Manurewa, 3-bedroom, 1 bathroom

“In today’s market, this property would go for maybe $550,000 – $650,000” notes Hamish. After spending about $50k on a do-up, the transformation is worthy of any TV makeover show, with dingy rooms opened out to create bright, free-flowing space throughout the interior. Fresh, light paintwork and simple modern furnishings complete the look of this South Auckland property. “Before the renovation, rent was around the $560 mark, but after doing the full renovation, everything including the roof, he was looking at around $600 – $630” says Kishan. The increase is around $3700 a year in rent, while the interest cost on $50,0000 would be about $2250.

Mangere, 4-bedroom, 1 bathroom

Mangere remains one of the more affordable South Auckland suburbs. A property like this would normally sell for $600,000 – $650,000 prior to renovations. “Your tenants would pay about $600 per week” advises Kishan. The renovation swept away cramped orange woodwork from the 70s, replacing it with smooth charcoal and flashes of white and silver. LED lights and neutral paintwork add to the clean, modern feel of the new and improved property. Of interest, a wall was added to divide the bathroom, creating a separate room for the toilet. “It’s one thing to note when you’re doing your renovations, try and think in terms of the tenant, what they’d find attractive.” In a flatting situation, being able to use the toilet while someone else is in the bathroom is helpful. After do-up, the rent will be around $700 – $720. For a $50k investment, the yearly increase in rent was around $6250. Interests costs still sit around $2250 (at 4.5%). As Hamish observes, “the $50,000 you spent hasn’t disappeared, because the value instead of buying something like this at $650,000 – $700,000 is probably worth closer to $750,000.”

Otara, 4-bedroom property and 3-bedroom property

These properties located minutes from Manukau City are situated on the same lot, and both have one bathroom. The total renovation cost for the two properties was $80,000. The fresh new look led to a combined annual rent increase of $11, 900. The interest cost per annum for $80,000 is about $3600, leaving a profit of $8000 per year from the modest makeover. To enhance the street appeal, a large tree was removed, making the entire site sunnier, spacious and more visually appealing.

Top tips to keep in mind when renovating:

1. When you’re doing your renovations, try and start renovating from the letterbox to the front door.

Why? Because street appeal matters and first impressions count. When your tenant comes to view the property, the first things they’re going to see are the letterbox and the front door.

2. When you try and renovate, for every dollar you spend, try and get back at least two.

3. Try to do cosmetic renovations instead of structural, which can involve the council and higher costs.

4. Always try to add value, for example adding a bedroom or a bathroom.

5. Don’t fall in love with the property, remember it’s a business and it’s there to make you money.

6. Get a rental appraisal from a trusted property management company and get their thoughts on expected rent.

You can contact Hamish Patel on 021 625 693 or hamish@monline.co.nz.

Find the original article here: https://www.mortgagesonline.co.nz/property-investment/

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