How to write a listing description that gets inquiries
The 100 to 150 word template that works for Irish rental listings, what adjectives to drop, and a real before-and-after.
For landlords17 May 20265 min read
A good listing description is short, factual, and answers the questions a renter is actually asking. A bad one is full of adjectives ("stunning", "must-see", "luxurious") that real estate agents have trained renters to skim past.
Here's how to write the first kind in 5 minutes.
What renters actually want to know
When a renter clicks into a listing, they're triaging in seconds. The questions they're trying to answer, roughly in order:
- Where exactly is this? (neighbourhood, nearest landmark, walk to transport)
- What's in it? (kitchen, bathrooms, white goods, furniture status)
- What's included in the rent? (bills, broadband, parking)
- When can I move in?
- What's the catch? (pet policy, lease length, deposit)
- Is it nice? (the vibe question, where photos do most of the work)
A good description answers 1-5 in order. The vibe sells itself if the photos are decent.
The 100 to 150 word template
A [bedroom count]-bed [property type] in [neighbourhood],
[X] minutes' walk from [the nearest transport / shop / school].
The kitchen is [fitted with X / shared / etc.] and opens onto
a [south-facing / sunny / cosy] [living room / dining area].
The [main / both] bedroom[s] [is/are] double[s] with built-in
wardrobes. The bathroom has a [shower / bath / both] and is
[recently renovated / well-maintained].
Bills [are / are not] included. Broadband [is / not] provided.
[Parking available / Off-street parking / Street parking only].
Pets [welcome / considered / not permitted].
Available from [date]. [12 / 24]-month lease minimum.
RTB-registered. BER [rating].