How to increase rent in London – A 41% rent uplift furnishing case study

London’s rental market is competitive, and overseas landlords often struggle to balance returns with the reality of managing a property from afar. One question comes up often: is furnishing worth the extra spend? This London rental property case study highlights how presentation can shift rental outcomes.

The SW7 property had been marketed at £3,400 a month but wasn’t attracting sufficient interest. Once it was furnished, the response changed immediately. Within a week of being relaunched, it secured a long-term tenant at £4,800 a month, demonstrating how the right approach can add real value.

Can furnishing really change your rental returns this much?

Before

After

It can. Furnished properties rent up to 21% faster and can command 15–20% higher rents compared to unfurnished ones. Well-presented, fully furnished spaces attract immediate attention and impact decision-making, directly translating into higher rents and reduced void periods.

What challenge was the landlord facing?

Despite the desirable SW7 location, there was limited interest in the property and rental income was stagnant at £3,400 per month. Each passing week meant lost income, and being unable to oversee things in person only added to the frustration.

What furnishing solution was applied?

Before

After

The landlord proceeded with a professional furnishing package arranged through our partner. As per the landlord’s brief, the flat was designed to appeal to professional and corporate tenants, and all installation and styling were completed within 48 hours.

All of it was handled remotely—we took care of the coordination, updated the listing, and organised viewings. This meant the landlord didn’t have to juggle different suppliers or deal with time zone pressures.

What results came within seven days?

The impact was immediate. Once the property was relaunched, interest picked up straight away. Within a week, the flat was rented for £4,800 per month, a 41% rise on the previous rent. The tenant, a corporate client, signed a long-term lease, giving the landlord both higher income and lasting security.

What made the difference?

Before

After

Strategic furnishing and thoughtful presentation made the flat stand out as a ready-to-move-in home rather than an empty shell. Tenants were willing to pay more for the lifestyle it suggested, not just the square footage. The speed of the installation and the seamless management meant the landlord could recover the furnishing investment almost immediately while avoiding further voids.

How can Singapore landlords achieve the same success?

If you are based in Singapore, this case study shows how we simplify the process of London property investment for overseas landlords by combining professional furnishing services with local management, taking care of furnishing and presentation, and meeting tenant demand.

With InStyle Direct handling the design and installation and Benham and Reeves managing the letting and tenancy on the ground, landlords can achieve higher yields without the usual stress of being overseas.

Speak to Benhams’ Singapore office today to see how our services and combined expertise can help maximise your UK rental yield.