In today's competitive Western North Carolina rental market, making strategic property improvements can significantly impact both tenant quality and your bottom line. With summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to implement upgrades that will set your rental property apart from others in the Asheville area.
Our data shows that properties with thoughtful improvements not only attract more qualified applicants but can also command higher rental rates, sometimes up to 15-20% more than comparable properties without these enhancements. The key is understanding which improvements deliver the best return on investment specifically for the Asheville rental market.
Understanding the Asheville Rental Market
Before diving into specific improvement recommendations, it's important to understand the current Asheville rental landscape. Based on recent analytics, the Asheville rental market continues to show strong demand despite some seasonal fluctuations.
Key Insights from Recent Web Traffic Data on Rental Listings:
- High Engagement from Potential Tenants
Over 2,900 engaged sessions were recorded in the latest monthly data, indicating strong interest in rental properties in the region. - Organic Search Leads the Way
A majority—63.4% of sessions—came from users finding listings through organic search (e.g., Google, Bing). - Direct Traffic Still Significant
Approximately 34.6% of sessions were from direct traffic, showing that many users are returning or accessing listings via saved links or bookmarks.
What does this mean for property owners? Simply put, the Asheville market remains competitive, but renters are becoming increasingly selective. They're researching thoroughly before making decisions, with the average user viewing multiple property listings before submitting an application.
Today's Asheville tenants are looking for:
- Comfortable, functional living spaces
- Energy efficiency that keeps utility costs manageable
- Modern aesthetics that align with Asheville's unique culture
- Outdoor spaces that complement the region's natural beauty
- Properties that reflect the area's commitment to sustainability
With these preferences in mind, let's explore the improvements that will give you the best return on investment this summer. For more on How to Evaluate and Increase your Rental Property’s ROI in Western North Carolina, read our blog post on the subject.
High-Impact Outdoor Improvements
1. Enhanced Curb Appeal
First impressions matter tremendously in the rental market. Properties with strong curb appeal typically rent faster and for higher rates than those without.
A professionally landscaped front yard can increase your property's perceived value by up to 10%. Consider these curb appeal enhancements:
- Professional lawn care service (approximately $200-400 for a full service)
- Seasonal native plant additions that require minimal maintenance
- Updated exterior lighting that improves safety and aesthetics
- Freshly mulched beds with defined borders
- Power washing of walkways, siding, and driveways
2. Functional Outdoor Living Spaces
The Asheville lifestyle celebrates outdoor living. Properties with usable outdoor spaces are in particularly high demand, especially in summer months.
Creating or improving an outdoor living area can be as simple as adding a patio set or as elaborate as installing a deck. Either way, outdoor spaces often deliver outstanding return on investment (ROI) in our market:
- Basic patio installation (starting at $1,500 for concrete)
- Deck addition or restoration (average ROI of 75%)
- Privacy features like trellises or strategic plantings
- Outdoor lighting for evening enjoyment
- Simple fire pit area (approximately $500 for a quality kit)
The Western North Carolina rental market particularly values outdoor spaces that take advantage of our region's natural beauty and moderate climate. A property with a well-designed outdoor living area can often command a premium of $100-200 per month over comparable properties without this feature.
3. Low-Maintenance Landscaping
While beautiful landscaping attracts tenants, maintenance concerns can be a deterrent. The solution is creating attractive, low-maintenance outdoor spaces:
- Native plant species that require minimal watering
- Perennial beds that return year after year
- Defined mulched areas that reduce mowing requirements
- Automatic irrigation systems that conserve water while keeping plants healthy
- Drought-resistant ground covers in place of traditional grass
Low-maintenance doesn't mean low-appeal. By choosing native plants adapted to our Western North Carolina climate, you can create beautiful landscapes that thrive with minimal intervention.
Indoor Upgrades Worth the Investment
1. Kitchen Renovations That Matter
Kitchens remain one of the most influential spaces in rental decisions. However, you don't need a complete renovation to make a significant impact:
- Cabinet refacing rather than replacement (approximately $4,000-7,000)
- Updated hardware on existing cabinets ($200-400 total)
- New energy-efficient appliances (25-40% ROI in the first year)
- Durable countertop upgrades (quartz or granite for longevity)
- Modern faucet and sink replacements ($250-500)
Even moderate kitchen improvements can justify rent increases of $75-150 per month in the Asheville market. Focus on durable, timeless finishes that will appeal to a broad range of tenants while withstanding daily use.
2. Bathroom Updates That Impress
Bathrooms are another high-priority area for potential tenants. Consider these impactful updates:
- New vanity and fixtures ($500-1,200)
- Updated lighting that flatters and functions well
- Fresh caulking and grout cleaning (under $100 for DIY)
- Water-efficient toilet replacement ($350-600)
- Shower door instead of curtain ($350-700)
Modern, clean bathrooms with efficient fixtures appeal to today's environmentally conscious Asheville renters. Additionally, water-saving fixtures provide ongoing utility savings that benefit both tenants and owners.
