, meaning a certain threshold up to which buyers and renters are willing to pay. Also, take the time to find out what trends and home features are currently most popular as well as those which are considered undesirable. It's important to remember why you are renovating and not to let personal preferences override practical decisions." Geffen, who recently renovated her own investment property, adds that the old mantra, 'location, location, location' is still a key factor. "I specifically looked for a property situated in a sought after and established neighborhood and in close proximity to at least one good school, shopping centers and other important amenities like places of worship." Security is also an important factor to prospective tenants and I eventually bought a townhouse with 24 hour security situated very close to popular amenities as well as a school." So which upgrades are likely to add the most value to your property? If one is on a tight budget there are a number of things that will give a property a notable facelift, says Geffen.

Paint

A fresh coat of paint will always make a huge difference to any property as newly painted walls always look clean and bright. But rather than just slapping on another coat in the same monotone, get a little creative. This will not only modernize the home but innovative use of color can also detract from flaws like small windows or narrow rooms by creating the illusion of space and light in even the smallest area. For instance, a long narrow room will appear wider and more balanced if the two longer walls are painted in a slightly lighter shade than the end walls. And warm colors will add warmth and atmosphere to uninteresting spaces such as separate dining rooms.

Lighting

Light fittings can change the mood of any room. The difference that good, but inexpensive lighting makes is fundamental. Poor lighting can make a room look small, dark and cramped, while a well lit room appears more spacious and welcoming. You can simply update old light fittings or, if the budget runs to it, install additional wall lighting and buy standing or table lamps for a more subtle and contemporary effect.

Kitchens and bathrooms

These rooms most reflect the age of a home and can make it feel especially outdated and unappealing. The quickest and easiest way to perk up a kitchen or bathroom is to replace old fashioned and worn handles, and knobs and fittings like taps, shower heads and toilet paper holders. And, if the budget stretches to it, new floor tiling will dramatically uplift these rooms. If not, then consider tiling small areas like a colorful backsplash behind the stove or above the bathroom basin and finish the effect with a modern mirror.

Flooring

Old, worn floors can significantly age a place. Rip up aged wall to wall carpets and sand and polish wooden floors. If your budget runs to it, replace old tiled areas with modern tiles.

Create more living space

One of the most economical ways to increase the living area within the footprint of an existing house is to create open plan living by establishing seamless flow between the interior and the often underutilized outdoor space. This can be achieved by simply replacing a single door with glass sliding doors and thereby expanding the living area to create a spacious and multifunctional communal space.

Spruce up the garden

Buyers' and renters' first impressions can make or break your investment. If your budget runs to it, create an open plan living area with lots of natural light and it's usually worth adding a garage to an older home with a single garage if you have the space but it must always be attached to or at least close to the house as security is a key factor these days. The addition of a cottage or flatlet is also likely to add considerable value to your home as they can be a source of rental income and also caters to the growing popularity of dual living." Geffen has one final word of caution: "Beware, the dangers of DYI, while all the reality shows on television make renovating look easy, and even fun, the results of a poorly executed renovation are far from impressive. "Make sure you understand the amount of work that needs to be done and the amount of time you will have to dedicate to the project. With a little forethought, planning and research it's possible to add substantial value to your property," says Geffen.