As a landlord, the main objective is to maxmise the return on investment. This can be achieved through a number of means, primarily by having a well looked after and clean house or flat.

The way that the property is decorated can make all the difference, so it is worth taking the time and investment to keep the property up to scratch in order to make it more desirable for potential tenants.

Making your house attractive to potential flatmates or tenants can be a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be. There are simple steps you can follow to help make your house stand out whilst at the same time maintaining its key function as a clean and welcoming ‘home’.

One of the biggest wow factors of a house is often its flooring. Get the flooring right and you will leave a lasting impression. When deciding upon the best flooring for you it’s important to think about how many people will be walking through your rooms i.e. is it a light or heavy traffic area in your home, how often will it need cleaning, do you have pets or children?

The key issues for most landlords’ is the importance of maximising income whilst at the same time minimising the time and effort involved in maintaining the property. For this reason many landlords opt for wooden flooring, particularly in the downstairs rooms since they are easier to clean and maintain than carpets. But which wooden floor will offer your home the ‘wow’ factor you are looking for?

There are three main types of wooden floor, laminate, engineered and real wood floors.

Laminate flooring is often the best option if you are looking to keep costs low. It combines natural looking design with a tough, durable finish that can be used in almost any area of the home. Laminate is scratch resistant and works well in moist environments like bathrooms and kitchens (unlike hardwood flooring which can warp in moist environments). It also boasts durability, stain resistance and easy installation. Laminate flooring has come on in many ways in recent years and comes in many colours and styles making it an attractive option.

Engineered flooring are produced by laminating a real wood layer onto a base of wood. Engineered boards are manufactured to give better stability. Whereas real wood flooring has the tendency to expand and contract depending on its environment, the structure of the engineered boards eliminates any movement meaning a better long term finish for your home. Since engineered flooring won’t expand or contract it is also a great choice for homes with under floor heating, as the constant change in temperature is no problem for this durable floor.

The final option is Hard Wood or Real Wood flooring. This type of flooring will add real character to your property and potentially increase its value should you be looking to sell. If you are looking for the ‘wow’ factor then this is it. However, in a rental environment where durability and easy maintenance are of the upmost importance, the higher cost of this flooring may not be justifiable in the short term. It is important to consider the likelihood of damages and spills being made to this floor by tenants and whether you would feel happy making the investment if it is not going to be properly looked after and maintained?

Whichever flooring options you decide on, make sure you choose one that you would be happy to live with. Tenants may come and go but it is your home and you need to feel happy with your decision.