1

I have a house that I need to rent out but it's old and completely run-down.
The house will be demolished in a year or two when the owner is ready to develop the land.

What buzz words or phrases can I use that describe something old/bad/derelict but in a positive light? I don't want to lie but I don't want to advertise it as a s#!t hole either, haha.

Things like "A house with character"

4
  • 2
    "Not in an active volcano zone" might be viewed as a positive.
    – Sven Yargs
    Commented Feb 4, 2015 at 4:20
  • 3
    "Beats camping on the freeway"; "Would appeal to mycologists"; "Conveniently located near multiple street corners".
    – Erik Kowal
    Commented Feb 4, 2015 at 6:01
  • "Fixer-upper" is, as far as I know, the standard. It covers a wide range of sins, from basically sound but needing a complete remodeling, to something best served by demolition. Commented Feb 4, 2015 at 20:48
  • Unfortunately, "fixer-upper" has almost no appeal to a renter. If the advertisement were for a buyer, you might say "Perfectly sound, usable lot for sale; included structure should come down easily."
    – Sven Yargs
    Commented Feb 5, 2015 at 3:17

3 Answers 3

5

It's not small and rundown- it's a compact charmer.

It's not in a bad neighborhood- it's in interesting surroundings.

It's not old and out of style- it's a vintage structure with period appeal.

It doesn't have inadequate electrical power and bad pipes- it has preserved traditional features.

It doesn't have inadequate security- it has an inviting presence.

It doesn't have leaky windows and doors- it has an airy and open feel.

It doesn't have a dirt front yard with a car up on blocks- it has low-maintenance landscaping.

There are probably more, but maybe that will get you started.

1
  • It ain't infested with fleas, it's pet friendly. The roof doesn't leak, it's includes some utilities. It's not lead paint, it's a sweet paint job. It's not no heat, it's energy efficient. It's not a deathtrap, It's offers life-altering experiences. It's not a lie, when someone believes it. Commented Feb 4, 2015 at 12:28
2

Still standing is a half-full glass truth.

0

If the house were on sale you could use the following sugar-coated expressions:

  • With the right tender love and care this charming [year] home will spring back to life.

  • Now this is a home with lots of potential.

  • A house that allows you the freedom and creativity to do anything you want.

But the property needs to be rented, so I would emphasize the aspects which might sway someone to live there. The cheap rent; the facilities nearby, e.g train station, schools, hospitals, parks; the number of bedrooms; the low rent; the vicinity to the city centre; the friendly neighbourhood; the affordable rent; a spotless home in need of a few repairs; the ridiculously low rent...

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .