Upgrading your Brunswick West investment property before leasing in 2026 can yield a significantly higher rent and better long-term tenants—if upgrades are market appropriate. Start by comparing your home/unit to the 2026 median rent and weekly leasing times for Brunswick West properties of similar size and era. Prioritise kitchen and bathroom touch-ups—replacing benchtops, cabinet fronts, tapware, and installing modern energy-efficient appliances bring the strongest ROI. Paint with fresh, neutral colour schemes and consider hybrid flooring over carpet in high-traffic areas. Security and air-conditioning are high-conversion features for modern tenants. Lighting matters: replace old fittings with LED and ensure every room feels bright. Landscaping front and rear for low-maintenance and safe outdoor areas (especially valuable for young families or pets). Furnished offerings or fast NBN may appeal in the current rental market. Avoid over-capitalising: your agent can show exactly which upgrades drive a measurable rent premium in Brunswick West—use their data, not just gut. For a property-specific rental optimisation checklist, [contact Collings.](https://www.collings.com.au/contact/)