A good rental apartment doesn’t have to be luxurious — the key is to create that instant “I could live here” feeling. The right upgrades and design choices can raise rental value by 10–30% without exceeding a reasonable budget. Consult your real estate agent as well — especially if you plan to use property management services. You’ll likely get free, experience-based tips that come straight from real-life rental cases.
🎨 1. Fresh surfaces and a neutral color palette
Light-colored walls and clean finishes make any space feel brighter and larger — and look better in photos.
Avoid overly dark or bright walls, as they can limit potential tenants who want to match their own furniture and style.
→ ROI impact: A small refresh (200–500 €) can raise rent by 50–100 €/month.
🌿 Natural and durable materials
Use natural materials – wood, stone, lime-based paint, and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) coatings. These are safer for tenants and the environment and last much longer.
🪵 Practical tips:
- Write down the exact color codes you used (e.g., Tikkurila, Vivacolor) so you can easily fix small damages without repainting an entire wall.
- Buy extra flooring (1–2 m²) — the same tone or batch might not be available later.
- Choose click-parquet or LVT flooring, where single boards can be replaced if needed.
💡 2. Lighting and mirrors
A well-lit apartment always feels more spacious and inviting.
Add LED lights under kitchen cabinets, warm-toned floor lamps, and a mirror in the hallway or living room to enhance the sense of space.
→ Small investment (150–300 €) can create a strong “wow effect” in listing photos.
🪑 3. Furniture and functionality
Tenants value fully furnished but uncluttered apartments.
Add smart solutions: a sofa bed for guests, a foldable table, or built-in storage.
Avoid cheap-looking furniture — it reduces trust and gives the impression of poor maintenance.
Brokerly tip: A combination of IKEA, JYSK, and Mööblimaja + a quality mattress = maximum tenant satisfaction.
🌿 4. Details that create emotion
Plants, minimalist framed art, wall clocks, and new curtains add warmth and personality.
Such details make your listing photos stand out on portals like KV.ee or City24.
🚿 5. Kitchen and bathroom updates
A new faucet, illuminated mirror, refreshed silicone in the shower area, or a new countertop — small changes with big visual impact.
If your budget allows, create a “new development look” with integrated appliances, a clean white backsplash, and a modern work surface.
→ ROI impact: Can raise rent by 50–150 €/month depending on the area.
🔇 6. Soundproofing and insulation
High-quality windows, door seals, and thick curtains improve comfort.
A tenant who sleeps well and doesn’t hear street noise is much more likely to stay long-term.
🔑 7. Smart add-ons
- Smart locks (PIN code or app control)
- Smart thermostats and remote heating control
- USB outlets and a dedicated workspace for home office
These are already standard in 2025, not luxury extras.
📈 8. Real market examples
| Apartment | Investment in upgrades | Rent before | Rent after | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volta loft 35 m² | 900 € (lighting, kitchen, furnishing) | 620 € | 750 € | +21 % |
| Kristiine 2-room | 400 € (paint, textiles, plants) | 580 € | 640 € | +10 % |
| Nõmme townhouse unit | 1 200 € (lighting, furniture, terrace) | 950 € | 1 150 € | +21 % |
🧭 9. Brokerly recommendation
Before investing, know your target group:
- Renting to foreigners → bright, modern, and neutral design.
- Local family → practicality and good ventilation.
- Short-term rental (Airbnb) → emotion and photogenic appeal are key.
