Rental Property Revamp for Better Tenants and Higher Returns

Project Overview

Frances and Mike Clayton managed a comprehensive upgrade of a rental property in Greenlane. The client, based offshore, required a team that could not only carry out the upgrade but also oversee the entire project from start to finish with minimal involvement on their part.

To improve tenant appeal and boost rental returns, the project encompassed interior and exterior improvements, a kitchen layout overhaul, electrical upgrades, and Healthy Homes compliance. The result? A refreshed and functional home ready to attract high-quality tenants.

Major Challenges

Working on an older bungalow always brings the potential for hidden surprises. In this case, rot was discovered during the strip-out process, but these issues were managed without impacting the overall timeline, thanks to proactive communication and contingency planning.

Another challenge was maintaining goodwill with neighbours due to the occasional evening work required. The team handled this diplomatically, introducing themselves immediately and providing direct contact details to swiftly address any concerns, ensuring the project ran smoothly and respectfully within the community.

Design Highlights

The property’s transformation was practical, aesthetic, and future-focused. Key highlights included:

• An entirely revamped kitchen with a reworked layout, splashback, and new appliances, significantly improving functionality.
• Fresh coats of paint inside and out, including roof coating, significantly uplifted the home’s street appeal.
• Floor sanding and varnishing, new carpets, and refreshed roller blinds in the bedrooms delivered a clean and modern interior finish.
• New fencing in the front yard, creating a secure area for families with children or pets.
• Upgraded heating and safety features with a heat pump, new smoke alarms, and a house alarm system.

Project Execution

Project management was led by Mike Clayton, who oversaw every detail. No council consent was required, enabling a faster turnaround from planning to execution. Oncore Auckland Central coordinated a full team of specialists, including electricians, plumbers, kitchen designers, and painters, to complete the work efficiently.

From the initial inspection to the final walkthrough, the focus remained on quality delivery with minimal disruption. Interior spaces were made Healthy Homes compliant, the laundry was stripped and re-fitted, and the old fireplace was removed to create more usable space. The infinity gas unit was serviced and repositioned for optimal access.

A fascinating discovery was made during ceiling cavity works: a tattered 1939 copy of the Auckland Herald referencing the Commonwealth’s entry into the war. Though fragile, the find added a unique historical moment to an otherwise contemporary project.

Key Trades Involved

To deliver a well-rounded upgrade across both interior and exterior elements, a wide range of skilled professionals were engaged throughout the project:

• Roofers
• Builders
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Painters
• Kitchen Designers & Installers
• Tilers
• Locksmiths
• Carpet Layers
• Blind Cleaners
• Cleaners

Client Feedback

Although the client remained offshore throughout the project, regular updates and consistent communication ensured complete transparency. The ability to trust the Oncore Auckland Central team with end-to-end delivery was a significant win for the client, who appreciated the hassle-free experience and attention to detail.

Final Thoughts

This Greenlane rental property is now a modern, secure, and appealing home fit for high-quality tenants. Managed expertly by Frances and Mike Clayton of Oncore Auckland Central, the project met all its goals on time and within budget. The improvements increased the home’s rental potential and preserved its charm and structural integrity.

Whether you want to upgrade an investment property or simply bring an older home up to modern standards, the Oncore Auckland Central team is ready to guide you every step of the way.