One question that comes up frequently when trying to make the most of your Chesterfield rental property is whether to furnish it or leave it empty. The answer isn't always obvious because it depends on the market, your objectives, and the kind of tenants you want to draw in.
While an unfurnished rental appeals to tenants who want to bring their own furniture and make the space feel like home. A furnished rental offers convenience for tenants who need a ready-to-move-in property. Which choice, however, gives you, as the landlord, more revenue and less trouble?
To help you choose the best option for your circumstances, let's examine the advantages, disadvantages, and return on investment (ROI) of providing a furnished property as opposed to an unfurnished one.
Key Takeaways
- Furnishing a rental can attract more short-term renters and allow you to charge higher rent—but it also means more upkeep and initial investment.
- Unfurnished rentals appeal to long-term tenants who prefer bringing their personal belongings and own furniture.
- Your decision should match the local market and the type of renter you want to attract, especially in a competitive area like Chesterfield.
Why Furnished Rentals Are So Appealing
A furnished apartment provides everything a tenant needs to settle in quickly—beds, sofas, chairs, kitchen appliances, and even a coffee table or coffee maker. For people in transition, such as business travelers, students, or families relocating, this type of apartment is an easy and attractive solution.
In Chesterfield, we’re seeing more interest in short-term rentals, especially near business hubs or universities. For these renters, the convenience of a fully furnished space often outweighs the cost. People rent these homes because they can walk in with just a suitcase and feel instantly at home.
Benefits for Landlords: Why You Might Want to Furnish
You Can Charge Higher Rent
One of the biggest benefits of offering a furnished rental property is the ability to charge higher rent. The added furnishings, appliances, and amenities give your property extra value that renters are often willing to pay for.
You’ll Likely See Shorter Vacancy Periods
Furnished rentals tend to fill faster, especially when targeting renters who need temporary housing. If your goal is to keep your rooms occupied and generate consistent income, offering a furnished unit may be the way to go.
You Attract a Wider Range of Tenants
Furnishing your rental property can help you attract short-term tenants, traveling nurses, consultants, or individuals awaiting the availability of their new home. These tenants typically look for convenience and flexibility over customization.
The Downsides of Furnishing Your Rental
Furnishing Comes with Upfront and Ongoing Costs
Stocking a furnished apartment isn’t cheap. You’ll need to invest in beds, tables, couches, smaller appliances, and even decor to make the space feel welcoming. And don’t forget the ongoing costs. You’ll need to replace or repair things over time due to furniture damage or normal wear and tear.
Maintenance Becomes Your Job
From cleaning the sofa to repairing broken appliances, being responsible for the furniture and amenities adds to your landlord duties. If your furnished rental gets a lot of traffic, maintenance needs can build up quickly.
Not All Tenants Want It
Some renters already own their own furniture, especially those looking for long-term stays. A furnished property might actually limit your pool of interested tenants if they’d prefer to bring their personal belongings and make the space their own.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished: How to Choose
There’s no one “right” answer. Your decision depends on the type of renters you want, the rental location, and how hands-on you want to be as a landlord.
Furnished rentals are generally a better fit if:
- You're targeting short-term leases or corporate rentals
- Your property is in a high-demand, high-turnover area
- You're okay with managing more upkeep and furnishings
Unfurnished rentals make more sense if:
- You want long-term renters with their own setup
- You want to minimize your involvement with maintenance
- You prefer stable, consistent tenants who treat the space like home
Not ready to go all in? Consider a partially furnished or semi-furnished setup—include just the basics like kitchen appliances, a bed, and a table, while allowing room for tenants to personalize.
Picking the Right Furniture (If You Go That Route)
If you choose to furnish, think durable and timeless. Opt for quality materials that can withstand frequent use, and maintain a neutral decor to appeal to the broadest audience.
Stick with essentials:
- A comfortable bed and sofa
- A sturdy coffee table and dining table
- Chairs, lamps, and practical appliances
- Basic kitchen amenities like a microwave or coffee maker
Don't go overboard—too much furniture can overwhelm the space and make it feel smaller.
Crunching the Numbers: What’s the ROI?
The return on investment for a furnished rental often looks promising at first glance. You can typically charge 20–30% more for a fully furnished property than for an unfurnished unit. But don’t forget to factor in:
- Initial furnishing costs
- Regular cleaning and maintenance
- Replacements for damaged furniture
- Fees for storage or disposal if you switch strategies later
To maximize ROI, you need to keep your rental property occupied as much as possible. That means pricing it competitively, marketing it well, and responding quickly to prospective tenants.
Understanding What Renters Want
In Chesterfield, many renters value convenience, especially in today’s fast-moving world. But preferences vary. Some want everything ready to go. Others wish to decorate their room their way, with their own couch, table, and decor.
Knowing your audience is key. A corporate tenant renting for three months has different needs than a family planning to stay for two years.
Leave the Heavy Lifting to the Pros
Trying to decide whether to offer a furnished rental or stick with an unfurnished property? Let’s face it—managing all the moving parts can get overwhelming. That’s where a trusted partner makes all the difference.
At Relevate Property Guides, we help landlords make smart choices, market their properties effectively, and keep vacancy low—whether your rental is furnished, unfurnished, or somewhere in between.
Check out our Services. Reach out through our Contact Page to get expert support.
FAQs About Furnished vs. Unfurnished Rentals
1. Can I charge more for a furnished rental?
Yes! Furnished rentals usually allow you to charge a premium because of the convenience and amenities they offer.
2. What should I include in a fully furnished rental?
Focus on essentials like a bed, sofa, coffee table, kitchen appliances, chairs, and smaller items like a coffee maker.
3. Are furnished rentals harder to manage?
They can be. You’ll need to keep up with furniture maintenance, deal with wear and tear, and handle furniture damage or replacements over time.
4. Is partially furnishing a rental a good compromise?
Absolutely. A semi-furnished property offers the basics while still giving tenants space to bring in some of their own furniture and personal belongings.
5. What if my tenant damages the furniture?
Your lease should clearly outline the tenant’s responsibilities. A security deposit can also help cover minor damage to furnishings.
