Want to know what renos and upgrades really matter to renters in 2025?
While location and price are still the top factors for renters, amenities & features are some of the top factors for renters in 2024-25.
Updating and renovating can increase your rental property’s curb appeal, your Return on Investment (ROI), and even lengthen your property’s lifespan.
So what are the best ways to invest in your rental and increase your property value — without overspending?
Here are our top 8 rental property renovations for landlords in BC, Canada.
1. Update The Kitchen
Whether it’s daily dining or socializing, renters spend a significant amount of time in the kitchen and dining area, making it a must-do renovation for discerning renters.
Here are some easy ways to make your kitchen more functional, clean, comfortable, and visually appealing:
New Countertops
Countertops are one of the first things people see when they view your unit. Make a good impression with clean, sleek, and relatively new counters.
New age materials like quartz, butcher block, and Corian make great choices for a high-end unit; they resist staining and wear, and can cost less than $3,000 to $4,000.
Quartz
- Per sq ft: $50–$100. Total: $2,000–$4,000
- Durable and highly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat
- Modern and upscale appearance, attractive to tenants
- Non-porous surface (resists bacteria and mold)
- Low maintenance; requires no sealing
- Needs sturdy cabinetry for support
Laminate
- Per sq ft: $10–$30. Total: $400–$1,200
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including realistic stone and wood lookalikes
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Prone to scratches, burns, and edge peeling over time
Butcher Block (Wood)
- Per sq ft: $30–$60. Total: $1,200–$2,400
- Warm, natural look that adds charm
- Affordable compared to premium materials
- Can be sanded and refinished to remove scratches
- Requires regular sealing to prevent stains, warping, or bacteria buildup
Solid Surface (e.g., Corian)
- Per sq ft: $40–$80. Total: $1,600–$3,200
- Seamless design with no visible joints
- Stain-resistant and repairable if scratched
- Modern, clean aesthetic
- Susceptible to heat damage
Granite (Lower-Grade Option)
- Per sq ft: $40–$70. Total: $1,600–$2,800
- Natural stone appearance, appealing to tenants
- Durable and heat-resistant
- Adds a high-end feel to the rental property
- Requires periodic sealing to prevent stains
Tile Backsplash
Add a tile backsplash around the counters to create a modern look and make a great first impression with potential renters.
For a standard backsplash area in a kitchen of about 20 square feet:
DIY Ceramic Tile
$20–$160 for materials; installed professionally: $120–$560.
Porcelain Tile
$40–$200 for materials; installed professionally: $140–$600.
Glass Tile
$100–$500 for materials; installed professionally: $200–$900.
Professional installation typically adds $10–$15 per square foot to material costs, depending on labor rates and design complexity.
Fresh Cabinetry
Sand and paint the existing cabinets to bring a new look to the space — without a complete replacement. The only costs are sandpaper, a sanding machine rental, paint, rollers, tape – and some old fashioned elbow grease.
A professional job typically costs $2,000–$6,000 depending on the kitchen size and finish quality
Modern Lighting
Add new pendant lights, under-cabinet lighting, or energy-efficient LEDs to add functionality and create ambiance.
Pendant Lights
$50–$300 per fixture, depending on style and quality.
Under-Cabinet Lighting
$20–$100 per linear foot for LED strips, or $150–$400 for professional installation.
Electrician rates in Canada range from $75–$150 per hour, with total costs between $300–$1,000 depending on the complexity.
Newer Appliances
A quality dishwasher, fridge, and stove keep tenants happy, reduce repair frequency, and can justify higher rental rates in a competitive market.
Dishwasher
$500–$1,500 for a standard unit, plus $150–$300 for installation.
Refrigerator
$800–$3,000, depending on size and features (basic vs. smart fridge).
Stove/Oven
$600–$2,500 for electric or gas models, plus $150–$400 for installation if gas lines are required.
Package Deals
Appliance bundles often cost $2,500–$5,500 for mid-range brands.
Open Shelving and Upgraded Hardware
Add open shelves for extra storage, then swap out old handles and knobs to give the kitchen a fresh and modern look — at a low cost.
Open Shelving
Materials: $15–$50 per linear foot (wood, MDF, or metal).
Professional Installation: $100–$300 per shelf, depending on size and mounting complexity.
Handles/Knobs
$2–$10 per piece for basic options; $15–$50 per piece for designer styles.
2. In-Unit Amenities
Modern in-unit amenities like AC, security, fibre, and laundry all help to increase tenant satisfaction, adding convenience, improving quality of life, and helping you reduce tenant turnover.
Here are some amenities that make or break rental decisions…
In-Unit Laundry
A washer and dryer in the unit are among the most valued amenities for renters. No laundry can be a fast dealbreaker. They eliminate the hassle of laundromats and on-site facilities, adding a level of convenience tenants are willing to pay a premium for ($50–$100/month more in rent).
$1,000–$3,000 for a stacked or side-by-side setup (mid-range models).
Air Conditioning
Comfort during summer months is a major factor in tenant satisfaction, especially in the Okanagan Valley where summer temps often reach above 35C.
Portable Units: $200–$700 per unit.
Window Units: $300–$800 per unit.
Central A/C: $3,500–$7,500, including installation.
