Part II: Is Furnishing Your Rental Property a Waste of Money?

Unfurnished living space in a London flat with large windows, showing the potential for a professional transformation

Welcome back to Part II of our series. In Part I, we examined why furnished homes outperform unfurnished ones. Now, we’ll get into the practical side of furnishing and tackle some of the most common questions landlords ask.

Dining area of a London rental flat before professional furnishing, highlighting the need for efficient use of space

Multiply Your ROI with Strategic Refurbs

When a £5K Kitchen Refit Pays You Back in 14 Months

As a landlord, it’s important that you understand which areas of your property need focus and upgrades that tenants value most. A remodelled kitchen, an updated bathroom, or even a smart layout can change how your property looks, so focusing on targeted improvements and pairing them with professional furnishings makes a big difference in your rental income.

For example, if you invest £5,000 in a kitchen upgrade, it can result in an additional £350 in monthly rent, allowing you to recover this expense in just 14 months and enjoy an 84% annual return on investment, while also futureproofing your property for future rentals.

A professional stylist makes a bed in a London flat, demonstrating the high-quality finishing touches of staging

Picking the Perfect Package

Selecting the right furnishing package helps you keep your investment in check and in line with the return you expect. Consider the following factors when selecting the perfect furnishing package for your property:

Dos:

  • Research your target tenant market.
  • Understand your property’s layout.
  • Ensure colour and accessories work cohesively.

Don’ts:

  • Compromise on key furnishings like beds, sofas, and storage, as well as their durability.
  • Get stuck following a trend.
  • Undermine the importance of lighting or window dressing.

Check out which package is right for you.

Close-up of decorative pillows on a sofa, showing how professional furnishing adds style to a London flat

Tailored Design for Your Tenant

The July 2025 English Housing Survey indicates that the largest demographic of private renters in 2022-23 is individuals aged 25-34, who make up 30% of the sector – it includes young professionals, students, corporate workers, and young families.

Professionals and students prioritise social spaces, flexible arrangements, and technological integration that support their work-from-home requirements.

Families seek spaces that provide safety, durability, ample storage solutions, and comfort suitable for family life.
Short-term guests in Airbnb rentals prefer picture-perfect aesthetics, absolute comfort, and thoughtful amenities that add value to their short stays.

Modern furnished living room in a London flat with city views, showcasing a professional furnishing package.

Ready to Transform Your Rental Returns?

Book your free furnishing consultation to learn more about how our expert services help your property.

Author Image

Associate Director

Author: Mark Parry

After spending several years garnering experience in the retail and real estate business, I joined InStyle Direct in 2013 and have thoroughly enjoyed my work here. As an Associate Director, I assist a diverse group of clients. Whether it is a private homeowner looking for a completely bespoke furnishing solution or a leading developer or estate agent looking to dress properties to meet business objectives, I have worked with all of them. Customer care is an essential part of my role. The ability to gauge client requirements and suggest a tailored solution is a skill I've honed after working on over 500 projects across more than a decade at this company. Another aspect of my work that keeps me motivated is the opportunity to collaborate with talented designers and cutting-edge suppliers worldwide. I guess bringing ideas to life is as stimulating for a property furnishing professional as it is rewarding for our clients. The sheer excitement in a client's voice and expression upon seeing a completely transformed property is priceless and something I strive for on every project I undertake. However, I do have interests outside of design and furnishing as well. When not drafting a client proposal or meeting with designers, I try honing my horse-riding skills or taking a spin class to keep fit. Football and travelling with my family are other passions that keep me going. In my experience as a property furnishing expert with InStyle Direct, I've had the privilege of contributing to several client successes that I'd like to share with you. From exciting results delivered to clients to the furnishing, interior design and refurbishment stories behind them, stay tuned for more.

Read more

Read less

FAQs:

Of course. InStyle Direct specialises in strategic furniture solutions for rental properties. Our packages are practical, convenient, and tailored to the size and specifications of your property, as well as the level of rent you aim to achieve.
Every property has specific needs. It comes down to the target tenant profile, your property’s design and style, and personal preferences. Our project managers and designers guide you through these enquiries and recommend packages tailored to your specific needs.
Our usual lead time is one to two weeks, but if you require a shorter turnaround, we can get everything done in just 24 to 48* hours (depending on stock availability), without cutting corners on style or quality.
Absolutely. We provide comprehensive remote support for overseas landlords, investors, and homeowners; from the initial consultations to the final touches, we handle everything in your local time zone and language.

Get in Touch

    Please select atleast one.
    What is 3 + 9 ? Refresh icon

    Our Brochures

    broucher

    Core Brochure

    Core Brochure

    DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
    broucher

    Guide for Developers

    Guide for Developers

    DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
    broucher

    Furniture Packages

    Furniture Packages

    DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
    broucher

    Ani M Interiors

    Ani M Interiors

    DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
    broucher

    Dressed for Success

    Dressed for Success

    DOWNLOAD BROCHURE