When setting up a rental property, one of the big decisions is whether to offer it furnished or unfurnished. This choice impacts your tenant pool, maintenance costs, rent levels, and ultimately your returns. Let’s weigh the pros and cons for New Zealand landlords.
Furnished Rentals: The Appeal
Furnished properties attract tenants who want convenience—often students, short-term professionals, or those relocating. Because tenants don’t need to buy or move furniture, furnished rentals can command higher rents, sometimes 10–20% more.
However, furnishing a property means:
- Higher upfront costs buying furniture and appliances
- Increased wear and tear, meaning more frequent repairs or replacements
- More frequent tenant turnover, which increases vacancy risk and cleaning costs
Unfurnished Rentals: Stability and Lower Maintenance
Unfurnished rentals generally attract longer-term tenants like families or settled professionals. These tenants often take better care of the property and stay longer, reducing vacancy and turnover costs.
Landlords benefit from:
- Lower ongoing maintenance, as tenants bring and care for their own furniture
- Less risk of damage to fittings and fixtures
- Easier to manage wear and tear disputes at tenancy end
However, unfurnished properties might take longer to rent in highly transient markets.
What Does the Market Say?
In New Zealand’s current rental market, there’s still strong demand for unfurnished homes—especially family homes near schools and suburbs. Furnished apartments in urban centres attract a younger demographic willing to pay a premium.
How Rentall Helps You Decide
We analyse your property, location, and target tenants to recommend the best option. We also help furnish and manage maintenance when you choose to offer furnished rentals.
Choosing furnished or unfurnished? Contact Rentall for a tailored property strategy that maximises your rental income with minimal hassle.
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