Should You Let Your Property Furnished or Unfurnished?

One size doesn’t fit all in today’s rental market

It’s a classic landlord question - should you let your property furnished or unfurnished? The answer isn’t always obvious, especially as tenant preferences evolve and more landlords tailor their approach based on location, audience, and strategy.

Here’s a fresh look at what to consider.

Furnished: fast lets and premium appeal

Furnished properties tend to appeal to younger renters, students, and professionals relocating for work especially in cities or commuter hubs. A ready-to-move-in space is often seen as convenient, especially for short-to-medium-term renters.

Benefits:

• Can attract higher rent.

• Faster move-ins with less negotiation.

• Ideal for short lets or transient tenants.

Considerations:

• You’re responsible for wear and tear.

• Furniture must meet fire safety regulations.

• Style matters - outdated or mismatched items can actually put tenants off.

If you go this route, keep the style clean and neutral. Think: quality over quantity, and provide the basics like bed, sofa, dining table, and storage.

Unfurnished: flexibility and longer tenancies

Unfurnished homes are often preferred by families and long-term renters who have their own furniture and want to create a personal feel. This setup also tends to attract tenants who see the property as a more permanent base.

Benefits:

• Less responsibility for maintenance of furnishings.

• Tenants may stay longer as they’re more invested.

• Lower upfront setup costs.

Considerations:

• You may narrow your audience.

• Properties can feel “cold” if not well staged during viewings.

For marketing, show unfurnished properties at their best by adding a few props some staging goes a long way in helping tenants picture the space.

Part-furnished: the best of both?

This hybrid approach offers flexibility. Providing essentials like a fridge, washing machine, and basic storage, while allowing tenants to bring in their own key pieces, can make your property more attractive to a wider audience.

It’s also a smart choice if you’ve had mixed feedback or if the rental type varies each cycle (e.g. students in term time, professionals in summer).

The verdict? Know your market

Before deciding, consider your property’s location, tenant type, and your own long-term goals. A family house in a suburb might suit unfurnished. A city centre flat? Likely better furnished.

And whatever you choose - presentation, cleanliness, and clarity in your listing will always matter more than the furnishings themselves.

Unsure how to let your rental? Let’s find the setup that suits your market