2019’s most desired room features chosen by tenants was published by the national rental housing news in October 2019.
Features that contribute to rent increase
Necessary features in recruiting tenants
Every year, a survey regarding tenants’ needs is conducted among management companies and real estate agencies. 365 companies participated in this year’s survey on ”features that contribute to rent increase” and ”necessary features in recruiting tenants”.
Free Internet Access is the Key to differentiate your apartment
The number one feature that contributes to rent increase is free internet access on both single and family-type properties. Free Internet has been on the top of the ranking since 4 years ago.
With the use of smart phones becoming more common, free internet access is becoming a standard feature in newly-built apartments.
Having free Internet access can expect a monthly rent increase of 1,000 to 3,000 JPY.
On the other hand, home security also has a high demand in both types of properties. Although it is a popular feature, it is not commonly installed due to expensive installation cost.
However, with the rapid growth of technology, security system that operates on IoT are being introduced at a more reasonable price. For example, a censor detects an intrusion via window immediately sends an alert to the user’s smart phone using internet.
In this case, Internet is required to operate the above security system. Before installing home security, make sure there is a stable Internet access.
Upgrade Pipe Area in Family-type Properties
In the ranking of ”necessary features in recruiting tenants”, having a space for washing machine inside the room is ranked number one fore 2 years consecutively. Washing machine space is often found in the balcony or in the hallway in older apartments. This type of apartments lack popularity and tend to require a longer period of time to recruit tenants.
Other features on the ranking include independent sink, reheating feature for bathtub, multi-feature toilet, and built-in kitchen.
Looking at the above list, most of them are related to pipe area. Investing in the above features contribute to easier and faster tenant recruitment. However, installing only one of the above may not make a big difference.
Concerns Associated with Popular Features
Parcel Locker
One of the most common complaints is the continue usage by certain tenant. For example, a tenant never claims his/her package leaving in the locker for a long period of time.
Free Internet
Complaints regarding connection and speed are often seen.
24-hour Accessible Garbage Station
Littering by people other than tenants and abandon of unused furniture and big piece of trash.
Electronic security lock system
Entrance door stays opened or not functioning at times.
While installing popular features can attract customers and contribute to faster tenant recruitment, there are also some cons that needed to be considered before installing.
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