Property Marketing Tips
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National letting agent Belvoir Lettings has polled some of it’s letting agents across the UK to get some of their tips on how to market rental property more effectively to get a quick let.
Letting agent advice
“With the rental market currently having so many properties available getting the marketing right is crucial to help avoid void periods,” says Susie Geddes, office manager of Belvoir Corby. “It is the first point of interest for tenants so you have to make each property stand out. At Belvoir Corby we use cash back incentives, lots of photographs, floor plans and walk-through movies to create a virtual viewing.”
Indeed, there’s no doubt that mass awareness can hold the key to a quick let – without knowing about your property, potential tenants won’t be able to rent it. Use your marketing campaign as a vehicle to get your message across to as many potential tenants as possible.
“I would generally say that in this competitive market the best way to advertise a property is to be in as many places as possible, including all the portals,” says Craig Walker, proprietor of Belvoir Camberley. “Also use many photos rather than just one – at Belvoir Camberley we use ten photos per property. A long descriptive write up of the property, rather than just a quick basic write up is also essential.”
Be as detailed as you can about the buy-to-let property and focus on its unique selling points or those things that could make it stand out from other rental properties available. Neil Jones, proprietor of Belvoir Cambridge says, “most applicants ask about showers and broadband so, if the property has them, make sure you include that information in the description.”
As well as appealing to a wide audience, think about targeting specific areas of the community too. Ask yourself the question who’s temporarily living in the local area and why?
“Market the buy-to-let property to a specific target that is prevalent in the area,” continues Neil. “Military personnel, students and hospital staff often need short and long-term lets – use the biggest base, such as the employer, university or hospital as an easy access point.”
And, of course, if you want a full marketing and management solution try placing your buy-to-let property in the hands of a property management agency. “Use an agent who is a member of a professional accredited body,” says Neil. “This will offer all sorts of protection regarding mis-descriptions and energy performance certificates etc.”
20 top tips for marketing your property
1. Be seen in as many places as possible.
2. Use as many photographs as you can – not just one.
3. Describe the property – don’t just list its features.
4. Think about your property’s unique selling points and communicate them effectively.
5. Floor plans and walk-through movies can make your property stand out from the rest.
6. Taking photos of the property when it’s empty will mean your current tenant’s furnishings and clutter won’t put off potential new tenants.
7. Incentivise your current tenant to find a new tenant for you.
8. Tell as many people as possible – word-of-mouth is a valuable marketing tool.
9. Newspapers often carry adverts for local properties to let – make sure yours is featured too.
10. If your property has broadband – or any other attractive features – do include them in the property write up.
11. Lead your advert with an attention-grabbing headline.
12. Location is important – let prospective tenants know about local amenities and try and ‘sell’ them a lifestyle.
13. If you have multiple properties, think about taking out an advert in a regional property rental magazine.
14. A ‘To Let’ board outside your property will let any passers-by know your property is available.
15. Target specific areas of the community, such as the military, students and hospital staff.
16. Place your property on property portals.
17. Think about having an ‘open house’ viewings day.
18. Consider posting information on public bulletin boards, such as at the local supermarket and in the local newsagent.
19. Measure the success of your advertising/marketing strategy and make adjustments accordingly as the campaign progresses.
20. Let a good property management agency, such as Belvoir, do your marketing for you. To find your nearest Belvoir office.
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