Should You Go Furnished or Unfurnished?

Whether you're moving into your first place or letting out a new property, one of the earliest decisions you’ll face is:
Furnished or unfurnished?

It might sound simple, but the choice can have a big impact on your lifestyle, your budget, and even your responsibilities—whether you're a tenant or a landlord.

Here’s what to consider before you decide.

What “Furnished” Actually Means

In UK rentals, furnished typically includes:

• Bed and mattress

• Sofa and dining table

• Wardrobes and storage

• Basic kitchen appliances (fridge, oven, etc.)

Unfurnished generally means the tenant brings their own furniture, though major appliances are often still provided.

Always double-check what’s included—some “furnished” listings can be missing key pieces, and some “unfurnished” homes may still have a few surprises.

For Tenants: Pros and Cons

✅ Pros of Furnished

• Move-in ready

• No big upfront furniture costs

• Ideal for shorter-term lets or flexible living

❌ Cons of Furnished

• Limited ability to personalise your space

• Risk of paying more rent

• You may be responsible for wear and tear

✅ Pros of Unfurnished

• Freedom to decorate and furnish your way

• Often cheaper rent

• Less risk of being charged for minor damage

❌ Cons of Unfurnished

• Cost of buying your own furniture

• Requires more planning and effort before move-in

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For Landlords: What Brings the Best Return?

This depends on your target renter.

• Furnished is popular with students, young professionals, and short-term renters

• Unfurnished appeals to families and long-term tenants who want to make the space feel like home

Bonus tip: In areas with high demand, offering part-furnished (just the basics) can be a great middle ground.

With Homesty, landlords can easily indicate furniture level in their listing—and update it anytime based on feedback or demand.

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What We See at Homesty

On our platform, we see a real mix—but some patterns emerge:

• Unfurnished tends to attract longer-term tenants who are more invested in the property

• Furnished gets more short-term interest, but can lead to quicker turnover

We encourage clear communication between tenants and landlords up front. With Homesty’s in-app messaging, you can easily clarify what’s included—and even negotiate if needed.

👉 Create your Homesty profile now >

Final Thought: Choose What Fits Your Lifestyle

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Going furnished might save time and cash at move-in—but unfurnished might feel more like home in the long run.

Wherever you land, Homesty makes the process easier with:

✅ Clear listings
✅ Transparent expectations
✅ Direct messaging between tenant and landlord
✅ Fair contracts that reflect what’s agreed