3. Flooring Considerations
Flooring choices impact both aesthetic appeal and long-term maintenance costs:
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) in living areas ($3-7 per square foot)
- Durable tile in bathrooms and entryways
- Engineered hardwood in select areas for a premium feel
- Commercial-grade carpet in bedrooms only
The trend in Asheville rentals is moving decidedly away from wall-to-wall carpeting. Hard surface flooring is not only more appealing to potential tenants but also more durable and easier to maintain between tenancies.
4. Paint and Lighting Improvements
Never underestimate the power of fresh paint and updated lighting:
- Neutral, modern paint colors throughout (average cost $1,500-3,000 for professional painting)
- Statement walls in living areas
- Updated light fixtures, especially in dining areas and entryways
- Under-cabinet lighting in kitchens
- Energy-efficient LED fixtures throughout
These relatively inexpensive updates can transform the feel of your property while improving energy efficiency. Well-chosen paint colors and lighting create an atmosphere that feels both modern and welcoming.
Smart Technology Integrations
1. Security Features
Today's renters value security and convenience:
- Smart door locks with keypad entry ($150-300)
- Video doorbells ($100-250)
- Motion-activated exterior lighting
- Smart security systems with optional monitoring
These features not only attract quality tenants but can sometimes qualify for insurance discounts, benefiting both you and your renters.
2. Energy Management Systems
Energy efficiency is a major selling point in the Asheville market:
- Programmable or smart thermostats ($100-250)
- Smart lighting controls for major living areas
- Energy usage monitoring systems
- Ceiling fans in all bedrooms and living spaces
In our energy-conscious community, these features are increasingly moving from "nice to have" to "expected" status, especially among younger renters.
3. Convenience Upgrades
Small technology additions can make a big impression:
- USB outlet upgrades in convenient locations ($25-40 each)
- Smart speakers or hubs
- Integrated garage door openers with smartphone control
- Wireless internet optimization
These relatively inexpensive upgrades demonstrate thoughtfulness and attention to modern living needs.
Budget-Friendly Improvements with Big Impact
1. Quick Fixes Under $500
Not every meaningful improvement requires a major investment:
- Updated cabinet hardware and door handles
- Fresh switch plates and outlet covers
- Modern shower heads with multiple settings
- Deep cleaning of all surfaces
- Professional window cleaning
These small details, when addressed comprehensively, can significantly elevate a property's perceived value.
2. Weekend Projects with Significant Return on Investment
These DIY-friendly projects offer excellent returns:
- Closet organization systems ($100-300 per closet)
- Entry area improvements like coat hooks and shoe storage
- Kitchen backsplash installation
- Weather stripping and draft sealing
- Garage organization systems
Many tenants specifically mention storage and organization as priorities in their rental searches. Addressing these needs directly can give your property an edge.
3. Maintenance Upgrades That Protect Your Investment
Some improvements may not be immediately visible to tenants but protect your property long-term:
- HVAC system tune-up and cleaning
- Gutter guards to prevent clogging
- Water heater maintenance or replacement
- Roof inspection and minor repairs
- Improved attic insulation
Proactive maintenance prevents costly emergency repairs and demonstrates your commitment to property upkeep—something quality tenants notice and value.
Maximizing ROI with Professional Management
While DIY property improvements can be rewarding, professional management ensures these investments truly pay off. A professional property management company brings several advantages:
- Market-specific knowledge about which improvements will yield the best returns
- Relationships with reliable contractors who deliver quality work at fair prices
- Professional marketing that highlights your property's improvements effectively
- Tenant screening expertise to find qualified renters who will appreciate and maintain your upgraded property
- Ongoing maintenance oversight to protect your investments
At Asheville Phoenix Properties, we've been helping property owners maximize their rental investments since 1995. Our decades of experience in the Western North Carolina market gives us unique insight into which improvements deliver the best returns.
Conclusion: Strategic Improvements for Long-Term Success
The most successful rental property owners approach improvements strategically, balancing immediate appeal with long-term value. By focusing on the areas that matter most to Asheville's rental market—outdoor living spaces, modern kitchens and bathrooms, durable flooring, and thoughtful technology upgrades—you can significantly increase both tenant quality and rental income.
Remember that timing is everything. Summer is ideal for many property improvements, particularly outdoor projects. Planning these upgrades during tenant transitions minimizes disruption while maximizing impact.
If you're considering property improvements but aren't sure where to start, we invite you to schedule a free property evaluation with our experienced team. We'll help you identify the specific improvements that will deliver the best returns for your unique property.
Contact Asheville Phoenix Properties today through our website or by calling (828) 771-2390 to learn more about how we can help maximize your rental property's potential.