How to make my Airbnb listing stand out in London?

Airbnb is still a favourite choice for short stays in London, but the competition is definitely picking up. Rightmove’s Q1 2025 report shows a 14% rise in short-let listings compared to last year, which means guests now have even more places to choose from. This makes it even more critical for your property to stand out. For Singapore-based landlords, the challenge isn’t just finding guests; but making sure your listing catches their eye in a busy market.

According to VisitBritain, London will welcome around 43.4 million international visitors in 2025. But to make the most of this demand, your property needs more than a good location, it needs to look the part. That’s where
professional furnishing services and styling come in, especially when managing everything from overseas.

How does furnishing impact my Airbnb listing’s performance?

First impressions matter more than you think. When guests are browsing through Airbnb, they’re instantly attracted to homes that look neat, modern, and inviting. A nicely furnished space with a smart layout grabs attention straight away, bringing in more views and turning those views into bookings.

Professionally styled homes also tend to earn more. According to Statista, the average nightly rate for Airbnb stays in London hit £145 in 2024, and well-designed properties often go beyond that. Guests are happy to pay extra for comfort, good design, and a place that feels like home – and they’re more likely to leave glowing reviews afterwards.

And those positive reviews do more than just make you smile; they help boost your listing in Airbnb’s search results and encourage guests to return. So, furnishing your short let well isn’t just about making it look nice; it’s a smart move that can bring in better income over time.

What kind of furniture works best for Airbnb rentals?

Airbnb furnishing in London should combine durability, practicality, and style. We always recommend choosing timeless, neutral designs that will continue to look good over time and appeal to a wide range of guests. Trendy pieces can date quickly, so avoiding anything that might go out of fashion too soon is best.

Think quality over quantity; a comfortable mattress, clean lines, ample storage, and a welcoming dining area should all be on your furnishing checklist. Add some accent touches to elevate the space, but ensure everything is easy to maintain and can withstand frequent turnover.

Materials matter, too. Hence, choose stain-resistant fabrics, wipe-clean surfaces, and modular furniture that make cleaning and replacement easier if needed.

How can I manage furnishing remotely from Singapore?

One of the most common questions we hear from our overseas landlords is: “How to furnish my Airbnb in London from overseas?” The good news is, you don’t need to be in London to get your Airbnb guest-ready. With the right partner on the ground, furnishing your property remotely is not only possible; it’s efficient.

You’ll receive regular updates, photos, and timeline management at each stage. Most properties can be fully furnished and styled within a few days, especially if the process is well coordinated. Our furnishing partner helps you choose the right package, schedule deliveries, and manage installation; all while you furnish your London Airbnb from Singapore.

How does our recommended furnishing partner support Singapore-based Airbnb hosts?

We’ve partnered with InStyle Direct, a furnishing company specialising in design-led, ready-to-install furniture packages tailored specifically for short lets. Their team takes care of everything from planning the design to adding the finishing touches so our clients enjoy a smooth and stress-free experience.

A great example is their work on a penthouse at Bowen House, which was turned into a high-performing Airbnb. With a carefully selected furniture package, the property achieved a 25% rise in nightly rates and received much better guest reviews.

In today’s fast-paced short-let market, professional furnishing is no longer just a nice-to-have; it’s your competitive advantage. A thoughtfully styled Airbnb doesn’t just stand out in photos; it attracts higher nightly rates, enjoys stronger occupancy, and earns the kind of glowing reviews that drive repeat bookings.

For our Singapore-based landlords, we provide a seamless, one-stop solution. When you partner with
Benham and Reeves and our furnishing partner, you’re not just sourcing furniture; you’re tapping into a complete property transformation service. From design and installation to key management , guest readiness and lettings, every detail is handled by professionals with deep knowledge of the London rental market.

Looking to furnish your UK rental property remotely? Our Singapore team is here to help. We’ll guide you through each step and connect you with our trusted London-based furnishing partners, ensuring your property is guest-ready, without you ever leaving Singapore.