Why Furnishing Your Property is a Strategic Investment - Not Just a Finishing Touch

adrianapilat4
Oct 7
3 min read

When it comes to property sales and rentals, first impressions matter - and they happen fast. A furnished space allows potential investors or tenants to instantly visualise a property as a home, rather than a blank canvas.

For developers, investors, and agents, this often translates into shorter time on market, higher perceived value, and stronger marketing assets.

But furnishing isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about creating a lifestyle narrative that resonates with your target audience - from the sleek, minimalist feel that appeals to young professionals, to the warm, layered comfort that draws in families. Done right, furnishing is a strategic tool: it influences perception, drives demand, and helps you stand out in a competitive market.

From market demand to ROI, the details matter.

Here’s Group Sales Director, Samuel Lewis-Clinton, on why furnishing is more than a finishing touch.

Market & Demand: What Buyers and Tenants Expect

Tenant and buyer expectations have shifted significantly in recent years. Within new-build developments especially, the demand is for turnkey living. People don’t want the hassle of moving heavy furniture or waiting weeks to feel at home.

Where unfurnished was once the norm in many outer London zones, we now see fully furnished interiors becoming standard even in Zones 4–6. Convenience and lifestyle presentation are valued just as highly as square footage.

The impact is particularly clear in competitive rental and sales markets. For example:

• New-build city apartments furnished well can let up to 30% faster than unfurnished units.

• In higher-end developments, and among overseas investors, fully styled properties are often expected - they project a lifestyle and save time.

Financial & Strategic Impact: Furnishing as ROI

Think of furnishing not as an expense but as an investment. The ROI typically comes from three places:

1. Faster sales/lets - furnished apartments simply market better.

2. Higher rental yields - in London, well-furnished properties can command 8-12% more in monthly rent.

3. Fewer void periods - quicker lets and happier tenants mean less downtime.

In fact, in many cases, the cost of furnishing can be recovered within the first year.

And while premium buyers might justify a higher investment for a luxury feel (where our INVESTA Prime or Vesta Bespoke solutions shine), even a mid-range furnishing package can transform perception. The key is tailoring the spend to the target audience, apartment level, and location.

Design & Target Audience: Telling the Right Story

Furnishing works best when it’s rooted in the lifestyle of the target resident.

• City apartments: sleek, cost-effective, modern, and robust.

• Suburban homes: warmer, layered, durable, with smart space-saving solutions like storage beds and wardrobes.

But beware of the pitfalls. Two of the most common mistakes we see:

• Under-furnishing - leaving rooms half empty makes spaces feel smaller.

• Over-styling - being too trend-led can alienate buyers or date quickly.

Our approach is to create aspirational yet neutral spaces that allow people to imagine themselves living there. We follow a simple motto: Furnish right or leave unfurnished!

Trends are used as accents, not foundations. We keep the base timeless - quality furniture, adaptable layouts, neutral palettes - then layer in lighting, soft furnishings, and artwork that can be easily refreshed.

Practical Considerations: How It Works in Practice

One of the biggest questions we’re asked is how long it takes to furnish a property. The answer? Much quicker than most expect.

• INVESTA packages: 1–2 weeks from design concept to installation

• INVESTA Prime: 2–4 weeks (depending on product selection)

• Vesta Bespoke: 6–12 weeks, tailored to the property and client vision

The smartest developers involve us before practical completion. This way, properties are furnished and photo-ready the day they hit the market - maximising momentum. In fact, we’ve seen furnished plots sell within days (sometimes the same day) for developers like Bellway Homes, Berkeley, and Barratt London.

And when it comes to rental properties, our INVESTA and INVESTA Prime package solutions are particularly well-suited: turnkey, cost-effective, and designed for durability.

Furnishing is far more than a finishing touch. It’s a strategic tool that can accelerate sales, boost rental yields, and elevate a property’s perceived value.

Whether you’re a developer bringing a new scheme to market, an investor looking to maximise returns, or an agent seeking standout listings, the right furnishing solution makes all the difference.

At INVESTA, we don’t just furnish properties - we create homes that sell lifestyles, tell stories, and deliver results.

Ready to see how furnishing could transform your portfolio?