Enhanced Security Systems
Offer tenants peace of mind with integrated security cameras, doorbell cameras, or smart alarm systems. Safety is a top priority for renters, especially in urban or high-traffic areas.
Smart Doorbell Cameras: $150–$300 per unit.
Security Cameras: $100–$500 per camera (mid-range options).
Full Smart Alarm Systems: $500–$1,500, with optional monthly monitoring ($15–$50/month).
High-Speed Internet Hookups (Fibre)
With the rise of remote work, gaming, and addictive streaming services, high-speed internet is a non-negotiable feature for most renters.
Basic Wiring for Fibre: $100–$300 per unit (depending on existing infrastructure).
3. Outdoor Living Area
An outdoor living space can make a rental property more appealing — often with a small investment.
Patios, decks, covered seating areas, or a simple gas fire pit can give your tenants a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Low-maintenance landscaping and low water plants improve the space without much upkeep.
Add some lighting to increase the charm and let your tenants feel safe and cozy in the evening.
4. Modernize the Bathroom
Bathrooms are a high-impact space where upgrades improve visual appeal and functionality — both major draws for renters.
Here are some easy ways to elevate your bathrooms with style and functionality:
Lighting That Transforms
Swap harsh, outdated lights for contemporary fixtures. Options like dimmable LED lighting or fixtures with a soft, warm glow create a spa-like ambiance, while vanity lights ensure functionality for tasks like grooming.
New Fixtures: $100–$300 per fixture.
Dimmable LED Installation: $150–$500, including electrician costs.
Luxury Mirrors
A frameless or statement mirror can make even a small bathroom feel expansive and chic. If you want a modern touch, rounded or geometric mirrors are especially on-trend for 2024-25.
Standard Frameless Mirror: $50–$150.
Statement or LED-Backlit Mirrors: $200–$600.
Installation: $50–$150.
Vanity Upgrades
Consider a sleek, wood-toned or fluted vanity, popular in natural or light finishes. Adding integrated storage enhances both style and practicality, which renters highly appreciate.
New Vanity: $400–$1,500 (depending on size and materials).
Installation: $200–$600.
Integrated Storage Features: Additional $100–$300 for customization.
Water-Efficient Fixtures
Replace older faucets and showerheads with low-flow, high-performance options. These save water without compromising pressure, appealing to environmentally conscious tenants.
Low-Flow Faucets: $50–$200 per unit.
Low-Flow Showerheads: $50–$300 for high-performance models.
Installation: $100–$300 per faucet. Shower heads are an easy DIY switch.
Spa-Like Features
For an extra edge, introduce wellness-inspired elements like rainfall showerheads, heated towel racks, or doorless walk-in showers for a seamless, modern look.
Rainfall Showerhead: $100–$500.
Heated Towel Rack: $200–$500.
5. Fresh Paint
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders.
You get a chance to cover up minor imperfections from previous tenants and clean up your property’s overall look.
Start by repainting the doors to make a great first impression. Next, work on the walls and moldings to make your property look 10 years younger.
Choose neutral colors that appeal to a wide range of renters and make it easy to imagine themselves living in the space.
Warm and cool neutrals are timeless and don’t go out of style, which helps keep your unit looking fresh and inviting.
DIY: $200–$750.
Pro: $2,400–$6,000 for walls and ceilings.
6. Durable Flooring
Flooring that lasts daily wear and tear is a must for any rental property.
Choose materials that are water-resistant, easy to clean, and durable, like vinyl plank or tile.
Both options hold up well under daily use and can be replaced or repaired as needed without major expenses.
If you operate a pet-friendly rental, hard floors are far better than carpet in preventing pet stains and odors.
7. Energy-Efficient Upgrades
With the cost of living on the rise in Canada, energy efficiency and sustainability are at the top of mind for most renters.
You can help keep utility costs down by installing LED lighting, energy-efficient windows & doors, and quality insulation that improves your building performance and keeps tenants cozy year round.
LED Lighting
Swapping out old bulbs for LEDs can reduce energy use and enable fun mood lighting with colorized bulbs.
Insulation
Good insulation keeps units warmer in winter and cooler in summer, lowers utility bills, and makes your unit comfortable to live in—year after year. Prevent drafts and energy loss by sealing gaps and installing weatherstripping around the windows & doors.
Energy-Efficient Windows
Double-pane windows save energy while reducing noise—great for tenants in busy areas or next to a highway.
Smart Thermostats
Reduce energy use when no one is home with Smart tech that schedules heating & cooling and provides data on energy consumption.
8. Create Common & Social Areas
If you own an apartment building or multi-unit investment property, consider investing into common areas to foster a sense of community that can help minimize turnover and improve your property value.
Shared amenities like gyms, co-working spaces, outdoor gazebos, and social lounges give your tenants a chance to meet other residents and make friends.
Ready to Maximize Your Investment?
Rental property upgrades that improve functionality, lower utility costs and enhance appeal can make all the difference.
By adding real value, you’ll have happy tenants, lower turnover, and a better Return on Investment (ROI) in the long-run.
Need some expert guidance?
Let’s turn your rental property into a place renters can’t wait to call home.
Contact Vantage West today to find out how we can help you get the most from your rental property investment.
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