Why first impressions matter to boost your London rental ROI

First impressions in property rentals make a big difference. A well-presented home attracts faster offers, fewer negotiations, and higher rents, but managing London rentals from Singapore presents challenges like remote management, choosing the right furnishings from afar, and ensuring every detail is perfect before viewing. This article examines why first impressions matter, common presentation mistakes, and how Singapore-based landlords can create a strong impact remotely through professional furnishing and refurbishment services.

Why are first impressions so powerful in property rentals?

In London’s saturated rental market, properties get many applications within a few days. According to the Home Staging Association, properties that are styled well have increased online engagement from 2 seconds to 20 seconds, which is almost a 10x increase. This means that tenants have to make decisions quickly based on how they feel about the property. This short time frame is particularly important for Singapore-based landlords letting London properties remotely. Well-presented properties attract more attention from London tenants, resulting in higher rents, shorter void periods, and a significantly higher rental ROI.

How fast do tenants make decisions about a property?

Tenants decide quickly, often after their first viewing. With demand usually higher than supply, presentation has become a key factor. Various studies indicate that well-presented homes rent faster and can achieve up to 15–20% higher rents compared to unfurnished properties. When several tenants are interested, those first moments during a viewing decide whether they can picture themselves living there or move on. Landlords who invest in professional furnishing services see faster leases and more substantial returns.

What shapes a tenant’s first impression?

Clean layouts and neutral décor help tenants picture the space as their own. Good lighting makes rooms feel brighter and more inviting, while smart furniture placement creates a natural flow. Even before an in-person viewing, online photos set expectations and attract serious tenants who value quality presentation.

How does presentation influence rent and ROI?

A fully furnished property photographs better and stands out on listing portals where tenants begin their search journey and make usual scrolls into a memorable experience, which increases enquiry rates and helps properties let faster, minimising void periods that erode annual returns and boost rental ROI.

What presentation mistakes push tenants away?

Overly personal touches make it harder for prospective tenants to imagine themselves living there. Lighting choices have a high impact when it comes to a property’s presentation; poor lighting creates drab, shadowy spaces that don’t highlight the property. Mismatched furniture or paint colours gives the impression that the place isn’t well cared for. And empty rooms can feel cold, making it hard for tenants to imagine how they’d use the space.

How can landlords create strong first impressions from Singapore?

Time zone differences and the lack of local oversight make it challenging for Singapore landlords to coordinate with contractors. A trusted local furnishing and refurbishment team saves you the hassle of dealing with multiple contractors across time zones. With end-to-end services from design to installation, they ensure a smooth process and a consistent finish.

At Benhams, we partner with InStyle Direct, who provide comprehensive furnishing solutions, allowing overseas landlords to achieve rental-ready properties and increased rental ROI for London properties without travelling.

Let Benham’s Singapore office handle everything for you—from property management to communicating with our furnishing partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I budget for furnishing a rental property in London?

The furnishing packages start at just £3,395 + VAT. You can get a detailed quote from our team if you need custom solutions tailored to your property.

Does professional furnishing help in attracting long-term, reliable tenants?

Yes. Well-presented properties attract high-quality tenants who value quality and are more likely to maintain the property and renew their tenancies.

How involved do I need to be in the day-to-day process?

You can be as involved or as hands-off as you prefer. We provide regular updates and handle all coordination, requiring only your approval at key decision points.

Do you provide professional photography after installation is complete?

Yes, we do. We handle all the professional photography in-house. Most renters start with online listings, so having quality photos really makes a difference in getting your property noticed by the right people.