Yes, in most cases, you can charge more for a furnished property in the UK. Usually around 15 – 20% more than an unfurnished one.
Thinking about furnishing your rental? You’re not alone. It’s one of the top questions we get from landlords here at J Property Management. And the truth is, while furnished properties can command higher rents, there’s more to it than just sticking a sofa in the lounge and upping the monthly price.
Whether it’s worth it depends on who your tenants are, where your property is, and how much you’re willing to spend up front.
Let’s break it down.
How Much More Can You Charge for a Furnished Property in the UK?
On average, you can charge 15% to 20% more for a furnished rental compared to an unfurnished one. In some high-demand areas or short-let markets, that number can go even higher, especially if your furniture is high quality and stylish.
At J Property Management, we always advise landlords to keep an eye on the local market. If other properties nearby are renting quickly because they’re move-in ready, it’s a good sign that furnishing yours could lead to a better return.
Why Furnished Properties Justify A Higher Rent
There’s real value in convenience. A furnished property saves tenants time, effort, and money. They don’t have to buy furniture, organise delivery, or lug things up stairs. They can just move in, unpack their suitcase, and settle down.
Furnished properties also stand out in certain markets. think students, corporate tenants, or professionals moving for work. For these groups, convenience is everything. And it might be the difference between a bidding war over your property or it sitting empty.
But don’t just furnish for the sake of it. Quality matters. Tatty furniture or mismatched decor won’t impress anyone, and could actually drive tenants away. If you’re going to do it, do it properly.
And if you need help figuring out if it’s the right strategy for your property, give us a shout at J Property Management, we’re always happy to offer some local insight.

Furnished properties often rent for 15-20% more than unfurnished properties
What’s Included In A Furnished Property?
There’s no legal checklist for what “furnished” means, but tenants generally expect:
- Beds and mattresses
- Sofa and armchairs
- Dining table and chairs
- Wardrobes and chest of drawers
- Curtains or blinds
- White goods (fridge, oven, washing machine)
- Possibly smaller items like lamps, a microwave or even a TV
If you’re advertising a property as furnished, make sure the inventory is crystal clear, and that everything you provide meets safety regulations, especially soft furnishings which need to be fire-safe.
Bonus tip: A nicely furnished property also photographs better. And good photos = more viewings = faster lets.
How Much Does It Cost To Furnish a Property?
Furnishing a 2-bed flat can cost anywhere between £5,000 and £20,000, depending on your taste and quality. If you’re going for budget IKEA basics, you’ll be at the lower end. If you’re kitting it out for a high-end city flat, expect to invest more.
Don’t forget the hidden costs too: storage if tenants want something removed, insurance for contents, and replacing worn items between tenancies.
At J Property Management, we help landlords budget and source property furnishings if needed, and we can also advise whether it’s worth the spend for your particular property.
What Type of Tenants Do Furnished Properties Attract?
This is where furnished properties really shine.
They’re especially appealing to:
- Students, who normally have no furniture of their own.
- Young professionals, particularly in cities where people move for work.
- Short-term corporate lets, high-paying tenants who need an easy setup.
- People in transition, like those going through separations or renovations.
On the other hand, families and long-term renters often prefer unfurnished homes so they can bring their own stuff. If you want long-term, stable tenants, unfurnished might actually be the better option.
Not sure who your target tenant is? That’s what we’re here for. At J Property Management, we can help you position your property for the right market.
The Pros and Cons of Charging More For A Furnished Property
Like most things in property management, there’s a trade-off.
Pros:
- Higher rent: You can usually ask for 15–20% more.
- Faster lets: Furnished properties tend to rent more quickly in certain markets.
- Tax benefits: You can claim replacement costs for furniture as business expenses.
- Better presentation: Furniture helps tenants visualise the space, which is great for marketing.
Cons:
- Upfront cost: Furnishing isn’t cheap, even if you go budget.
- Wear and tear: Furniture gets damaged. It happens.
- Higher turnover: Tenants in furnished properties often stay for shorter terms.
- Storage hassle: If tenants want to remove something, you might have to store it (and pay for that).
To Furnish Or Not To Furnish, That Is The Question!
Furnishing your rental property can absolutely help you charge more rent, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on your property, your budget, and the type of tenants you’re hoping to attract.
If you’re in a student-heavy area or targeting short-term lets, furnishing might give you the edge. But if you’re looking for long-term stability with lower maintenance, unfurnished could be the smarter play.
Not sure which way to go? That’s exactly what we’re here for. At J Property Management, we help landlords make these decisions every day. So if you want some honest advice, just get in touch. We’d be happy to help.
Need help deciding whether to furnish your property, or what to charge for it?
Contact J Property Management today for expert London lettings advice based on your property and location. We’ll help you attract the right tenants and maximise your rental income, whether you go furnished, unfurnished, or somewhere in between.