What To Look For When Renting A Family Home

There are certain things to look for when renting a family home such as safety, local amenities and good transport links.

Families will also want to prioritise family-friendly living when renting a family home, so will be interested not only in what the area has to offer, but if the property itself is suitable. For example, sufficient space for all family members, extra living rooms and outdoor space are all equally important.

If you’re a landlord looking to rent out your property to families, it can be difficult to know where to begin and how to find them. 

At J Property Management London, we’re experts in helping London landlords manage their property and find their ideal tenants – whether it’s families, students or those looking for luxury rentals. If you are a landlord looking to rent to a family, get in touch today to find out how we can help.

 

What Property Types Are Best When Renting A Family Home?

 

It can be easy to assume that families are looking for houses when renting a family home but that isn’t always the case. For example, the more affordable option for many families is a flat, especially for smaller families.

Generally speaking, properties with multiple bedrooms will be most suitable for families as there is enough space for everyone. This might be a flat or a house, depending on what is available in the area.

Houses tend to be a family favourite as they provide ample space and often have a garden. Detached houses can be highly desirable as they offer maximum privacy and no shared walls but semi-detached and terraced homes are also very popular with families. 

 

What Property Features Do Families Need?

 

Renting a family home is different from renting to young professionals, couples or individuals, as families come with their own specific requirements. These are the key property features that families look for when renting their family home: 

 

Multiple Bedrooms

You are unlikely to rent a studio flat out to a family; they will usually want a minimum of 2-3 bedrooms in order to accommodate all family members.

 

Family Bathroom

Not always, but many families still prefer bathrooms with a bathtub as it is easier to bathe young children. Homes with family bathrooms make this easier. 

 

Additional Living Space

Families prefer to have as much space as possible within their budget, so homes with large living areas such as a lounge and dining room are a great option. With families, flexibility is also key so having living areas which are multi-functional can also support the family dynamic.

 

Safety Features

Rentals where children are living need to prioritise safety. This could mean child-proof locks, window locks and staircases which are appropriate for children. As a landlord, this would also be a good time to check any smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in the home are working correctly.

 

Parking

For many families, parking may not be essential but a good nice-to-have – especially in areas with less accessible transport links. Families often have cars to ferry children from A to B so on-site parking or a garage is likely to be an important selling point.

 

Outdoor Space

Not all families will be able to rent a family home with outdoor space but this is a highly desirable feature as it provides an area for kids to play safely.

 

Fully-Fitted Kitchen And Utility Room

Families have a high volume of meals to prepare and clothes to wash, so making sure the kitchen or utility room are fully fitted with a washing machine, dryer, refrigerator and dishwasher will be a huge plus and one less thing for the family to think about.

 

Storage Space

More people equals more stuff. Unlike an individual or a couple, families come with a lot of extra items and equipment so extra storage space makes it far more comfortable.

 

 

What Area To Look For When Renting A Family Home?

 

Location is critical when deciding where to rent a family home. Families will often prioritise areas with:

• Good local schools
• Safe areas with low crime rates
• Convenient location and close to amenities like supermarkets, pharmacies and doctors surgeries
• Areas with direct transport links to make it easy to get around 
• Other families in the area (a good indication that it’s a good area to raise children)
• Green spaces like parks or fields where children have space to play outside.

For example, families moving to South London may prioritise Greenwich, Dulwich, Battersea and other family-friendly areas thanks to their good schools, green space, safe streets and direct links to central London.

 

What Landlords Should Consider When Renting A Family Home

 

Families are a great target market when renting out your property, as they are looking for longevity and stability. This means no need for quick turnover and long vacancy periods making families potentially very profitable for landlords. 

However, if you’re looking to cater to families you should consider:

 

Furnished Rentals Over Unfurnished Rentals 

This initial investment could be a huge draw for tenants as it offers maximum convenience for them and means that as a landlord you can charge more. 

 

Easy-Clean Fabrics And Floors 

When renting out to families, you need to think about the endurance of your home. Opting for floors and fabrics that are durable and easy to clean will not only help the family out but it will protect your home in the long run. This will be especially important for tenants with pets.

 

Appliances 

Family-friendly appliances that support family life (e.g. large fridge, conveniently placed washer and dryer and a dishwasher). If you’re looking to create a family home that renters will love, prioritising these appliances shows you understand the daily demands of a family and are ensuring their comfort and convenience. 

 

Safety Features

Features like child-proof locks and safety gates are cheap to install but give families peace of mind. Having these features in place shows that you care about your tenants and prioritise their safety.

 

Rent Your Property To Families With J Property Management

 

At J Property Management, we help landlords with all aspects of property management – from preparing your home for families to sourcing long-term reliable family tenants and carrying out ongoing maintenance to keep the family home safe and well-kept. 

Whatever your needs, we have helped hundreds of landlords across London and the UK rent out family homes and get the most out of their investment. Contact us today to get started!