Agent's Guide: 5 ways furnishing can help you close faster

Introduction

London's property market can be highly competitive when targeting a quick sale or rent. As an estate or lettings agent, you will likely come across clients pushing for a fast sale or rental to either reinvest in another property or avoid any void periods that could impact their rental earnings. In such situations, investing in a property's interiors and furnishing is a winning formula, yielding quicker results.

According to Rightmove, furnished properties in London rent 21% faster on average than unfurnished ones and command a premium of up to 24%. Regarding sales, professional furnishing can boost the value of a property by up to 15%. In this guide, we will discover the benefits of furnishing properties listed for rent and sale and how estate agents can use our services to improve their output.

Part 1: Spot the Slow Movers

For several reasons, properties with good specifications and amenities can still underperform when listed. As an agent, you will be able to map these slow-moving properties. Gathering viewer feedback will help reveal the underlying issues with such properties, usually associated with its orientation and presentation.

Empty units with dated decor and unappealing photos are common red flags for establishing appeal. At such times, enhancing the property's visual appearance with stylish furniture, modern appliances, and tasteful accessories or artwork can be a game changer and attract more viewings and interest from potential tenants and buyers.

Part 2: Maximise Rental and Sales Value

Thoughtful furnishing strategies help maximise rental and sales value by directly hitting the sweet spots of tenants and buyers. Professionally furnished properties create an emotional connection as the viewer can envision living there without the hassle and uncertainties of finding the right furniture. This visual clarity sets the impression of a well-cared-for property, justifying the premium that landlords and sellers seek.

While the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) reports a modest 3–5% increase in the annual rental income for furnished properties, InStyle Direct has delivered much higher returns of over 40% for landlords who go the extra mile to get their investments working harder.

Part 3: Offer Plug-and-Play for Overseas and Busy Clients

Estate and letting agents often work with overseas or remote clients who may find it challenging to be physically present for a completely hands-on furnishing process. At such times, it is invaluable to work with a one-stop furnishing partner that excels in providing turnkey solutions, including everything from design and delivery to installation and waste removal.

Over the last twenty years, InStyle Direct has furnished properties for thousands of overseas landlords and busy clients who have happily entrusted us with their homes for quick, cost-effective and result-driven solutions. Agents benefit from our in-house offerings, which reduce dependence on third-party vendors, making the entire process smooth and seamless.

Part 4: Match Style to Rental Strategy

The type of furniture package required for a rental largely depends on the tenant profile, rent expectation, and the landlord's lettings strategy. For instance, short-let properties such as Airbnbs or holiday homes can opt for flexible furniture options that provide sufficient storage and durable surfaces.

Comfort is key for long-term lets, along with neutral tones and layered design themes that appeal to a broader tenant base. Agents should always discuss the rental strategy with their landlord clients to understand their goals and provide appropriate recommendations.

Part 5: Don’t Forget the Details — Styling Closes Deals

Whether you’re selling or letting, first impressions matter. Homebuyers and tenants alike need to see themselves living in the space — and empty or poorly styled rooms make that harder. As an agent, it can be especially challenging to market properties that feel cold, awkward, or unfinished, even if the specifications are strong.

Beyond the furniture, it’s the finishing touches — artwork, accessories, colour cohesion, layout flow — that create an emotional connection. For sales, these visual cues help buyers perceive the property as well-maintained, modern, and ready to move into. For rentals, they suggest convenience, comfort, and lifestyle — all key decision drivers for tenants comparing multiple listings.

Professional furnishing, interior styling, window dressings, and refurbishment by experienced designers elevate the overall appeal, increase perceived value, and reduce decision time. InStyle Direct provides complete property turnarounds that help agents both sell and let homes faster, often securing better offers and rental returns in the process.

Case Studies and Testimonials

Here's a snapshot of a few case studies showcasing projects that resulted in quick lettings and sales.

Pro Tips for Agents

• Recommend furnishing early in the listing process
• Use styled images to refresh listings on portals
• Suggest it before a price drop

Conclusion

With proven results of delivering faster, higher-value sales and lets, furnishing properties has become a winning strategy for many landlords and developers. As an estate or letting agent working with clients who are always looking to maximise and accelerate returns, the expertise of a furnishing and interior specialist is invaluable.