If you have a buy-to-let property that you are preparing for the first tenants or renovating, one of the major decisions is which type of flooring to use. There’s plenty of options, but with the need to carefully balance durability, visual appeal, and your budget, it can present a dilemma. Here’s a look at some of the best flooring options for a rental property.
General considerations
Think about the type of tenants you want to attract. For example, if you have a property with multiple bedrooms you may be targeting families, or students if it is near higher education institutions. If you have a one or two-bed property in central London for example, then you are more likely to attract a professional couple.
The former type of tenants are likely to place more wear and tear on the flooring, and will appreciate a durable flooring that is easy to maintain and doesn’t show every speck of dirt and scuff mark. The latter will probably value the aesthetic appeal of a flooring that is contemporary and complements the rest of the interior decor.
Also consider if you will allow pets in the property. Dogs and cats can damage loop pile carpets and find hardwood flooring difficult to walk on. It is worth asking the opinion of a specialist flooring supplier who will be able to lend you the benefit of their experience if you are undecided.
Specific areas of the property
It may be the case that you decide to use different flooring materials according to the use of each room. For example, in high-traffic areas such as hallways, you may choose to install laminate flooring which is durable ,scratch resistant and easy to keep clean.
Another option is luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs), which are affordable, comfortable underfoot, and low-maintenance. LVTs also make good options for kitchens and bathrooms, because they are water and stain resistant.
In bedrooms and living areas, sound insulation and aesthetic appeal may be more of a priority. Carpets in bedrooms can be appealing and cosy, and feel warm and welcoming underfoot. They also muffle the sound of footsteps and generally reduce noise levels.
The living area can also benefit from the insulating properties of carpet, but consider laminate flooring as an alternative. This looks stylish and is easier to keep clean and fresh smelling than carpet.
Final thoughts
It may be tempting to go for the cheapest option to save money. However this may turn out to be a false economy in the long run, because cheap flooring will generally be of inferior quality and will soon show signs of wear and tear. This will put off prospective future tenants, affecting the amount of rent you are able to charge and putting you at risk of fallow periods.
The flooring will also need repairing or replacing more frequently, and over time you will end up spending more. Therefore always balance durability and quality against the initial investment.