Many factors are considered when deciding on property value for sale or a suitable rent. While key physical aspects such as size, area, location, amenities and the property’s age play a crucial role, furniture can also heavily impact the overall residence valuation. Especially in London’s competitive housing market, where time is a significant consideration, providing a move-in-ready home to buyers and tenants can be invaluable.
The role of furnishing also goes beyond aesthetics, as it reflects how well your property has been cared for and helps overcome scepticism associated with properties that lack visual appeal. As an overall industry metric, staged properties sell 30% faster in the UK and command higher prices than unfurnished units. So, whether you are a homeowner, landlord or an estate agent, here are some essential things to consider when furnishing a property for a quick sale or speedy rental.
See above example of a recent, efficient transformation that instantly took the rental value from £3,400 to a quickly secured £4,800.
Does furniture impact property valuation?
Many owners and landlords have realised that property experts such as surveyors, estate agents and even seasoned investors look at more than just a home’s square feet and location. A property’s overall condition, appeal and marketability go a long way in determining how much someone would be willing to pay to buy or rent it.
First impressions set the stage for an immediate deal or further negotiations between the parties involved. Perfectly placed furniture with an attractive design theme can elevate the layout of a property to help envision living in the space. Therefore, many home staging professionals claim that furnished homes sell and rent faster while attracting a premium of up to 10%. Let’s look at some aspects of furnishing that help value properties better.
1. Furniture condition and maintenance
Visible blemishes, such as stained upholstery, scratches on the tabletop and creaking doors and cabinets, are picked up quickly during viewings. These imperfections, although minor, can give the impression of poor maintenance that can deter potential deals. On the other hand, if furniture and household items are kept spotless, they can create an inviting space, building trust and the perceived value of a residence.
Tips to ensure furniture is in top condition:
- Deep clean furniture, carpets and other indoor areas for dust, grime, pet hair and other types of gunk that affect visual appeal.
- Reupholster torn or worn-out fabrics and furniture items to give them a refreshed look.
- Declutter the space of unnecessary things so that the focus is on the intended items during a viewing.
2. Design and aesthetics: Creating a luxury feel
High-quality, well-placed furniture can make a home feel premium and hit the right emotional chord with viewers. Items like velvet sofas, hardwood coffee tables and Italian marble tops are usually associated with luxury living and immediately increase a property’s perceived value. Similarly, widely appreciated design themes such as neutral shades, clean lines and modern fittings create a welcoming environment that accentuates the livable space.
Here are a few case studies from our vault showcasing how staged properties outperform empty homes in sales.
Quick sale for multiple show homes
Four show homes, including two studios and two one-bed apartments, required aesthetic upgrades, for which the developer, McGrath Group, contacted us. Our designers worked towards creating an elegant mix of modern design and innovative interiors to maximise every inch of the properties while staying within the allocated budget. The design and furnishing efforts led to quick sales of all four units.
Immediate sale for estate agent
A leading estate agent wanted to furnish a three-bed maisonette show apartment at Gallions Place in East London. Since the property was required to stand out for its luxury offering, we installed our bespoke tailored furniture package. The intricate detailing in the artwork and high-end finish gave the property a premium look and resulted in an immediate sale for the client.
3. Space optimisation – Making your home look bigger
While furnishing a home is undoubtedly an aesthetic job, you must ensure it is practical and enhances the entire floor space so that rooms don’t look cramped. For compact London properties, the right furnishing can make a room look larger than it is. Many homeowners and landlords opt for space-optimising furniture that doubles as storage units or has multiple uses.
Installing mirrors and other light-reflecting objects can make a space look more roomy. Replacing oversized furniture with compact units or using glass and acrylic tables to keep sightlines unobstructed are some suggestions to make spaces look more prominent.
4. Market trends – What buyers and tenants want
Along with being design-savvy, modern buyers and tenants are time-conscious and do not appreciate properties requiring fixing. According to recent surveys, 60% of buyers prefer a move-in-ready home instead of a fixer-upper. Here are some must-know interior trends when marketing your property in 2025.
- Minimalist: Functional design features with clean spaces inspired by Japanese decor ideas ensure the space only holds essential items that prioritise comfort for excesses.
- Scandinavian: Colours can set the right mood indoors, and a mix of neutral shades with simplistic furniture made from natural materials is currently in vogue.
- Contemporary: Many new-age buyers and tenants seek no-fuss interiors with sleek, modern fixtures and smart technology integrations for comfortable living.
How landlords can use furnishing to increase rental yields
Furnishing a rental can directly impact the quality of tenant profiles it attracts and its revenue. From overseas students to young working professionals and short-term renters, furnished properties appeal to a broad section of tenants and, on average, generate over 20% higher rental income than unfurnished units. However, choosing durable furniture made from easy-to-clean materials is advisable for rental properties as they are cost-effective and do not get damaged easily.
100% rent increase for Notting Hill landlord
A private landlord in Notting Hill used our renovation and furnishing services to transform a one-bed apartment into a desirable rental with bespoke furniture and window dressings. The open-plan layout conversion and a home office setup were some upgrades that helped the client increase the asking rent from £1,200 to almost £2,500.
Simple upgrades that can boost property value instantly
While complete furnishing may be necessary for some homeowners and landlords who have not refreshed old interiors in a very long time, many modern homes may only need a few strategic upgrades to get the job done. Here are some simple, low-cost upgrades that add extra zing to your interiors.
- Repainting: A fresh coat of paint or re-varnishing wooden furniture with appropriate sanding can give it a shine of newness.
- Replacing old with new: Modern tenants and home buyers prefer stylish, energy-efficient fixtures. Replacing old lights with new LEDs and older door knobs and cabinet handles with sleek brushed metal alternatives are welcome upgrades.
- High-quality soft furnishings: Soft furnishings and accessories, such as dressy or chic cushions and throw pillows with cosy rugs, can add a layer of warmth to the overall look.
- Smart home features: Installing a few smart-home elements like lights with sensors, thermostats for temperature regulations, automated curtains and blinds, or keyless entry will instantly appeal to modern tech-savvy tenants and buyers.
Final thoughts: Furnishing as a means to increase property value
While furniture may not be the primary driver determining a property’s base value, it is crucial in improving its desirability for potential buyers and tenants during viewings. Design-led furniture packages from an industry expert combined with professional services that make the entire process cost-effective and hassle-free are ideal for landlords, investors and homeowners. With the demand for move-in-ready properties rising, furnishing a home before listing it for sale or lettings can be a smart strategy.
At Instyle Direct, we have helped thousands of homeowners, landlords, investors and estate agents increase the value of their properties through the right furnishing. If you are looking to furnish your property for maximum value, contact us today!
