Is Furnishing Your Rental Property a Waste of Money?

Furnishing your rental property is a smart and strategic way to grow your investment. Professionally furnished properties command a 15-20% higher rent compared to unfurnished ones, minimise void periods, and yield better long-term returns. Understanding a property’s layout and tenant demographics helps landlords select the right furnishing packages, which also keeps costs aligned with the returns they want to get.

If you own a rental property in the UK, you likely have many responsibilities to juggle, from finances and marketing to handling tenant interactions and taking care of legal compliance. And when you have so much to take care of, furnishing your rental may not seem like a priority, but in reality, it is one of the fastest ways to protect and grow your investment.

Professionally furnished and strategically presented properties consistently outperform unfurnished ones by commanding 15-20% higher rents, minimum void periods, and better long-term returns.

Why Furnishing Isn’t a Waste—It’s Your Secret Weapon

Despite the common misconception that furnishing wastes money, a Rightmove study reveals that furnished properties rent 21% faster and command higher rents, as previously mentioned. This suggests how smart furnishings turn your property into a high-performing asset that justifies the premium pricing.

Cut Vacancy Days in Half

Move-In Ready Means Move-In Fast

One of the biggest advantages of furnished property is its ability to market itself. Tenants can see the property and decide quickly if the place suits their requirements, reducing the time your property sits empty.

Our work at Berkeley’s White City Living development exemplifies this clearly: One landlord required a fast turnaround on lettings, despite marketing efforts beginning before furniture installation. Our team carefully selected furniture packages for each unit—budget-friendly Gold packages and premium Diamond packages. All three units were let out to high-calibre overseas tenants within one week of furnishing. The move-in-ready interiors played a key role in creating demand and setting the property apart in London’s competitive market, with the client noting that “If a swift let is desired, the furniture packages is the way to go.”

Charge Premium Rent—Without Overspending

Well-furnished properties not only look better, but they also generate higher rental income. You don’t have to overspend to achieve premium returns. Thoughtfully designed spaces make a property stand out from its competition, justifying the premium.

In South Kensington, a simple furnishing and styling package helped lift rent from £3,400 to £4,800 in just a week, a 41% increase. Four apartments equipped with our Gold Package at the Royal Eden Docks development were let within four days of their release. In Cleveland Gardens, our refurbishment and full furnishing service helped with a 100% rental increase, from £4,100 to £8,500.

Coming up in PART 2: We’ll dive deep into selecting the right furniture package for your property with Dos and Don’ts; understanding tenants’ demographics, and tailoring your furnishing for maximum return. Plus answer some pressing furnishing questions.

Meanwhile, book your free consultation with us and learn how our expert services help your rental investment.

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Director

Author: Mansi Mehra

I joined InStyle Direct in 2007 after completing my MA in International Business at the University of Westminster. I've worked in every department in my 18 years with the company. In addition to serving the key functions of interior design and furnishing, I've contributed to accounts and logistics that have led me to acquire insights into all aspects of the business. My love for design and home interiors is fuelled by my passion to travel around the world and collect meaningful pieces of art that tell a bigger story. As much as I enjoy adorning my family home in London, I bring the same enthusiasm and energy into ensuring our clients get the best results for the time and money they invest to add value to their residences. My interest in repurposing vintage furniture and recommending high-value decor pieces that add character led me to identify a gap in the luxury market space. We launched Ani M Interiors, our range of high-end, bespoke design and furnishing solutions to address this gap and help clients create completely personalised interiors. I work out of InStyle Direct's Head Office in London, where we have a dedicated team that goes above and beyond to deliver the best results for our clients. As an avid follower of the latest home furnishing and interior design trends, I look forward to using this space and sharing some valuable industry insights and news from around the world.

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