Five big mistakes that keep your property vacant longer

Every week a rental property sits empty costs you money. For quality tenants, presentation, pricing and timing are key. Even small mistakes can result in weeks of lost rent – sometimes equating to 10-15% of your annual rental income.

Understanding what drives tenant decisions and avoiding common pitfalls can make a significant difference to how quickly your property is rented.

Here are five mistakes landlords commonly make that keep properties vacant longer than necessary.

1. Poor quality property photos

Your listing photos are your property’s first impression. Poorly composed images of toilets, hallways or empty cupboards, dark and gloomy rooms, or blurry shots make even a great property look unappealing.

Good photos:

• Highlight spacious living areas, bright kitchens and inviting bedrooms
• Show outdoor spaces and storage areas
• Are tidy, well-lit and professionally presented

Professional photo enhancement services can also improve light, colour and perspective, ensuring your property stands out to high-quality tenants.

2. Overpricing the property

Tenants can quickly compare your property against others on the market. If your asking rent is too high, they’ll move on. Overpricing can:

• Reduce interest from quality tenants
• Attract tenants who may be less reliable or willing to stretch financially
• Prolong vacancy

Pricing competitively ensures your property is noticed quickly by those who are serious about renting.

3. Restrictive tenancy conditions

While it’s important to protect your property, overly strict rules can deter good tenants. Examples include:

• Limiting bedroom or garage access unnecessarily
• Strict no-pets policies
• Excessively rigid tenancy terms

Finding a balance between tenant appeal and landlord protection can speed up leasing and attract responsible applicants.

4. Poor property presentation

Even minor wear and tear can put tenants off. Properties that appear neglected, have peeling paint, worn carpets or messy gardens signal low maintenance.

A clean, well-maintained property signals quality and attracts tenants willing to pay market rent. Simple upgrades, touch-up painting, carpet cleaning and tidying outdoor areas can have a major impact on tenant perception.

5. Delaying marketing efforts

Timing is everything. Waiting until your current tenant has fully vacated before starting marketing is costly.

Best practice:

• Start marketing as soon as notice is received
• Coordinate viewings while the property is still occupied
• Ensure high-quality photos and marketing copy are ready early

This approach reduces vacancy periods and ensures your property is rented immediately after the previous tenant moves out.

A vacant property is more than just lost income, it’s missed opportunity. By avoiding these five mistakes, you can maximise your rental income, attract quality tenants and minimise the stress of prolonged vacancies.

How we can help

Our team helps landlords market their property effectively, set the right rent and prepare for viewings that attract quality tenants fast. From professional photos to strategic advertising, we make sure your property gets noticed and leased efficiently.