If you’re a landlord or property investor, understanding what tenants look for in a rental property is crucial to attracting high-quality tenants and reducing vacancy periods. In 2025, rental expectations continue to evolve with lifestyle shifts, technological advances, and the growing importance of comfort, security, and convenience.
Whether you’re marketing a property for lease or planning upgrades, here are the top features tenants look for in a rental property in 2025 — and how you can use them to attract long-term, reliable renters.
1. Prime Location That Matches Lifestyle
Location remains the top priority for most renters. Tenants are looking for neighbourhoods that align with their lifestyle:
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Families prioritise proximity to top-rated schools, childcare, local parks, and safe, community-focused areas.
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Young professionals want easy access to public transport, cafes, and employment hubs.
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Retirees often look for quiet suburbs close to healthcare, shops, and recreational facilities.
2. Secure and Convenient Parking
With more multi-car households and increasing urban density, off-street parking is a non-negotiable for many tenants. Driveways, garages, or designated bays reduce stress and provide added security.
3. Ample Storage Space
Built-in wardrobes, linen cupboards, sheds, and usable garage space are highly valued. Good storage means a more functional home and appeals especially to tenants staying longer term. Tenants frequently search for: rentals with lots of storage, homes with sheds, rental properties with built-in wardrobes.
4. Strong Security Features
Tenants want to feel safe — especially families, single women, and older renters. Enhancing security with deadbolts, window locks, security screens, or alarm systems makes your rental more appealing.
5. Pet-Friendly Policies
Allowing pets can set your property apart. More than ever, renters are looking for pet-friendly rentals in Perth, and they’re willing to pay a premium for homes where pets are welcome, Adding fencing, low-maintenance yards, or pet doors can increase your property’s desirability.
6. Modern and Energy-Efficient Features
Tenants in 2025 expect more than just four walls — they want updated kitchens and bathrooms, energy-efficient appliances, and smart lighting or air-conditioning. These upgrades improve lifestyle and help tenants save on utilities.
7. Usable Outdoor Space
Even a small outdoor area can be a big drawcard. Balconies, patios, courtyards or garden beds create a space to relax, entertain, or grow veggies — especially valuable in urban settings. Add value with: simple landscaping, seating, or shaded areas.
Final Thoughts
To stand out in 2025’s competitive rental market, it’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating a home that reflects your ideal tenant’s lifestyle. By prioritising comfort, safety, and functionality, you’ll attract quality tenants, reduce vacancy, and build longer-lasting rental relationships.
For further insights into what tenants are looking for this year, check out REIWA’s article on the five most in-demand rental features or explore realestate.com.au’s guide to tenant preferences.
Looking to maximise the return on your investment property in Perth’s northern suburbs? Get in touch with Property West Real Estate—your local property management experts—or visit www.propertywestrealestate.com.au.
