Should you Let furnished or unfurnished?
Melisa
One of the key decisions every landlord faces before putting a property on the market is whether to rent it out as furnished or unfurnished. The answer isn’t always straightforward – it depends on your target tenant, property type, and long-term goals.
At Oakheart Lettings, we’re here to break down the pros and cons of each option, and help you choose the best route for your rental.
At Oakheart Lettings, we’re here to break down the pros and cons of each option, and help you choose the best route for your rental.
What’s the difference?
- Furnished means the property includes essential furniture like beds, sofas, wardrobes, tables, and kitchen appliances.
- Unfurnished typically means no furniture is provided beyond basic fixtures, fittings, and sometimes white goods (oven, fridge, washing machine).
Pros of letting furnished
- Attracts short-term renters: Ideal for students, young professionals, or people relocating who don’t have their own furniture.
- Higher rent potential: Furnished properties can often command slightly higher rent, especially in urban or commuter-heavy areas.
- Faster turnaround: The convenience of a move-in ready space can reduce void periods.
Cons of letting furnished
- More wear and tear: Furniture needs to be maintained, repaired, or replaced over time
- Initial cost: Furnishing a property to a good standard can be a significant upfront investment.
- Inventory and compliance: You’ll need a thorough inventory and ensure all furniture meets fire safety regulations.
Pros of letting unfurnished
- Longer tenancies: Tenants with their own furniture (like families or settled professionals) tend to stay longer.
- Lower maintenance: Fewer items for you to repair or replace during and between tenancies.
- Cheaper setup: Less upfront cost for you as the landlord.
Cons of letting unfurnished
- Smaller tenant pool: It may not appeal to students or professionals moving for work who need a ready-to-go home.
- Potential longer voids: Some tenants prefer the convenience of furnished living, especially in city-centre flats or short-term lets.
Which tenants prefer what?
- Students: Usually prefer fully furnished. They’re after convenience and don’t want to deal with moving bulky items.
- Young professionals: Often lean towards furnished or part-furnished, especially if they’re relocating or renting for the first time.
- Families: Tend to bring their own belongings and prefer unfurnished homes where they can add their personal touch.
- Corporate or short-term lets: Fully furnished is essential here – think of it like a home-from-home.
What about part-furnished?
Offering a part-furnished property – basics like white goods, wardrobes, and curtains, but no beds or sofas – can be a great compromise. It gives tenants some flexibility while still keeping setup costs low for landlords.
So, what’s right for you?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on:
- The type and location of your property
- The kind of tenants you're hoping to attract
- How hands-on you want to be with furnishings and maintenance
At Oakheart Lettings, we can advise you on what’s most in demand right now in your area – and even help you stage or furnish a property if it makes financial sense.
Need help deciding?
Whether you're preparing your first buy-to-let or considering a switch in strategy, our team at Oakheart is here to help. We offer free, no-obligation advice to make sure your rental setup aligns with your goals and the current market.
