How to Convert Your Annexe into a Profitable Rental Flat in Bath: Step-by-Step Guide
Turning an area of your property, like an annexe, into a rental flat is a brilliant way to bring in extra income and make the most of your home. With thoughtful design and clever planning, you can create a comfortable, inviting space that tenants will love. Whether you're looking at short stays or long-term lets, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to transform an annexe into a rental flat that tenants will love, which works beautifully for you.
Client Case Study
Working with my client on the interior design of her contemporary home in Bath, I found that it included a charming annexe perfect for hosting family and friends. But we saw the potential to transform the space into a profitable rental flat.
Design Brief: Balancing Comfort and Style for Tenants
With a vision to make it stylish, functional, and appealing to renters, we decided it was time to reimagine the space. The plan was to balance comfort and creativity while generating income from her property.
This is where I stepped in to help reimagine the space, balancing comfort with creativity to achieve her goals. I’ll take you through our design process, from layout choices to the final touches, as we create a space that perfectly aligns with my client’s style and goals.
Design Brief: Balancing Comfort and Style for Tenants
Define Your Vision - Identify your target renters, short-term or long-term. This will shape your design choices.
Set a Budget - Plan for all essential updates, from flooring to furnishings, and allocate a 10-15% buffer for unexpected costs.
Optimise Layout - Design zones within the space: a cosy living area, a comfortable sleeping space, and a kitchenette with essentials.
Focus on Lighting - Natural light is critical; layer additional lighting with ambient and task options for a warm feel.
Choose Durable Materials - Choose materials that balance style and durability for renter appeal, like luxury vinyl flooring and hard-wearing paint for a stylish, low-maintenance look.
Add Personal Touches - Use subtle accents like an accent wall, artwork, and plants to make the space inviting without overwhelming it.
Invest in Quality Furniture - Multi-functional pieces like a sofa bed or storage ottomans maximise space and convenience. Consider a desk for working from home and accent chairs to offer different relaxing areas.
Include Essential Amenities - Equip the flat with Wi-Fi, basic appliances, and reliable heating/cooling for renter comfort.
Go sustainable - Opt for energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and, where possible, sustainable and repurposed furnishings.
By following these steps, you’ll create a space that's attractive to tenants and ready to start generating income.
Colour & Style Planning - Many property owners choose neutral colours, thinking it's the safest rental choice. But with the right harmonious palette, you can bring in colours that feel both welcoming and homely, creating a space that stands out.
Materials and furniture choices
Durable, Easy-Care Fabrics: Choose practical materials like Easy clean treated velvet or cotton that can be easily cleaned for longevity.
Inviting Touches: A large, soft rug and oversized patterned cushions can bring warmth and make larger rooms feel cosy.
Shop our link here for all the products we bought for the rental.
Managing the design renovation
My client also wanted help managing the renovation, so I tapped into my network of reliable professionals, including carpenters, painters, plasterers, builders, plumbers, and electricians, all of whom would be needed on this project.
I managed the project, directly communicating with the tradesmen and supervising their work. This eliminated the stress of searching for and coordinating contractors. The client, who lived in the main house during the renovation, felt completely comfortable, knowing that capable hands were overseeing the project, ensuring a high finish standard and that it would all happen by the target completion date.tion
The finished results
In My client’s words
"Lola was absolutely brilliant in helping me prepare my annexe apartment to become a rental. She transformed a bland space into a cosy, colourful place that was quickly rented out! Lola handled every detail, making swift, confident decisions while keeping within my budget. Her communication was always clear, making the whole process smooth and straightforward. I'm thrilled with the outcome!"
Jo, Bath
Is this for you?
Whether you're tackling a full renovation or just trying to make one room work better, the right support can make all the difference. Look at my interior design services to see how we can reimagine your space together.
