Is it better to let my property furnished or unfurnished?

Having trouble deciding whether to let your property furnished or unfurnished? Well, we are here to help you make the right decision. After all, it’s a big decision that can impact your property’s success.

Many landlords are left in the conundrum over whether to fork out on furnishings or not to bother at all. In this advice, we will look at why you’re more likely to get higher-yielding tenants from a furnished property than an unfurnished one. 

However, we’ll also be looking at what the legal requirements are from a health and safety standpoint you’ll need to cover when you add furniture to your rental property. 

What are the pros of furnished properties?

Unsurprisingly, there are many pros of letting out a furnished property. 

A wider range of tenants

Your rental property will be more attractive to short-term renters, students, and professionals who move around for work. While it’s more convenient to rent to long-term tenants, you will certainly appeal to a certain type of tenant if the property is vacant unexpectedly. 

Higher yield

Because you’re doing all the hard work and making the place look well-presented, you can add a fair premium to your rental amount. Furnished properties would typically see a higher rental amount compared to unfurnished. 

You’d be amazed how making the place look presentable and even stylish can attract the right people who are willing to pay that little bit extra. 

At present 50% of rental homes are furnished in the UK which indicates that there is a strong demand for a fully furnished rental property. 

Reasons tenants find furnished properties attractive

Some tenants will only consider furnished properties because of the following factors.

Cost

The cost to fully furnish a rental property can be extremely expensive. To be able to walk straight into a property which is ready to live in takes the added pressure away of providing a deposit as well as finding furniture. 

Moveability

Due to work or other external factors such as studying socio-economic conditions, your tenants may need the flexibility to move around more. Having their own furniture would be an upheaval to organise from move to move. 

Students

The student market is a great opportunity for landlords to have a strong turnover of tenants. However, as students are just starting out, they are less likely to have their own belongings or want the hassle of organising furniture if they are unsure as to where they will settle. Make sure you take out a specialist student landlord insurance policy to protect your furniture as students are higher risk than other tenant types.

What are the cons of having a furnished property?

Unfortunately, there are cons to having a furnished property. Here’s our list of the main reasons you may want to consider.

An expensive outlay of costs

Unsurprisingly, furnishing a property can be expensive, especially if you’re buying new furniture. 

Repairs and maintenance

You’ll need to maintain the furniture, which can be time-consuming and expensive. If a tenant reports a problem with any fixtures or fittings or furniture that you provided at the start of the AST agreement, you’re required by law to act quickly and fix the issue to keep your tenants safe.

Health and Safety

Thinking of providing furniture in your rental property? You’ll have to comply with the UK fire hazard standard and PAT test your electrical fittings and fixtures to deem them safe. 

Replacements 

Keeping your tenants safe is key. You may have to replace furniture more often than if you were renting an unfurnished property.

If a tenant replaces furniture on their own, you may be held liable if it causes damage to the property. Make sure you keep a record of when the tenant replaced it and if it has a UK fire-protected sticker on it. 

Is it better to have an unfurnished rental property?

Let’s take a look to see if it’s actually better to have an unfurnished rental property. 

Pros of having an unfurnished rental property

Costs are lower

Start-up costs are lower because you don’t need to purchase furniture.

Easier to maintain

You don’t need to worry about furniture repairs or replacements.

Attracts long-term renters

More appealing to long-term renters, who want to put their own stamp on a space.

Cons of having an unfurnished rental property:

Limits your tenant market

It may be more difficult to rent since it’s not as appealing to short-term renters.

Lower yield income

You might find that your property may rent for less money than a furnished property.

So, which is the best option?

The choice between a furnished or unfurnished property will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences. You’ll want to take into consideration these items before starting to rent your property out.

• Your target market
• The location of your property
• Your budget 

Why is landlord insurance important?

Landlord insurance can provide financial protection against damage to your rental property and liability claims from tenants. Without this insurance, landlords could be left vulnerable to significant financial losses. If you decide to furnish your property, you will want to take out landlord contents insurance to protect your investment.

CIA are here to find the right policy for you and to give you peace of mind. Get a quote today.