When it comes to letting your property out, there are a number of questions that may arise during the process.
For example, how much rent should I charge? Which letting agent should I choose? Deciding whether to let your property unfurnished or furnished may be a last thought for some, but it’s an important consideration as it can affect both you as a landlord and your future tenants. Below, we take you through the definition of an ‘unfurnished’ property, and the benefits of letting your property in this way.
What Does Unfurnished Mean Exactly?
While the name ‘unfurnished’ suggests that your rental property will be completely empty, there are some things that are generally expected in an unfurnished property, such as:
Kitchen fixtures – cabinets, a sink, and anything else ‘built in’
White goods including an oven, a fridge, a freezer, and a washing machine
Bathroom fixtures such as the sink, toilet and shower carpets or other types of flooring
Curtains or blinds
It’s important to mention that any supplied upholstered furniture must meet all fire resistance requirements as defined in the The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety Amendment) Regulations 1993. This means any headboards, mattresses, bed bases, soft furnishings, etc. in a furnished letting must have a fire resistant filing and match resistant cover fabric with both needing to have passed a cigarette resistance test.
Benefits
Letting your property unfurnished has several benefits, including:
Reduced maintenance costs: An unfurnished property typically requires less maintenance as there are fewer items to maintain and repair. This can save you money on maintenance costs over time.
More flexibility for tenants: Tenants who already have furniture and household items may prefer an unfurnished property as it allows them to bring their own belongings and avoid costly storage costs, in addition to creating a space that suits their needs and aesthetics.
Longer tenancy agreements: Tenants who bring their own furniture are likely to stay in a property for a longer period of time as they have invested in making it their home. This can be beneficial for landlords who are looking for long-term tenants.
Lower insurance costs: Unfurnished properties typically have lower insurance premiums as there are fewer items to insure.
Less wear and tear: With fewer items in the property, there is less chance of damage or wear and tear on furnishings, carpets, and appliances. This reduces the possible stresses that can occur when leaving your personal furniture – especially if it has sentimental value!
Lower upfront costs: Furnishing a property can be expensive, so letting your property unfurnished can reduce the upfront costs associated with preparing the property for rental.
Overall, letting your property unfurnished can be a great option for landlords who want to attract long-term tenants and decrease maintenance and insurance costs. However, it’s important to consider the demand for unfurnished properties in your area and the potential impact on rental income before making a decision. You can receive this advice from an experienced local letting agent before you make a decision on whether to furnish your rental property or not.
Jackson Grundy Estate and Letting Agents
We’ve been helping landlords in the Northamptonshire area with the letting of their properties for over 20 years now, assuring confidence when you choose us to support you throughout the process. To find out more about how we work here at Jackson Grundy, please visit our landlord’s information page. Additionally, you can give our lettings branch an email on lettings@jacksongrundy.co.uk.
