Why Professional Furnishing is Essential for UK Property Developers

Bright furnished living room in a Riverside London flat designed to attract tenants and improve rental performance

The UK property market is challenging and competitive. As soon as a property build finishes, developers face growing pressure to sell or rent out their properties while maximising returns. Extended selling time and void periods drive cost, but professional furnishing offers a solution.

Professionally furnished dining area in a London riverside flat designed to enhance rental appeal for investors

How Does Professional Furnishing Help

Professional furnishing maximises a property’s visual appeal, which results in better listing opportunities, reduced void periods, a quicker sale turnaround, and an increased return on investment. A well-designed space helps potential buyers or tenants imagine themselves living there, turning viewings into genuine offers.

With professional furnishings, you can expect:

  • 11% faster sales
  • 14% quicker lettings
  • 8% higher sale prices
  • 21% higher rental rates
  • 24% more buyer interest
  • 27% more tenant interest
  • 9% shorter void periods

Most importantly, 94% of estate agents and 100% of developers agree that properties that are dressed up get a lot more viewings. In the UK rental market, 25% of tenants actively want furnished homes.

Elegant furnished dining space in a London riverside apartment using a full furnishing package for higher rental value

Design-Led Furnishing Approach for Developers

Professional furnishing goes beyond simply placing furniture in empty rooms. It’s about creating spaces that help people who might want to buy or rent them imagine themselves living there. The best way to do this is to know your target market, have design skills, and be able to carry out your plans quickly.

The process typically involves three stages:

  • Consultation: Understanding your goals and budget to shape the direction of the project.
  • Concept development: Creating visual mockups and planning spaces to bring the vision to life.
  • Professional installation: Swift and efficient installation that keeps the project on schedule.

Stylish London living room professionally furnished with modern decor to increase rental value for property investors

Tailored Solutions for Developers’ Every Need

Depending on the project, developers have different needs. Some need full show home interiors with bespoke design elements, while others require cost-effective furniture packages for multiple units. Offering furnished options can also boost buyer interest, and properties that include furniture are up to 87% more likely to sell, as per InStyle Direct personal data.

Communal areas are also important. Professionally designed concierge spaces and marketing suites make a good first impression and make the whole development more appealing. It ties the whole vision together with a cohesive design.

Modern London lounge professionally furnished with plants and decor to boost rental appeal for overseas landlords

Marketing Partnerships

Professional furnishing should integrate with your marketing strategy. High-quality photos and videos showcase your properties at their best, while targeted campaigns draw in buyers and investors. Some partners also organise buyer events to build community and boost engagement.

Styled London bedroom showing professional furnishing that increases rental appeal for overseas investors

Sustainability Considerations in Developer Furnishing

Modern developers also need to consider environmental impact. Look for furniture partners with zero landfill policies, active recycling programs, and low-emission delivery fleets. These practices reduce your development’s carbon footprint while appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.

In a competitive market where every day counts, professional furnishing is more than just looks and style. It is a smart investment strategy that helps your property sell more quickly and leave a lasting impression on prospective buyers and renters.

Furnished London living room showcasing InStyle Direct’s interior design for higher rental demand

Ready To Make Your Property Stand Out?

Every detail matters when it comes to making your development stand out. Our team helps you create spaces that inspire interest, drive sales, and deliver results.

Get in touch to see how professional furnishing can add real value to your next project.

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Associate Director

Author: James Mcneill

As an Associate Director with InStyle Direct, I've been with the company for the last 15 years, during which I have had the privilege of working with numerous property developers, letting agents, and private clients. Helping clients achieve the best results for their properties is what drives me. I find it very rewarding when clients get back to us saying how our furniture packs or bespoke design and refurbishment services have helped them get the desired result. Another essential part of my job, and something that I particularly enjoy, is collaborating with talented designers, artists and suppliers worldwide. These collaborations introduce me to fresh design ideas and new styles that I can suggest to clients who are always looking for unique themes that make their properties stand out. As a property furnishing expert, I understand what clients are generally looking for, and that's why I invite them for meetings at our design showrooms in Nine Elms, Chelsea and Hammersmith. This way, clients get an opportunity to view our latest designs and furniture collections, and I can directly propose solutions that best suit their vision. Apart from closing deals and furnishing homes for clients, I have a keen interest in sports and have won a few snooker and pool tournaments. Tennis, golf and swimming are a few other interests that keep me active when I'm not busy discussing design plans and project timelines. Now that you know a little about me and what I do, I would like to use this opportunity to share success stories that I've been a part of and industry insights that I've picked over my decades of experience in the furnishing and design industry.

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