5 common challenges landlords face in furnishing properties and how to solve them

Owning rental property in one of the world’s most competitive Buy-to-Let (BTL) markets while living overseas can feel like a constant balancing act. Between furnishing rental property from Singapore cost-effectively, maximising compact spaces, and ensuring tenant satisfaction, there’s a lot to juggle—especially when you’re over 10,000 km away.

In London’s competitive lettings scene, how you present your property can make all the difference—both in letting speed and the rent you achieve. Research indicates that furnished homes draw rents 18–22% higher than unfurnished ones, with London properties particularly benefiting from a 24% premium.

5 Key challenges that landlord face

1. High furnishing costs

The high cost of furnishing a rental property is a significant challenge for landlords. Finding the right balance between affordable home furnishing service and high-quality pieces that last can be hard, especially when expenses add up fast. You might be tempted to choose cheaper options, but they could cost more later because they won’t last as long.

Solution

Finding a balance between cost and quality is crucial. With this balance you ensure your returns in the long-run outweighs the initial investment in furnishing services. Choose well-made, long-lasting furniture that is affordable and lasts to avoid frequent replenishment costs. Explore minimalistic designs that are stylish without being too costly. Investing in design-led furniture packages from our furnishing partner InStyle Direct can give you access to affordable and high-quality furniture options.

2. Space optimisation in small units

Furnishing compact apartments in some of London’s most desirable rental hotspots can be a real challenge. The key is to make the most of every inch of space while preserving a sense of openness—achieving the ideal balance between practicality and style, without making the property feel overcrowded.

Solution

Multifunctional furniture is a real game-changer for compact London flats—imagine beds with built-in storage drawers, foldaway dining tables, and modular sofas that adapt to your needs. Smart storage solutions, such as open shelving and vertical units, help to create the illusion of more space by drawing the eye upward. Our furnishing partners have an in-house team of professionals that can help build durable storage spaces and provide space saving furniture for rental homes in a swift, cost-effective manner, ensuring every corner of your property is as functional as it is stylish.

3. Understanding tenant preferences

It’s really important to understand what your tenants need when furnishing a rental property, whether they’re young professionals, expats, or families. For landlords in Singapore, staying updated on London’s rental trends is key to making your property stand out and attracting the right tenants.

Solution

Staying informed about current furniture trends can help you make smarter furnishing decisions. In London, tenants typically gravitate towards modern, minimalist styles that prioritise practicality and comfort. Features such as natural light, neutral colour palettes, and easy-care materials are especially sought after. To attract both student and corporate tenants, it’s important to ensure your furnishings strike the right balance between style and functionality.

4. Maintaining furniture for long-term use

Living overseas and maintaining the quality of your furniture can be challenging for landlords. Busy rental properties can easily damage furniture, resulting in expensive repairs or replacements. How can you cut maintenance costs without sacrificing property appearance?

Solution

Choosing hard-wearing, low-maintenance materials guarantees your furniture will stand the test of time. Opt for scratch-resistant finishes, stain-repellent fabrics and robust frames—especially for high-use pieces like sofas. Small but useful details—like removable, machine-washable covers—make life easier for tenants. Add in generous warranties and ongoing aftercare, and you’ve got real peace of mind. Our furnishing partner’s packages come with a warranty and see fewer than 1% of items returned in the first year, proving just how reliable and good-quality they are.

5. Time constraints in furnishing

For landlords, time is an important consideration. Juggling tenant queries and the oversight of several properties leaves little headspace for furnishing—especially when fitting out multiple homes at once or turning a property around between tenancies.

Solution

Professional furniture services are essential for speeding up the installation process, especially when time is precious. By partnering with our furniture specialists, you can eliminate the hassle of sourcing furniture, coordinating deliveries, and supervising installations. You can secure tenants for your property quickly, with turnaround times as swift as 24 to 48 hours, depending on stock availability. It is a hassle-free option that enables you to concentrate on maximising your investments and effortlessly manage your portfolio without stress.

Managing a London rental from overseas doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right support and smart furnishing strategies, you can enhance your property’s appeal, increase rental yields, and reduce vacancy periods—while keeping stress to a minimum.

Whether you’re looking to rent out, sell, or move in yourself, our partner’s furnishing services are designed to provide affordable design-led furnishing solutions to Singapore investors and landlords. Contact our local office today to know your property’s full potential and how we can help.