Location, exterior, interior: a guide to luxury lettings
Great comfort and elegance are, by definition, what luxury is all about, but as the old adage goes “you can’t buy style”.
Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or are looking for a sensible way to invest in some assets for your portfolio, luxury lettings are a whole different ball game when compared to letting your standard unfurnished property. So, what are the key considerations when one is looking to invest in luxury lettings?
Location
Luxury locations are generally associated with expensive postcodes, but while areas such as Chelsea in London, Bowden in Manchester or Jesmond in Newcastle may be the playgrounds of the elite, luxury locations can also be defined by more personal criteria.
Luxury locations in the city are, more often than not, places that are convenient for those occupying them. Access to workplaces, shops, bars, restaurants and green spaces are all likely to be matters of priority for people searching for the perfect place to live.
Country locations warrant some rather different considerations; here, the surrounding views, noise levels and the local community may be among the boxes that prospective residents wish to tick.
Exterior
No matter where a property is located, to qualify as a luxury residence the exterior needs to be pristine and have the wow factor – or, as it is sometimes referred to, “kerb appeal”.
In period properties, this may include well-maintained features like sash windows, stained glass windows and gardens that are in tune with the style of the property.
Modern properties that encapsulate luxury blend sharp design with technology to provide an abode that is not only great to look at, but that is also kind to the environment. Here, solar energy and intelligent glazing may be among the investments worthy of consideration.
Outdoor lighting is an effective way to provide atmosphere and it promotes good security. Strategically placed uplighting and wall-mounted lamps look inviting, are practical, and suggest warmth and opulence.
Whether it is large or small, a luxury garden has to have a number of qualities. First, it needs to look great, and so the design or landscaping needs to be well thought through.
Having a good balance between plants, flowers and useable space is essential if a garden is to reach its full potential. Stylish and comfortable garden furniture that allows the user to relax, but also enables them to eat alfresco, is a must-have for any self-respecting luxury garden and is well worth investing in.
Interior
Nothing signals luxury more than a well-designed, decorated and furnished interior.
The canvas for all luxury interiors is of course a structurally sound building with fixtures and fittings that are in keeping with the style of the property. Light, neutral wall colours with flashes of vibrancy from stylish pieces of art provide a beautiful backdrop for the drama of the furnishings.
Comfort, practicality and a streak of the unique all combined will make for living spaces that are truly luxurious. Investing in fabulous furniture for a property is essential if it is to meet the luxury living criteria.
Sumptuous sofas, decadent dining tables and chairs, and magnificent floor rugs make for spaces that are a joy to spend time in whether it be to work, rest or play.
A mix of different lighting options provided by ceiling lights with dimmer switches, floor and table lamps will provide ambience during the evenings, while elegant curtains, blinds or shutters help control the amount of daylight the spaces receive.
A measured helping of technology is another factor that a luxury home must serve up; wireless home entertainment and management systems are de rigueur for a taste of real luxury.
A luxury property is one of the things in life that many people aspire to enjoy – and investing in the things that most define it as a luxury property will ensure that your asset stays in demand.