Five high-impact rental home upgrades under £1,000
Syndicated content by Checkatrade, a proud partner of NRLA
Top Trade Tip: Money spent to spruce up your bathroom is not cash flushed down the toilet!
Upgrading your rental property doesn’t have to break the bank. With a budget of less than £1,000, UK landlords can make smart enhancements that not only attract quality tenants but also boost rental income. Here, we rank the most effective upgrades by their expected return on investment (ROI)—calculated as the likely rent increase compared to the cost of the improvement.
1. Bathroom refresh
Why it works:
A full bathroom renovation is costly, but targeted upgrades—such as new taps, a modern shower head, fresh sealant, and a new toilet seat—can make sufficient crucial difference.
Cost: £300–£800
Expected Rent Increase: 5–11%
ROI Estimate: Up to £1,320 extra per year for an £1,000/month property, making this one of the best value upgrades.
2. Kitchen facelift
Why it works:
Replacing cupboard doors, adding new handles, or installing a stylish splashback can modernise a dated kitchen without a full refit.
Cost: £500–£1,000
Expected Rent Increase: 2–12%
ROI Estimate: Even a minor kitchen facelift can add £240–£1,440 per year in rent, offering a strong return
3. A lick of fresh paint
Why it works:
A full repaint instantly refreshes tired interiors, making the property feel cleaner and more modern. Neutral colours appeal to the widest range of tenants.
Cost: £500–£1,000 for a typical two-bedroom flat
Expected Rent Increase: 3–8%
ROI Estimate: Up to 8% rent increase on a £1,000/month property means an extra £960 per year—almost paying for itself in the first year
4. New carpets or flooring
Why it works:
New, hard-wearing carpets or laminate flooring are relatively inexpensive and can transform the look of a home which might otherwise feel neglected with worn carpets and outdated flooring.
Cost: £600–£1,000 for main living areas
Expected Rent Increase: 5–7%
ROI Estimate: A 6% increase on £1,000/month is £720 extra per year.
5. Energy efficiency improvements
Why it works:
Simple upgrades like draught-proofing, LED lighting, or adding loft insulation can improve EPC ratings, reduce tenant bills, and make your property more attractive.
Cost: £200–£1,000
Expected Rent Increase: 3–8%
ROI Estimate: Up to £960 per year, with the added benefit of lower void periods due to higher tenant demand
Ranked table: Upgrades by expected ROI
| Upgrade | Typical Cost | Expected Rent Increase | ROI Estimate (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom refresh | £300-£800 | 5-11% | Up to £1,320 |
| Kitchen facelift | £500-£1,000 | 2-12% | Up to £1,440 |
| Fresh paint | £500-£1,000 | 3-8% | Up to £960 |
| New carpets/flooring | £600-£1,000 | 5-7% | Up to £840 |
| Energy efficiency | £200-£1,000 | 3-8% | Up to £960 |
Final thoughts
Small, targeted upgrades can deliver impressive returns for landlords, both in terms of rent and tenant satisfaction. Focus on improvements that make your property more appealing, energy efficient, and functional.
Before you get started on your upgrading project, always do the following checks:
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Use Checkatrade’s job estimate calculator to achieve better accuracy on cost projections, based on your specific location and job details.
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Check local rental market trends and consult your letting agent to ensure your target post-upgrade rent increases are achievable.
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Let Checkatrade do the heavy lifting of finding your Tradesperson who meets our standards to take on your project
Even with a modest budget, you can make your property stand out and maximise your rental income.
