Furnished or Unfurnished: What Really Delivers Better Returns?

Legislative changes, rising costs and increasing pressure on yields have created one of the most challenging environments landlords have faced in decades. With margins tightening and operating standards rising, every decision you make carries more weight than ever before. One of the most overlooked decisions can also one be of the most important: should your property be furnished or unfurnished?
Furniture is no longer just décor, it can be a driver that affects rental income, void periods, compliance and tenant satisfaction. 

Why Furnishing Delivers Stronger Returns
Furnished properties can attract more interest. Today’s tenants compare your property not just to the flat next door but to curated Build-to-Rent (BTR) schemes, and lifestyle-focused interiors they see online. A furnished home helps to create an emotional connection in the first few seconds of a viewing, whereas an unfurnished one forces the tenant to imagine the potential which many will not bother to do.

Expert Insight: Why Furniture Drives ROI
A perspective from Lauren Curtis, Senior Sales Executive at LOFT, a company partner of Linley & Simpson:

"At LOFT, we're seeing a clear shift in the private rented sector (PRS). Furnishing a property well is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s one of the most reliable ways to reduce void periods and protect rental income. When tenants walk into a home that feels move-in ready, they make decisions faster and stay longer. The landlords who outperform the market today are the ones who treat furniture as a long-term asset that drives returns, not as a cost to minimise.

Tenant expectations have changed dramatically. They are comparing your property to curated, lifestyle-driven rentals and modern BTR developments, not just the flat down the street. In the first 90 seconds of a viewing, the furniture sets the tone: it communicates quality, comfort, and professionalism. When landlords invest in furniture that’s built to last and visually appealing, they not only attract better tenants they position their property as a premium, but reliable home worth paying for.

Furniture plays a much bigger role in a landlord’s profitability than most realise. When chosen strategically, the right pieces do not just elevate the look and feel of a home, they minimise replacements, speed up re-lets, and reduce operational headaches across the tenancy cycle. A proactive furniture strategy can turn void periods into opportunities, support higher rental values, and offer peace of mind for years rather than months. That is where the real return on investment lies.”

Find out more about our furnishing services here.