We often get asked this question and it really depends on who the property is aimed at …
UNFURNISHED?
Generally, tenants who provide their own furniture tend to stay longer. Quite often unfurnished properties tend to attract families and couples setting up home. Tenants are responsible for all of their own furniture and therefore the landlord would not be expected to pay for replacements during tenancy. The only exception to consider would be white goods and cooker for the kitchen along with curtains, blinds and light fittings. We would suggest that these were supplied even in an unfurnished property.
FURNISHED?
Generally furnished properties tend to attract students and young professionals together with corporate or short term lets. In a furnished let the landlord would need to present the property as a fully working home from furniture to ironing board and removing all personal items. We do not recommend supplying electrical items such as televisions. Remember in a fully furnished property you are responsible to replace or mend defective items. Tenants are increasingly seeking good quality furnishings.
If the property is not already furnished, we would recommend holding off buying furniture until tenants have been found. The property can always be furnished on request. Generally, there are more tenants looking for unfurnished properties than furnished.