Landlord Guide: Furnishing Your Rental Property

Furnishing your rental property can significantly increase its attractiveness. Many renters, especially young adults, often don’t have their own furniture and actively seek furnished rental homes.

When furnishing your property, it's important to find the right balance between creating a visually appealing and well-equipped space while also keeping within a budget that makes sense for your investment.

How long does furniture last?

The lifespan of furniture largely depends on how often it’s used. For example, furniture in a House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) usually needs to be replaced more frequently compared to that in a single-let property. Here’s an approximate guide for how long furniture lasts:

• Sofas and mattresses: around 7 years

• Wardrobes: about 10 years

• Kitchen appliances: around 10 years

• Bed frames: 10 to 15 years

• Bedside tables, kitchen and dining chairs: approximately every 5 years, unless handled with care.

  
  

Flat-Pack Furniture

Flat-pack furniture is a convenient and cost-effective option for furnishing rental properties. It's particularly favored by HMO landlords as it's simple, durable, and budget-friendly. Many landlords with multiple properties opt for a uniform style of furniture that can be easily replicated across their portfolio. While it’s an affordable solution, assembling flat-pack furniture can be time-consuming.

Specialist Furniture Packages

If sourcing and assembling your own furniture feels too time-intensive, consider using a company that provides full furniture packages for landlords. These packages typically include delivery and assembly, saving you time and hassle. Companies offer a variety of finishes and price ranges, often with some level of customisation. Additionally, they tend to carry large stocks, making it easier to replace items as they wear out.

Is Renting or Rent-to-Own Furniture a Good Option?

Renting or opting for rent-to-own furniture might seem like a great way to reduce upfront costs. Some companies offer leasing options designed to decrease the amount of discarded furniture. However, while the monthly payments might seem low at first, the total cost over time can be much higher than buying furniture outright. Although purchasing furniture may be more expensive upfront, it’s a better long-term financial decision.

Managing Your Investment

If managing your rental property is taking up too much of your time, we offer a wide range of services for landlords, from tenant sourcing to full property management. Let us help you simplify the process.