What Tenants Value Visually

Sean McMahon
Nov 25, 2025
4 min read

Walk into any Edinburgh rental viewing today and you’ll notice something subtle but unmistakable: tenants aren’t just looking at space anymore — they’re reading it.

In a world shaped by Instagram interiors, Pinterest boards, and endless “house tours,” tenants have become highly visual decision-makers. And their expectations have changed dramatically, especially in neighbourhoods like Leith EH6 and EH7, South Queensferry EH30 and Linlithgow EH49, where modern living meets strong demand.

So, what exactly are tenants looking at? What makes them say, “This is the one” — or “let’s keep looking”?

Let’s explore.

⭐ “The first few seconds decide everything.”

A tenant recently told me during a viewing:

“I know within three seconds whether I like a place. It’s a vibe — you feel it immediately.”

She’s right.

A tenant’s initial impression is formed before they inspect storage, check water pressure or ask about bills. Visual triggers shape the emotional response — and renters are increasingly making choices based on how a property feels rather than simply how it functions.

Here’s what consistently ranks at the top of the visual priority list.

A light and well presented apartment located just off Leith Walk, EH6

1. Light, Space & Openness

Lighting is the most powerful visual element in a rental property.

Tenants notice:

✔ Brightness

✔ Window size

✔ Sun orientation

✔ Whether rooms feel open or cramped

A young professional in Leith summed it up perfectly:

“I can’t do dark tenements anymore. Natural light is non-negotiable now.”

Even in smaller Edinburgh flats, lifting the visual sense of space can be achieved with:

— Lighter wall colours

— Minimal window coverings

— Mirrors

— Simple, uncluttered photography

2. Kitchens That Photograph Well

Tenants increasingly ask:

“Does it look clean? Modern? Bright?”

They’re not always asking about expensive appliances — they’re responding to the visuals.

Top visual triggers:

✔ White or neutral cabinets

✔ Clean worktops

✔ Stainless steel or black appliances

✔ Strong lighting

✔ Updated taps

One long-term renter told me:

“The kitchen doesn’t need to be new — just clean, simple and not from 1987.”

A fresh door handle or splashback can transform the impression instantly.

3. Bathrooms That Feel Crisp, Not Tired

Tenants don’t expect spa-level luxury — but they do expect a bathroom to look fresh.

The most valued visual cues:

✔ No visible mould

✔ White grout

✔ Fresh silicone

✔ Clean shower screens

✔ Modern mirrors

A renter in South Queensferry explained:

“It’s always the bathroom that tells you how a landlord looks after the place.”

Aesthetic maintenance signals good overall care.

4. Flooring That Doesn’t Date the Home

Floors are often overlooked by landlords — but highly scrutinised by tenants.

Key preferences:

✔ Wood or wood-effect flooring

✔ Neutral carpets in bedrooms

✔ No stains, marks or mismatched patches

A prospective tenant looking at moving to EH7 put it simply:

“If the carpets look old, I assume everything else will be too.”

Tenants link visual freshness with quality and comfort.

5. Modern, Neutral Décor

Tenants value properties that feel move-in ready — visually simple and easy to personalise.

Winning aesthetics include:

✔ Soft white or warm neutrals

✔ Minimal furnishings

✔ Matching light shades

✔ No patterned wallpaper from a bygone era

A young couple relocating to Edinburgh said:

“We want the space to feel like a blank canvas. Let us make it ours.”

Neutrality = versatility.

6. Storage That Looks Practical

Even storage has visual appeal now.

Tenants look for:

✔ Built-in wardrobes

✔ Hall cupboards

✔ Shelving

✔ Utility space

It’s not just the presence of storage — it’s how simple and integrated it looks.

7. Kerb Appeal Matters More Than Ever

Front doors, communal hallways, external lighting — all set expectations before the viewing begins.

In Leith EH6 and EH7 especially, traditional tenements sometimes suffer visually from communal areas that haven’t been refreshed.

A tenant recently said:

“If the stairwell looks rough, I immediately think the flat will too.”

A small investment in communal visual upkeep can dramatically boost interest.

8. Photography Shapes Perception

Even when a property is beautifully maintained, poor photos instantly destroy the aesthetic value. Some landlords opt for The Property Expert's media pack which includes professional photography and video.

Tenants expect:

✔ Bright, wide-angle shots

✔ Clean lines

✔ No clutter

✔ A sense of lifestyle

Professional photography is no longer optional — it’s the first visual handshake, especially for more discerning clients.