An unfurnished, pet-friendly home with access to a garden is the most desirable rental property, according to research conducted by specialist Buy-to-Let (BTL) lender Landbay.

According to 12 per cent of the respondents, of which all were private renters, an unfurnished home was rated as the most attractive feature of a rental property.

However, this percentage rises when asking those over 55, with 22 per cent of respondents over 55 rating an unfurnished home as the most desirable attribute. This figure is more than five times higher than that of those between 18 and 34, where just 4 per cent of renters rated an unfurnished home as desirable.

Furthermore, Landbay’s data revealed that nearly one in seven (14 per cent) renters rated “pets being allowed in the property” as their most important requirement. This percentage almost doubled in the North East (27 per cent) but shrunk to just 3 per cent in London.

A garden was third, with 11 per cent of renters rating outdoor space as their most important attribute. Parents (15 per cent) are more than twice as likely to prioritise a garden compared to non-parents (7 per cent).

Commenting on the findings, Landbay director Deborah Mudway said: “This will make interesting reading for landlords, who could be forgiven for believing little luxuries like a dishwasher, dryer and even a king-sized bed make all the difference for tenants. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

Mudway highlighted that a majority of tenants simply want to make their rented property “feel like home” by bringing their pets and furniture into it, adding that, “aside from a deeper clean at the end of a tenancy”, it should not be that hard for landlords to implement.

“Essentially, landlords knowing what renters want can make for a happier, more prosperous relationship which benefits both parties in the long run,” Mudway concluded.

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