In an increasingly competitive property market, landlords and investors often find themselves debating whether to list a rental property as furnished or unfurnished. While furnishing a property can involve a higher initial investment, the long-term rewards are often substantial. From appealing to a broader pool of tenants to justifying higher rental rates, offering a furnished property can set you apart and play a pivotal role in expanding your property investment portfolio. Below, we break down why opting for a furnished rental can be a game-changer and how to make it work for you.
1. Furnished or Unfurnished: Expanding Your Tenant Base
One of the most compelling benefits of listing your rental as furnished is the ability to appeal to a wider range of potential tenants, including:
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Young Professionals: Many are in the early stages of their careers and may not own much furniture. Moving into a fully furnished space saves them the hassle and cost of purchasing or moving large items.
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Students: Often working with tight budgets and busy schedules, students appreciate a ready to move into property that eliminates the need to buy or store furniture.
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International Tenants: People relocating from overseas value the convenience of a turnkey home, as shipping or sourcing furniture can be both expensive and time-consuming.
By choosing to offer furnished over unfurnished, you provide a solution that caters to various demographics looking for a convenient living arrangement, helping you fill vacancies more quickly.
2. Maximising Online Visibility and Click-Through Rates
In a saturated online marketplace, capturing attention is a major challenge. Furnished properties tend to stand out more, thanks to:
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Striking Photos: Furnished listings typically feature inviting images showcasing homely interiors, making it easier for potential tenants to visualise themselves in the space. Empty rooms, by contrast, can appear unappealing.
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Higher Engagement: Eye-catching images and clear descriptions of amenities lead to more clicks and enquiries, increasing your chances of securing reliable tenants.
By highlighting whether or not your property is furnished or unfurnished, and showcasing the furnished option with engaging photos, you’re more likely to attract people who are actively seeking a furnished property.
Take, for example, one of our most recent lettings in which we had help from Loft who provided an L shaped couch, table and chairs, wardrobes and beds.
3. Charging Higher Rental Rates
When questioning if you should put your property on the market furnished or unfurnished, it would be worth bearing in mind that a fully furnished property often justifies a higher monthly rent. Tenants appreciate the convenience of not having to buy or move furniture, and many are willing to pay a premium for this benefit. This pricing strategy can:
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Offset Upfront Costs: Although furnishing a property does require an initial investment, the higher rental income can help recoup these expenses over time.
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Provide Financial Security: Increased rental revenue can act as a buffer against unexpected costs like repairs, maintenance, or vacancies, ultimately protecting your bottom line.
4. Invest in Durable, High-Quality Furniture
A key decision point when choosing between furnished or unfurnished is the type of furniture you offer. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper pieces, investing in high-quality items can deliver multiple advantages:
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Reduced Maintenance: Low-grade furniture often needs frequent repairs or early replacements, leading to higher ongoing costs.
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Enhanced Aesthetic: Quality furniture elevates the look and feel of your property, attracting tenants who place a premium on style and comfort. This makes it easier to command higher rental rates and encourages longer tenancies.
Over the long run, well-crafted furniture can reduce hassles, improve tenant satisfaction, and help maintain a steady rental income.
5. Creating a Homely Atmosphere
A significant selling point of a furnished property is how easily it can feel like home from day one. When prospective tenants step into a space that’s already comfortable and welcoming:
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Emotional Appeal: They can immediately picture themselves living there, often leading to faster decision-making.
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Convenience Factor: Eliminating the need to purchase, transport, or assemble furniture is highly attractive, especially for those with tight schedules or complex relocations.
Carefully selected décor and cohesive colour schemes can further position your rental as a premium listing, appealing to renters who place value on both style and practicality.
Conclusion
In a constantly evolving rental market, an unfurnished property can sometimes be overlooked in favour of more convenient, move-in-ready options. By choosing a furnished rental, you open the door to a broader tenant base, benefit from increased online visibility, and have the potential to command higher monthly rents. Although furnishing a property requires an upfront investment, the prospect of a stronger bottom line and satisfied, long-term tenants makes this approach a highly appealing choice.
If your goal is to stand out in a crowded market and grow your property portfolio, embracing the furnished model could be the strategic move you need. With thoughtful furniture selections and inviting design, your property can become a top contender among discerning renters—securing consistent income and a profitable, sustainable investment for years to come.
If you’re interested in turning your property into a furnished property you can contact our partners, Loft, who specialise in providing furnishings and furniture to landlords, properties and commercial spaces.
If you’d like to learn more ways to improve your rental income, take a look at our blog: 10 Ways Landlords Can Maximise Their Rental Income.
