How should you furnish a flat to let?

For years, investing in property has been seen as a stable and profitable way to put capital to work. Many people decide to buy a flat to let, and some use flats they have inherited for this purpose. The key issue, however, is furnishing the flat in a way that will let you find tenants quickly. I have prepared a short guide for you on how to arrange a property to attract potential tenants and maximise your rental profits.

Which flats are rented out fastest?

Although renting out flats can bring a regular income, there is a risk that the property will stand empty for a while. In large cities such as Katowice, competition on the market is particularly high. Statistics show that small, affordable flats attract the most interest from renters. Location is also crucial — the closer to the centre and public transport, the better. The look of the interiors and their functionality also matter, because tenants often look for flats that are tidy and are as comfortable as possible to live in.

3 rules for furnishing rental flats

From the property owner's point of view, the aim is the lowest possible financial outlay while still achieving a good standard of flat. When furnishing a flat to let, it is worth following a few rules that will help limit the need for high spending, but at the same time provide functional and attractive interiors for future tenants.

• Simple and tidy finish

To save on furnishing the flat, it is worth choosing neutral finishes that are universal and easy to maintain. For floors, laminate flooring and standard ceramic tiles are best, as they are easy to clean. The walls should be painted in light colours, which visually enlarge the space and let tenants easily add their own decorative accents.

• Functional kitchen and bathroom

Fitting out the kitchen and bathroom usually accounts for most of the cost. So you should look for savings in simple but solid solutions. The kitchen can be fitted with a ready-made set of kitchen units available from DIY superstores. Beyond that, all you need is a small fridge, a freestanding cooker and a dishwasher, which will meet the needs of most tenants. The bathroom should have a shower cubicle, a washbasin with a cabinet, a wall-hung toilet and a basic washing machine.

• Practical furniture

The furnishings of the rooms should be functional and durable. In the living room, put a sofa bed, a coffee table, a small television and a table with chairs. A made-to-measure wardrobe in the hallway is also a practical solution. Smaller rooms can serve as a bedroom or a child's room, so it is worth equipping them with a bed, a desk and a few storage shelves.

Summary

Furnishing a property to let does not have to be expensive, but it takes a well-considered approach. The key to success is creating a functional, attractive space that will appeal to a wide range of tenants while keeping spending to a minimum. Do you want to rent out a flat but do not know what steps to take? As an estate agent in Katowice, I offer comprehensive help. My market experience will help you avoid the typical pitfalls of letting.