Property Refurbishment UK: Landlord Guide to Rent-Ready Homes

After: Stunning, professionally furnished London living room. An InStyle Direct transformation for overseas investor appeal

Improving a rental property can significantly increase both its value and the rent it gets. But to be successful, landlords or property investors need to plan ahead to avoid costly mistakes and get the most out of their investments.

Before: Empty, unfurnished central London flat. Needs professional furnishing to attract high-quality tenants & rent

After: Stylishly furnished London flat living room by InStyle Direct, maximizing rental appeal for investors

Renovation vs Refurbishment: Key Differences for UK Landlord

While the terms are often used interchangeably, landlords or property investors should familiarise themselves with the key differences between these two and understand what will save them time and money as well as benefit their investment.

Renovation:

Renovation generally involves major modifications such as changing the layout, upgrading the building’s structural features, and rewiring and plumbing. It usually needs permission from the planning department, longer timelines, and additional resources.

Refurbishment:

This usually includes cosmetic and functional improvements such as painting, replacing flooring, updating fixtures, and deep cleaning, which are typically faster, less invasive, and usually require no permissions.

While renovation is typically beneficial for older properties requiring major TLC, refurbishment is usually a better option for quickly making properties rental-ready, improving appeal without eating into funds. A balance of both, along with high-quality furniture, usually gives the best results, with higher returns and shorter void periods.

Before: Empty, bare London Bathroom. Shows need for furnishing package to create a rent-ready home for overseas landlords

After: Modern furnished London Bathroom transformation by InStyle Direct. High-impact design for increased rental income

Why Refurbish or Renovate Your UK Rental Property?

Standing out directly translates into profit in the UK’s competitive rental market. Well-maintained, aesthetically appealing properties attract quality tenants, justify premium rents, and let quickly with reduced void periods. Improved energy efficiency and boosted property value are also among the long-term benefits of upgrading your rental property.

Before: Unfurnished London flat entrance hall awaiting professional refurbishment & furnishing package for investors

After: Modern, sleek refurbished bathroom in a London investment flat, showcasing high-end finish quality

Common Refurbishment Mistakes Landlords Should Avoid

Overcapitalising: Every property has its strength, which landlords should maximise rather than pumping funds into upgrades. Work with professionals to design led, cost-effective, result-oriented improvements.
Ignoring tenant expectations: Every UK neighbourhood is different, so take time to understand who you’re targeting. For example, provide workspace for professionals or introduce creative storage solutions to maximise space for growing families.
Using cheap fixes: Low-cost materials wear out fast and end up costing more in the long run, so choose durable options that can handle daily wear and tear.
DIY over professional help: While DIY may work for simple tasks, seek professional help for seamless finishes and higher quality work.
No clear plan or budget: Maintain a detailed checklist with estimated costs for each job to avoid escalations and unsatisfactory results.
Neglecting compliance: To avoid fines, always adhere to building regulations, fire safety, EICR, and EPC requirements.
Poor finish quality: Sloppy work affects tenant impression, so focus on clean, high-quality finishes that justify your asking rent.

Before: Unfurnished kitchen and dining area in a London flat. Ready for a professional furnishing package and styling

Empty luxury London flat living room. High-end finish before professional furnishing for rental market appeal

Essential Refurbishment Checklist for UK Landlords

Inspect existing conditions like plumbing, electrical, and flooring
Choose safety & energy efficiency before making purely aesthetic changes
Thoroughly understand your target audience & their needs
Keep a realistic budget & adhere to all required compliance

Choose neutral base designs and durable materials for your furniture and finishes early on to appeal to a broader range of tenants. To avoid missing rental periods, work with a trusted furnishing partner and set clear deadlines.

Before: Neutral, empty hallway of a London flat. Highlights the impact of furnishing on a 'before and after London flat' comparison

After: Modern open-plan living and kitchen area furnished by InStyle Direct. Perfect for attracting premium tenants

Key Areas to Prioritise During Property Refurbishment

Kitchens, bathrooms & flooring are high-impact areas that tenants notice first, repainting these spaces in neutral colours and giving them a modern update often delivers the best return, while in many cases, a thorough deep clean and smart replacements can lift the whole look without driving up costs.

The right refurbishment strategy transforms worn-out properties into rent-ready homes that command premium prices and attract quality tenants—maximising your investment returns in the competitive London rental market.

Speak to Our Refurbishment Team for Expert Support

Speak to our expert team and understand how our complete refurbishment and renovation services can add value to your property.

Download our practical guide to get more insight into how to make your property rent-ready.

Associate Director

Author: Amar Tufail

As a part of the core team at InStyle Direct since 2008, I have worked on hundreds of property refurbishment and furnishing projects for the company. I've worked with a diverse group of clients, from private landlords and homeowners to leading property developers, such as Berkeley, Barratt London, Mount Anvil and many more. Whether transforming an older property into a modern residence with the latest EPC upgrades, introducing an open-plan layout or optimising floor space by creating a new room, renovations and refurbishments are a great way to enhance a property's appeal and value potential. However, every pound invested in upgrading a home should yield results, and therefore, I advise clients on the most cost-effective solutions to get the job done. Once the client is clear on what is needed and comfortable with the allocated budget, I collaborate and work closely with our in-house team of designers, architects, and suppliers, as well as the plumbers, electricians, and on-ground staff working towards a collective goal. Despite my managerial background in the fashion industry, I enjoy the creative side of my role, which includes reconfiguring and transforming properties into sought-after rentals and showhomes. Helping overseas clients create their dream homes in London brings me great joy. I'm also fluent in Hindi and Urdu, which helps when working with overseas clients. In my 17 years with InStyle Direct, I have witnessed several rental and sale successes achieved with the right refurbishment and furnishing solutions. Since I've been a part of many of them, I would like to share some of my specialist insights with you in this section.

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