Investment Insights

Owners/Developers/Landlords: Pros & Cons of Furnished and Unfurnished Properties

BY Bridge Estate

When looking to rent out or sell your house or condo, it is important to consider whether you will offer a furnished or unfurnished property. This refers to the amount of furniture that comes with the property, such as beds, wardrobes, dressers, tables and chairs, or any other home goods. 

 

This is a key factor to think about not only for renters or buyers, but also for you as a landlord or property owner/developer.

 

Here we take a look at the pros and cons of furnished and unfurnished properties, so you can make the decision that is right for you.

 

Should I Offer a Furnished Or Unfurnished Property?

Before you put your property on the market, it is important to ask yourself if will provide a fully furnished, partially furnished or a completely unfurnished house or condo. Think about these questions when deciding which furnishings you will provide:

  • How quickly do you want to rent or sell your property?
  • How much do you want to invest in the property design?
  • Are you able to store any unused or unwanted furniture?

 

What Is Included In A Furnished Property

There is no set definition of what a furnished condo or house must include, so it is necessary to discuss what you will provide before anyone moves in. Furnished properties generally include the following:

  • Bedroom furniture, including beds, wardrobes, dressers
  • A dining table and chairs
  • Seating, including sofas chairs, and other seats
  • Appliances, including washer and dryer, dishwasher, microwave, stove
  • Finished flooring
  • Curtains and/or blinds

 

Pros of Furnished Properties for Property Owners or Landlords

Furnished properties can have a number of benefits for owners and landlords, including: 

  • Higher Rent – Furnished property owners can ask for a higher monthly rent or mortgage as you are providing added service and convenience. You are investing in the furniture and are able to offset your costs, as well as the time and money tenants save not having furniture shop or hire movers.
  • Shorter Market Time – Furnished properties are usually easier to rent, especially for young professionals, employees coming on short-term overseas contracts or young couples who may plan to move into more permanent housing in the future and do not yet want to invest in furniture.
  • Reuse Furniture – Investing in furniture for your property is a relatively fixed cost and allows you to reuse what you have purchased for multiple tenants over multiple years.

 

Cons of Furnished Properties for Property Owners or Landlords

Some potential risks to consider when renting or leasing out a furnished property, include:

  • Risk of damage to the furniture you provide, which can lead to additional expenses to replace or repair the item.
  • A higher turnover of tenants as those looking for furnished properties tend to look for shorter contracts.
  • Storage costs associated with unused furniture in cases where tenants would like to use a mix of your pieces and their own. 
  • Replacing furniture after normal wear and tear over the years can lead to additional costs.

 

What Is Included In An Unfurnished Property?

While unfurnished sounds like a property will be completely empty, in most cases it is common to offer these basic items:

  • Kitchen and bathroom fixtures
  • White goods, such as everyday appliances, stove top, refrigerator
  • Curtains 
  • Completed flooring

Remember: Always agree on exactly what will be provided before a tenant moves in.

 

Pros of Unfurnished Properties for Property Owners or Landlords

Unfurnished properties also have benefits for you and will on you or your company as to what is best for business.

  • More long-term tenants – People who have their own furniture usually seek longer term contracts. They have invested in their own homes already and will likely move less often.
  • No furniture means no risk of damage to any items you provide
  • You are not responsible for any damage as the property owner if the tenant brings his/her own furniture. This means less risk of loss for you.
  • Lower upfront costs – Unfurnished units mean you do not have to invest any money in providing major items for tenants.

 

Cons of Unfurnished Properties for Property Owners or Landlords

In addition to the positives associated with unfurnished properties, a few potential risks to consider are:

  • Longer time on the market – As there are fewer tenants who are looking to furnish an entire space, especially in current Covid-19 times when expats are not coming to work in Thailand with their families, an unfurnished property may sit empty for a longer period of time.
  • Lower rent – When you do find a tenant, having no furniture generally means you are unable to charge a premium price to rent or lease your property. 
  • Damage to your property – While you are not responsible for any furniture a tenant moves in to your property, there may be costs associated with tenants moving their furniture in and out; this includes scratches on the floor, dents in the wall, etc. 
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