How to spruce up your rental home for next to nothing

Smart tenants are using styling shortcuts to signal desirable long-term letting intentions to their landlords – here’s how to do it on a budget.

Amid soaring demand for rental properties and critically low vacancy rates, creative tenants are endearing themselves to landlords by making cost-conscious additions.

Adding a little personal character and cosiness can suggest long-term letting intentions and new data shows Aussies are sprucing rental properties with individual style choices, while keeping costs low with affordable items.

Spotlight’s Mode Home coastal tie top sheer curtain, will set you back just $19.00. Picture: supplied

Artificial plants are up a staggering 280 per cent, according to the new eBay Australia report, and artificial flowers up 50 per cent. The variety and quality of synthetic plants have come a long way, adding a nod to nature to any home while being far more cost-effective than cut flowers and temperamental potted plants.

Removable mirrors are up 110 per cent – reflecting great taste while adding extra gleam by making the room look spacious.

Removable mirror sales are up 110 per cent, according to new eBay Australia data. Shein four-piece square design Mirror Wall stickers are $16.95.

Command strips are up 65 per cent and won’t cost tenants their bond at the other end – hang pictures, art and other decor without leaving a trace.

Shoe cabinets are up 55 per cent, offering a practical, stylish solution for those looking to keep their homes organised and clutter-free.

“We’re seeing Aussies turn to eBay to transform their rental property in a stylish, budget-friendly way due to increasing costs of living pressures,” says eBay spokesperson Zannie Abbott.

Framed Positano Italy print (medium) is from $116 at society6.com – try affixing with command strips to avoid putting holes in the wall. Picture: supplied

“You can kit out your home on eBay with nine decorative items under $200.

“One trend we’re seeing reflected on site is the viral mirror wall TikTok trend, with removable mirrors up by 110 per cent. These can be applied with command strips, which are rising in popularity and prevent wall damage. Removable mirrors can also be put into frames and allow you to bring more light into your room while being more affordable and durable than traditional mirrors.”

Artificial plants have come a long way and now come in a dizzying number of sizes and varieties to suit every home. Picture: supplied

Head stylist for national homewares retailer Pillow Talk, Nikki Hoskins says items such as artificial flowers, mirrors, rugs and lighting can help easily transform rental properties on a budget, “Although you can’t always change lighting fixtures, switch any existing lighting to a warm bulb will create a calm and inviting environment,” she says.

Originally published as How to spruce up your rental home for next to nothing