Top considerations for furnishing a buy-to-let property

Furnished properties in London command a higher rent and are much more in demand from students and working professionals looking to live in the city temporarily. This renting trend allows overseas landlords to maximise their rental yield and avert voids by letting their furnished properties quickly. But to get it right, especially if you are an overseas remote landlord from Singapore, the distance, time zone, language, and cultural differences can make it challenging.

In a competitive rental market like London, varying tenant preferences can be tricky, and working with a local expert who is abreast with the latest market trends will help. Therefore, to make things easy, we have partnered with London’s leading furniture, interior design and refurbishment specialist, InStyle Direct. Backed by a team of expert designers, here are some valuable tips to ensure your buy-to-let property gets styled correctly.

Practical tips for furnishing a buy-to-let property in London

i. Choose durable furniture for long-term use

Maintenance and aftercare are top concerns for landlords and investors when buying furniture, as high-traffic rental properties can cause extensive wear and tear on items like the sofa, bed, dining set and upholstery. High-quality wood, metal, and other base materials with upholstery made from high-density foam will always last longer than cheaper alternatives. You can also use fabrics like leather and polyester that are treated to resist stains and can be easily cleaned. Scratch-resistant hardwood or melamine tables are other prudent alternatives for a rental over expensive softwood, glass and marble.

ii. Styling for specific tenant demographics

While young professionals and corporate tenants would prefer minimalistic furniture with integrated storage, you can opt for high-end, neutral-toned interiors, depending on your desired rent. However, providing families with child-friendly, durable furniture with ample storage is a better option. If you are letting to students, consider cost-effective alternatives such as a study desk and space-saving furniture.

iii. Balance aesthetics with functionality

The right balance between aesthetics and functionality is key to a successful buy-to-let experience in London. Stick to neutral colours like beige, grey and white to create a universally appealing look. Space-optimising furniture like multi-functional sofabeds and extendable or wall-mounted dining tables are ideal for smaller flats. Underbed storage and built-in wardrobes are another hack to keep the space uncluttered, while essential appliances like a dishwasher, refrigerator and microwave make a property more appealing to tenants.

Cost-effective furnishing options for overseas landlords

With stylish, design-led furniture packs starting at just £3,395 + VAT, you can quickly get your London property furnished at an affordable cost. There are many high-street retailers like IKEA, John Lewis, Wayfair, etc., where you can purchase furniture. Still, these retailers do not provide comprehensive services like free delivery, installation, waste removal and aftercare like a dedicated furnishing company. Additionally, picking the right furniture and coordinating the entire process from another country can be tedious. Therefore, going with a furniture expert who specialises in catering to the needs of landlords is advisable.

Maximising value with furniture packs

Unlike spending time picking each furniture item individually from a retailer, furniture packs are a turnkey solution for landlords as they provide all the essential furniture required to set up a house. By bundling many items, customers can save thousands and expedite getting their properties ready in time. The professional interior design expertise that comes with every furniture pack is tailored to suit the specific requirements of your property with seamless project management to execute everything smoothly.

Ensuring compliance with UK safety standards

Complying with UK safety standards is mandatory for landlords in London as they ensure tenant safety and avoid fines and penalties. Some important standardisations for upholstered furniture include BS 7177 for mattresses and BS 7176 for seating. These are basic fire safety regulations issued to ensure residential furniture doesn’t ignite easily, and tenants sometimes check for these labels on the furniture provided.

In addition to meeting legal obligations, adhering to these safety standards makes a property more appealing to different tenant groups like families with children and working professionals who may be at the office for a significant part of the day. Caring for your property and tenant’s safety is a key part of our London rental property management services.

The benefits of choosing a furniture pack for your Buy-to-let property

Whether it is driving up the rent of your BTL property or maximising the ROI on London rentals as a Singaporean investor, choosing the right furniture pack with professional furnishing services can get you the desired result. By partnering with InStyle Direct, we have helped thousands of overseas landlords and BTL property investors achieve quick results, sometimes within just a day or two of completion. Our one-stop solution process eliminates the trouble of sourcing high-quality, affordable furniture that fits perfectly into your property.

Contact us today if you are an overseas London landlord from Singapore looking to maximise your rental yield and overall ROI.