With the average rent in London growing continuously and rental demand at an all-time high, landlords in the UK capital have an exciting opportunity to earn attractive yields. However, it is paramount to optimise your asset to generate maximum returns. Read on to learn how.
As a landlord, you are unlikely to be an interior specialist. Interior designers know the right places to source furniture and the most updated decor themes and have access to trade discounts. Once you have identified the correct tenant profile for your property, you can decide how to furnish it appropriately. If you don’t know who this is, this service is included in furniture packages. Whether your desired tenants are students, working professionals or families, people are more prepared to pay for the asking rent when homes are furnished appropriately to their use.
As London’s trusted furnishing company, we have helped thousands of landlords realise the full potential of their rental properties. Our sales team and interior designers work together to identify the property’s target audience and provide a suitable solution that will make the property rent quickly. Read on for some tips from our interior designers and sales team that can help you achieve better rent quickly.
1. Know your tenant profile
Pick the right tenant group:
As is the first step to any successful venture, knowing your target audience is key. Young professionals will have different needs from those of families or students. Here’s what you can consider for different tenant groups:
- Students: Focus on functional, low-maintenance furniture like desks, study chairs, and compact storage.
- Professionals: Offer stylish and practical furnishings like comfortable seating, modern appliances and cohesive design.
- Families: Provide child-friendly spaces with durable, easy-to-clean furnishings and ample storage.
Research local trends: Staying informed about local tastes ensures your property remains competitive. Tenant expectations often align with the trends in your property’s location. For instance, properties in Canary Wharf might demand sleek, modern designs, while homes in Hampstead may benefit from more traditional aesthetics.
2. Always opt for quality over quantity
Durable furniture: Although high-quality items are usually more expensive than many cheaper alternatives, they stand the test of time and everyday use. For example, robust dining tables and sofas with removable, washable covers are investments for long-term use.
Timeless designs: Avoid overly trendy design themes that may lose appeal quickly. Instead, select classic designs that are more widely appreciated. Neutral tones and simple lines make it easier for tenants to visualise the space as their own.
3. Create a cohesive design theme
Aesthetic consistency: The right combinations of colours and patterns can bring out the interiors of a home. Choose a consistent colour scheme and style for furniture, curtains and decor.
Neutral palettes: Neutral colours like greys, beiges, and whites appeal to a broader audience. They also provide a versatile canvas for tenants to personalise the space with their own belongings.
4. Prioritise key areas
High-impact rooms: The living room and master bedroom are key decision-makers for tenants. Invest in comfortable sofas, a sturdy coffee table and an inviting bed with high-quality linens to make a lasting impression. If you don’t have time to do this yourself, you can include this as an add-on service when purchasing a furniture package.
Functional spaces: Ensure every room has a defined purpose. For instance, a spare room can be staged as a home office or guest bedroom, depending on your target audience.
5. Maximise space with smart furniture
Multi-functional pieces: Small properties benefit greatly from furniture that serves dual purposes. Examples include sofa beds, extendable dining tables and storage ottomans.
Space-saving solutions: Built-in storage and wall-mounted shelves are excellent ways to add functionality without cluttering the space. These work especially well for compact London flats. And if space is really tight, a space plan may be necessary, which is included in the cost of a furniture package.
6. Lighting and ambience upgrade
Layered lighting: Lights have a way of uplifting the visual appeal of a home. Use a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere. Add table lamps and dimmable bulbs for flexibility.
Energy-efficient options: Install LED bulbs and energy-saving fixtures to appeal to eco-conscious tenants. These solutions reduce utility bills, making the property more attractive.
7. Add essential appliances and amenities
Modern appliances: Most tenants expect appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and microwaves these days. Offering reliable, modern amenities makes your property stand out.
Smart home features: Home automation technologies like keyless entry, programmable thermostats, or integrated security systems add convenience and security, increasing tenant satisfaction.
8. Detailed and creative finishes
Artwork and decor: Tasteful artwork, mirrors and decorative items add character to a property without overwhelming it. Choose pieces that complement the overall design theme.
Soft furnishings: Rugs, curtains and cushions create a cosy, homely feel. Opt for durable, easy-to-clean fabrics that balance aesthetics with practicality.
9. Be mindful of maintenance
Easy-to-clean materials: Stain-resistant fabrics and scratch-proof surfaces reduce wear and tear, making maintenance easier and cost-effective in the long run, increasing your return on investment.
Longevity over luxury: While luxurious items may enhance appeal, they often require more care and are not always practical. Strike a balance between aesthetics and durability to ensure longevity.
10. Photography and presentation
Well-dressed for viewings: Professional staging helps potential tenants envision the space as their future home. Arrange furniture to maximise natural light and highlight each room’s potential.
High-quality media: Invest in professional photography for online listings. Well-lit, high-resolution images and videos generate more interest, increasing viewings and justifying higher rents. This service is included if you opt to purchase a furniture package.
11. Stay updated with recent trends
Refresh interiors: Even the best furnishings need timely updates to stay relevant. Regularly refreshing your property’s interiors keeps it looking modern and attractive.
Note feedback: Listen to tenant feedback about the furnishings and make improvements based on their suggestions. This helps enhance tenant satisfaction and retention.
12. Invest in furniture packages
Simplified process: Design-led furniture packages for landlords and investors offer coordinated selections tailored to property types, ensuring a cohesive look. Check out our specially crafted Investor Furniture Package that simplifies the furnishing process, saving time and effort.
Cost-effective solutions: InStyle Direct’s highly affordable furniture packs, starting at just £3,395 + VAT can be more economical for London landlords than sourcing individual pieces. These packages provide value-for-money furniture solutions that cater to a variety of budgets.
InStyle Direct’s solutions for remote London landlords
Managing rental properties remotely can be challenging, especially when they need refurbishment or interior design work. At InStyle Direct, we offer a one-stop furnishing solution that simplifies the process while ensuring high-quality, cost-effective, and durable results. Here are some success stories about how we’ve helped remote landlords maximise their rental income without breaking the bank:
One-stop solution
Our comprehensive services include furnishing, refurbishment and tailored interior design to attract modern tenants. A landlord at Colville Terrace in Notting Hill achieved a 100% increase in rent by using our services to transform his property. Our designers created an open-plan layout and incorporated a home office to appeal to working professionals. This strategic makeover turned a dated flat into a highly desirable rental property.
Ease of use for customers
Our services are designed to save landlords and investors time and effort. A private Airbnb host from South Africa utilised our expertise to refurbish their one-bedroom apartment on Campden Street, Kensington. We handled everything—from selecting a warm colour palette to choosing accessories and enhancing lighting features. Their newly designed apartment was rented out within just one week, showcasing how seamless and effective our process is.
Quality and design
All our furniture packs are curated by interior designers to combine style and functionality. Four apartments at Royal Eden Docks, owned by overseas landlords, were transformed into chic rental homes using our design-led Gold Furniture Pack. The professionally styled interiors immediately attracted tenants, leading to all four apartments being let out in record time.
Customisation options: Flexibility is key to meeting diverse tenant expectations. An Airbnb Host in Notting Hill used our hybrid Gold and Diamond Furniture Pack to create a tailored interior. This combination of style and practicality was perfect for short-term tenants, enhancing the property’s appeal and occupancy rate.
Concluding thoughts
Thoughtful furnishing is a strategic investment that significantly boosts your property’s appeal and rental income. Focusing on quality, functionality, and aesthetics tailored to your target market, InStyle Direct helps landlords attract discerning tenants willing to pay a premium for a well-furnished home.
