Furnishing a rental property has its benefits – from widening your tenant pool to attracting higher rental rates. But is the investment worth it?
Keep reading to find out the pros and cons of furnished vs unfurnished rentals, and how to find affordable landlord furniture for rental properties.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Which is Best?
Buying furniture for rental properties has its pros and cons. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of furnished vs unfurnished for landlords.
Pros of furnished:
- Charge higher rents: Landlords can charge more rent for furnished properties due to how quick and easy it is for tenants to move in.
- Wider tenant market: Furnished properties often appeal to a wider range of tenants, including students (international and national), new renters, and people relocating from long distances.
- Single investment, long-term gains: Buying landlord furniture is a one-time expense and can often last multiple terms (unless it breaks/is damaged).
Cons of furnished:
- Upfront investment: You’ll have to pay more upfront to buy and replace furniture, although you can get discounts on landlord furniture (we offer deals to our TradeFurniture members, including landlords).
Pros of unfurnished:
- Cheaper outlay: Renting an unfurnished property lowers expenses for landlords, as you won’t have to pay to buy, maintain, or replace furniture.
- Well-suited to families: Family renters can prefer unfurnished properties, as they can bring their own furniture and personalise the space.
Cons of unfurnished:
- Lower rents: Unfurnished properties are generally cheaper to rent, meaning landlords have to charge less compared to if the property was furnished.
- Smaller market: Depending on the area, the market may be smaller for unfurnished properties compared to furnished.
- Risk of voids: There’s always a risk of voids, but in prime areas (like near a university), an unfurnished property may be difficult to fill, leaving voids.
How Much Does Landlord Furniture Cost?
Landlord furniture costs vary depending on what you choose to provide and the quality of the furnishings. Property Investor Today estimates costs of around £5,500 to furnish an average two-bed property in the UK.
As a breakdown, costs can be expected around:
- Living room and kitchen: Around £2,000
- Per bedroom: Around £1,750
Tenants generally expect white goods and basic furniture, including a sofa, dining table with chairs, beds in each room, wardrobes, and curtains or blinds. Some furnished properties also include kitchen utensils, cookware, TV stands, and bedside tables.
Get Discounted Landlord Furniture in Manchester
Find affordable landlord furniture for your rental property today. Explore our collections of cheap furniture for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms.
For exclusive package deals on landlord furniture, join our TradeFurniture programme designed for landlords for free today. Or call our team at 0161 300 3330 for rental furniture package recommendations.
At Furniture Cash and Carry, we specialise in providing budget furniture to landlords and letting agents in Manchester. With speedy shipping and discounted same-day collection, we can help you furnish a rental quicker than ever.
