Data from Zillow and Thumbtack show the projects that personalize a rental for less than 1 dollar,000

SEATTLE, 28 August 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Millennials and Gen Z adults who can’t afford to own a home are renting longer, leading many to look for ways to personalize their not-so-temporary living space. New data from Zillow¹ and thumbtack² notes that there are affordable, non-permanent improvements that allow tenants to customize their space and increase value for their landlord.

Certain features of a home can contribute to more views, saves and shares per day when a home is listed on Zillow Rentals®, the most visited rental network³This makes many of these projects a win-win situation for landlords and tenants alike. They also usually cost less than 1,000 US dollarsbased on nationwide average cost estimates from Thumbtack, the technology company that helps millions of people confidently maintain and improve their homes.

“There are so many improvements that are both beneficial to a landlord and allow renters to make their spaces more livable,” says Emily McDonald, rental trends expert at Zillow. “However, before making any major changes, renters should always review their lease and check with their landlord. If a renter can demonstrate how the improvements will improve functionality or style, they are more likely to go along with it. In some cases, a landlord may be willing to share the cost if a renter hires a professional to do the work and is willing to manage the project themselves.”

Here are seven renter-friendly home improvement projects you should consider:

Replacing cabinet fittings: Changing out cabinet hardware is one of the easiest ways to give a kitchen or bathroom a more modern look. Choose half-circle, grooved or curved hardware for a fresh feel.

As for color, matte black finishes can modernize a space and help make a rental offer 25% saves more and 49% more shares per day on Zillow Rentals. The cost of updating hardware or fixtures can range from $50 up to several hundred dollars, depending on the fittings and the number of parts replaced.

Add open shelves: According to Zillow® research, rentals with open shelves 36% more savings per day on Zillow Rentals than similar units. With a national average price of $275 When professionally installed, open shelving allows renters to display personal memorabilia, artwork or books without adding bulky furniture that takes up valuable space.

Become a plant parent: Plants can improve the air quality in a home and promote a renter’s mental and physical health. A small herb garden is ideal for an amateur chef, a hanging eucalyptus plant can transform a shower into a spa, and succulents or cacti can add low-maintenance greenery.

For outdoor areas, a patio garden can enhance the daily view of a rental property by 24.2% on Zillow Rentals. No patio? Try window or railing boxes to add color. Thumbtack finds that the average national cost for a window box 100$–$150 for professional installation and 15$–$900 for materials, depending on the type purchased.

Paint a room or add an accent wall: Landlords often allow their tenants to paint their walls if they agree to paint them again before they move out. The right color can make a dramatic impression and increase value. According to Zillow’s latest research to the paint colors.

“Gen Z shows a preference for bold, dark colors, which represents a departure from more traditional color schemes,” said Rafael Rodriguez, a Thumbtack Pro and owner of Dambrak painting. “Unlike previous generations, who typically used semi-gloss white for trim and matte white for ceilings, many Gen Z renters are choosing to paint both walls and trim the same, often dark, color and paint ceilings in varying shades of off-white or other colors for a more unified look.”

Demand for interior painting has increased 18% year after year on Thumbtack. The national average cost to paint a room is $324–1,620 USD. Homes with higher ceilings and larger walls tend to cost more to paint, leading many renters to opt for accent walls instead. Painting of any kind can pay off. Freshly painted walls help a rental offer, 14% saves more and 17% more shares per day on Zillow Rentals.

Upgrade lighting: New lighting fixtures can instantly change the mood of a room and save money. LED lamps and lights are up to 90% more efficient.

App-controlled smart lights can change color and brightness depending on the time of day. Smart lights can increase daily savings by 22% and daily shares of 35% on Zillow Rentals. Thumbtack finds that the average cost of installing lighting is about $150 However, it depends on the number and type of devices installed.

Hanging a mirror: Wavy, round and curved mirrors are on trend and make a room appear larger and brighter. Hanging a mirror is a relatively simple DIY project, and savvy shoppers can snag a great vintage find for under $100. 100$. For a more dramatic effect that visually expands a room, consider a mirrored wall. Rental apartments with a mirrored wall get an additional 10% more saves and shares per day on Zillow Rentals.

Choose peel and stick: Tenants have adopted temporary wallpaper for a custom look with no obligations. Wallpaper installations are available on Thumbtack 10.1% year after year. Removable wallpaper is generally more expensive than paint and can be difficult to install. Hire a professional and expect $300 To $450 on average for installation.

Remember, peel and stick is no longer just for walls. Temporary splashback applications are also on trend, as are self-adhesive floor tiles or stickers.

“We’re seeing Gen Z take advantage of renter-friendly improvements to make their space unique – whether through eye-catching lighting upgrades, finishes or eclectic decor,” said Morgan Olsen, design expert at Thumbtack. “Being a renter doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the character of your space, and budget-conscious options can still have a big impact on how your space feels and looks.”

About Zillow Group
Zillow Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: Z and ZG) is reinventing real estate to make homeownership accessible to more and more people. As the most visited real estate website in the United StatesZillow and its partner companies help people find and get their dream home by providing digital solutions, dedicated partners and agents, and simpler buying, selling, financing and renting experiences.

Zillow Group partners, subsidiaries and brands include Zillow®, Zillow Premier Agent®, Zillow Home Loans℠, Trulia®, Out East®, StreetEasy®, HotPads®, ShowingTime+℠, Spruce® and Follow Up Boss®.

All trademarks contained herein are the property of MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow subsidiary. Zillow Home Loans, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #10287 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). © 20234 MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow affiliate.

About Thumbtack
Was Thumbtacka technology company that helps millions of people confidently maintain and improve their homes. Our homeowners receive personalized guidance on what to do, when to do it, and who to hire from our growing community of 300,000 local service providers. Every day in every county in the USPeople turn to Thumbtack for small repairs, routine maintenance, and major improvements. With over 11 million 5-star projects and counting, we empower homeowners to take control and local businesses to grow. Accomplish more with Thumbtack.

¹ This analysis used listing data from nearly 5.6 million homes listed for rent between June 2023 and May 2024 for which complete data was available. This analysis used multiple regression comparing the views, saves, and shares of homes during their active listing period with their home type, region, month listed, rental price and rent per square foot, and the presence or absence of 226 features mentioned in listing descriptions. For more information on the methodology, contact [email protected].
² Tenant-friendly projects come from Thumbtack’s list of recommended projects for tenants that do not require demolition or permanent changes. All year-over-year comparison data is based on insights from Thumbtack projects in June 2023 through August 2024. Pricing data is based on nationwide average cost estimates and ranges using data provided by either Thumbtack pros or third-party research. Actual pricing may vary by city and supply. Consult a pro for accurate pricing information.
³ Comscore Media Metrix® Multi-Platform, Custom List: Zillow Rentals, Apartments.com Network, Rent., Apartmentlist.com and Zumper inc, Total Audience, Jan-Dec 2023, US

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SOURCE: Zillow Group, Inc.