To furnish or not to furnish…

Should you market your property furnished or unfurnished to maximise returns?

“Why did the landlord furnish his apartments? Because he didn’t want his tenants to get too ‘couch’ potatoes!”

As landlords in London, you have a big decision to make – furnish or unfurnish your property. There are pros and cons to both options – let’s have a quick recap of what you might be thinking.

Pros:

• Convenience for tenants: Fully furnished apartments can be a major convenience for tenants, especially for those who are relocating or don’t have their furniture.

• Faster rental turnover: Furnished apartments can be rented out more quickly, as they’re ready for tenants to move in right away.

• Potential for higher rent: Furnished apartments can command a higher rent, as tenants are willing to pay more for the convenience of not having to furnish the space themselves.

Cons:

• Cost of furniture: Furnishing an apartment can be costly, and landlords may have to bear the cost of purchasing and maintaining the furniture.

• Limited design options: Tenants may not like the furniture provided and may not feel at home in the space.

• Potential for damage: Tenants may not take care of the furniture as well as they would if it were their own, leading to damage and needing frequent replacement.

What experts advise

Here’s what we think…

It ultimately depends on your property, target market what they’re looking for, and your expectations for returns on your investments. Young professionals may prefer a fully furnished place, while families may prefer to bring their furniture and make the space their own. Certain areas of London have a higher demand for furnished apartments than others.

Also, let’s sidestep and talk about furniture for a minute.

First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room – not all furniture and interior design are created equal. Just because you’ve had that sofa for 20 years, doesn’t mean it’s still in style (or even remotely comfortable, let’s be real). And let’s be honest, that avocado green kitchen from the 70s? It’s not making a comeback.

Stylish apartments are a very attractive option for tenants. They want to feel like they’re living in a space that’s been thoughtfully designed, not just thrown together with a few mismatched pieces of furniture from a garage sale.

But, here’s the thing – whether you choose to let your property furnished or unfurnished, you want it to stand out on the market. And that’s where Turnkey London comes in. By working with Turnkey London, you can make sure that the furniture and interior design choices are tailored to your target market, making the property more attractive to potential tenants while also maximizing your rental income. Curious about what we can do? Have a look at our portfolio.

Whether to furnish an apartment is a decision that depends on the landlord’s budget, target market, and personal preference. With Turnkey London’s help, you can make the right choice and attract the perfect tenants.

Contact us today to see how we can help you make your property stand out on the market.