Lodgify
Property Management

What are Cosmetic Upgrades?

Updated 2026-07-23

Cosmetic upgrades are surface-level, non-structural improvements made to a vacation rental property to enhance its aesthetic appeal and attract guests. Unlike major renovations, they do not involve altering the property's layout or structure.

The primary goal is to refresh the look and feel of a space, making it appear more modern, clean, and inviting in listing photos and in person. Common examples include painting, updating fixtures, and replacing textiles.

These changes are typically lower in cost and can be completed quickly, minimizing property downtime.

Join the Lodgify newsletter

Once a month, get free templates, expert tips for hosts, industry news, webinar invitations, and more.

How it works

Property managers typically begin by conducting a walkthrough to identify dated or worn elements with high visual impact, such as scuffed walls, old faucets, or tired bedding. They then prioritize upgrades based on a budget and potential return on investment (ROI).

The work is often scheduled during the off-season or in short blocks between guest check-outs to avoid lost revenue. The focus is on changes that do not require building permits, such as painting, swapping hardware, or professional staging, allowing for a rapid and cost-effective transformation.

Why it matters

For property managers, cosmetic upgrades are a crucial tool for maintaining a competitive edge. They directly impact a property's marketability by improving listing photos, which are often the first impression for potential guests.

These enhancements can justify higher nightly rates, attract more bookings, and lead to better reviews that mention the property's cleanliness and style. Regular cosmetic refreshes help prevent a property from looking dated and can significantly boost its revenue potential.

Examples

  • Repainting walls with a fresh, neutral color from a brand like Benjamin Moore or Behr.
  • Replacing outdated brass doorknobs, cabinet pulls, and light fixtures with modern brushed nickel or matte black hardware.
  • Updating soft furnishings like curtains, throw pillows, bedding, and area rugs to match a contemporary design theme.
  • Adding decorative elements such as large mirrors to make a space feel bigger, curated wall art, or low-maintenance artificial plants.
  • Refinishing hardwood floors or performing a deep clean on carpets and tile grout to remove signs of wear and tear.

Frequently asked questions

How are cosmetic upgrades different from capital improvements?+
Cosmetic upgrades are aesthetic, surface-level changes like painting or new fixtures, intended to refresh a property's look. Capital improvements are significant, structural changes that add substantial value or extend the property's life, such as a new roof or a full kitchen remodel. Capital improvements are more expensive, take longer, and often have different tax implications than lower-cost cosmetic work. More details on improvements can be found on the Lodgify blog.
What cosmetic upgrades offer the best return on investment (ROI) for a vacation rental?+
The highest ROI upgrades are typically low-cost, high-impact changes. A fresh coat of neutral paint is almost always the top recommendation, as it makes a space feel clean and new. Updating light fixtures and hardware (faucets, cabinet pulls) provides a modern touch for a small investment. Finally, new, stylish textiles like bedding and curtains can dramatically change a room's feel and photograph well for listings.
How often should I perform cosmetic upgrades on my property?+
A good practice is to budget for minor cosmetic refreshes every 2-3 years to keep the property looking current and address normal wear and tear. High-traffic properties may require more frequent updates, especially for items like paint touch-ups and textiles. It's also wise to perform a thorough review annually to identify any elements that look dated or worn out compared to competing listings in your market.
Keep reading

Related terms

Reporting

Return on Investment (ROI)

Return on Investment (ROI) is a key performance indicator used in the vacation rental industry to measure the profitability of an investment relative to its…

Read
Property Management

Airport Transfer

An airport transfer is a pre-arranged transportation service for guests between an airport and a vacation rental property. It is offered as an ancillary…

Read
Property Management

Back-to-Back Booking

A back-to-back booking is a reservation schedule where a new guest checks in on the same day that the previous guest checks out. This strategy maximizes a…

Read
Property Management

Blackout Date

A blackout date is a specific day or range of days that a property owner or manager intentionally makes unavailable for booking, typically for personal use…

Read
Stay in the loop

Join the Lodgify newsletter.

Once a month, get free templates, expert tips for hosts, industry news, webinar invitations, and more — straight to your inbox.

One email a month. Unsubscribe anytime.