Owners need to impress as competition tougher than ever

"THINGS like dishwashers, air-conditioning, electronic garages were once seen as luxuries but now they’re expectations,” Mr Bryan said.

INCENTIVES: Penny Wood Lane principal Paul Bryan believes landlords need to set themselves apart in order to secure tenants. Picture: Emily Smith

FIRST impressions count, particularly when the competition is tougher than ever.

Penny Wood Lane Boutique Rental Agency principal Paul Bryan's advice to Mackay landlords searching for tenants in the face of the region's 9.3% vacancy rate is simple: offer more or be prepared to drop your prices.

"Things like dishwashers, air-conditioning, electronic garages were once seen as luxuries but now they're expectations," Mr Bryan said.

And cleanliness is critical.

"If a place is not clean it immediately creates negative perceptions," he said.

"Potentially, it's a sign the owner doesn't want to do maintenance."

Mr Bryan said other factors tenants were looking for were fenced yards, pools and sheds.

And he suggested landlords could up the renting potential of a place with a fresh lick of paint, new floor coverings and professionally photographed advertisements.

However, Mr Bryan believes strategies such as offering a month of free rent are less effective, as tenants would view them as "gimmicky".

Originally published as Owners need to impress as competition tougher than ever