Entering the property rental market for the first time can be exciting and overwhelming, particularly in a competitive market like London. For first-time landlords, especially those based overseas, the challenge of making their property stand out is crucial. With the average rental yield in the UK standing at 5.60%, according to Zoopla’s latest report, investing in buy-to-let (BTL) properties is increasingly lucrative. The consistent annual rent increase of over 3% in the last decade has attracted many savvy investors, making it essential for landlords to ensure their properties are as appealing as possible to potential tenants.
One of the most effective ways to enhance the appeal of a rental property is through professional furnishing solutions. Professionally designed furniture packages can transform empty rooms into welcoming homes, significantly increasing their attractiveness to potential tenants.
Closing at first look
A well-dressed property with well-proportioned furniture is crucial. First impressions get formed within the first 60 seconds of entering a house, and a professionally furnished property can help potential tenants visualise the space better as their future home. In London, where space is at a premium, this visualisation can dramatically increase the likelihood of securing a tenant.
Why should I choose professional furnishing solutions?
The UK rental market is highly competitive, making it important for landlords to differentiate their properties. According to a study by Upad, furnished properties receive 25% more clicks and 75% more inquiries than unfurnished ones. In 2023, 77% of potential tenants said they would prefer furnished apartments, a significant increase from previous years.
Like many London landlords, if you ever consider furnishing your rental property, you should know the key benefits of acquiring the high-quality products and prompt service of a dedicated furniture and interior styling company.
Quick turnaround
Time is money in the property investment world. As a professional furnishing company, we offer quick turnaround times, completing installations within 24 to 48 hours. This prompt service ensures that your property is ready for viewings and can be listed sooner, reducing the vacancy period and improving rental income. Our reputation of helping developers achieve quicker sales of their pending units have made us their number one choice for multi-site and multi-phase roll outs.
Maximising property potential
Design-led furniture packages are crafted to highlight the strengths of your property. They optimise space, enhance aesthetic appeal, and create a cohesive look that can make your property more attractive to tenants. According to a study by Knight Frank, 93% of successfully let flats in the UK were furnished, and professionally styled properties achieved an 8.1% sales premium over unfurnished ones. Moreover, letting agents have reported that unfurnished properties take 30% longer to let.
Quick results
Professionally furnished properties tend to let much faster. At InStyle Direct, 85% of the properties we furnish get let within 24 to 48 hours post-furnishing. This quick turnover is a significant advantage for landlords looking to minimise downtime between tenants. Here’s an example of how an Airbnb penthouse in Kent was quickly rented out within just a few days of our furnishing efforts.
Comprehensive services
In addition to stylish design-led furniture packages, our one-stop solution for landlords includes quick delivery and hassle-free installation. We also provide a hands-on after-sale service to ensure your furniture is in top condition. With window dressings and professional photography, we ensure your property is fully prepared for listing, making it easier to attract high-quality tenants.
Industry connections
Navigating the property market can be challenging, especially for overseas investors with limited knowledge of local agencies. Our partnership with leading agents in the UK helps us offer valuable referrals to reputable agencies that can manage your property efficiently, ensuring a pleasant experience and optimal rental yields. Also, our longstanding relationships with leading developers like Berkeley and Barratt enable us to gain early access to properties. This allows us to conduct site surveys and take window measurements before the property is ready. As a result, we can furnish the property within a day or two after completion, saving you valuable time.
Affordable and durable furniture
Cost is always a consideration, especially for first-time landlords. Our furniture packages are not only affordable but also durable, we pride in the fact that we have less than 1%* return rate on furnishings – the industry standard being 15% – 25%. This ensures that your investment in our furniture packages will provide long-lasting value and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
*Calculated based on returns made within the guarantee period of one year.
Reduces the buying hassle for overseas landlords
For overseas landlords, professional furnishing solutions are particularly beneficial. Managing a rental property from afar can be challenging, but our seamless service handles everything from design to installation. We make your property market-ready without requiring you to be physically present.
Case studies and testimonials
To illustrate the effectiveness of professional furnishing solutions, here are some case studies and testimonials from our happy clients:
White City Living, Shepherd’s Bush: A two-bedroom luxurious apartment styled with our Gold furniture package was let within 48 hours post-furnishing.
48-hour transformation: An unfurnished one-bedroom apartment was completed with our Diamond furniture package recently. A professional tenant made an offer for the full asking price immediately after viewing the newly furnished property, with the entire process taking just 48 hours.
King’s Road Park, Fulham: A landlord seeking quick tenancy for a one-bed unit chose the Yellow Gold furniture package, resulting in a swift rental.
100% immediate rentals: InStyle Direct furnished 450 units for Vastint’s Sugar House Island BTR scheme, achieving 100% immediate rentals.
Beaufort Park, North London: An apartment struggling to find a tenant for five months was styled with our Gold furniture pack, resulting in a quick let within a week and higher than the asking rent.
Client testimonials
“InStyle Direct helped us furnish a 2-bedroom flat that we are renting out. They helped us select high-quality furniture and window dressings from their packages and installed these within the agreed time frame. They kept us informed throughout the process. All professionally done. This has helped us find a suitable tenant for the flat.” – Vivian Mendoca
“Fantastic service. Lewis gave me the best advice in persuading me to go for the diamond pack which made the flat stand out …so much so the letting agent had a tenant for me at full rent the day after it was furnished! Highly recommended.” – Margaret Tan
“We are overseas home buyers and used InStyle Direct to design and install a Gold-standard furniture package for our new apartment. InStyle did a really good job and we can highly recommend them. The furniture and the curtains are very well designed and of the expected quality. Our special thanks go to Mark Parry who was very helpful in advising us from the beginning and organising everything very professionally, and to Samera who did a fine job with the actual design work. The installation, then, was made exactly on time and with no problems at all. So, we could immediately use the apartment when we arrived for our first visit to London.” – Manfred Nuske
“As an overseas home buyer, it is not easy to manage furniture installation remotely without a letting agent. James and Alex are super-efficient. They help me liaise with my concierge and confirm back and forth when things aren’t moving on. Nicole from the design team got excellent taste and made my home look very cosy. A real money-worth-the-value package. Excellent experience!” – WJ Hu
Also Read: Benefits of Buying Landlord Furniture Packages London
The impact of window dressings
In addition to furniture, the right window dressings can significantly enhance the overall look of a furnished apartment. Our Associate Director, James McNeill advises, “I would recommend providing window dressings and furnishings, so your property looks its best. Our in-house teams can complete a two-bedroom apartment installation in just one day; transforming an investment property into an inviting home for a professional tenant.”
By choosing professional furnishing solutions, first-time landlords can significantly enhance their rental property’s appeal, attract quality tenants faster, and maximise investment returns. Our focus on design, efficiency, and customer satisfaction ensures InStyle Direct is your partner in achieving rental success in a competitive rental landscape.
Remember, a well-furnished property is not just an investment; it’s an opportunity to create a desirable living space that tenants will love to call home. You too can maximise your rental investment by contacting us today!
