At the moment there is a real lack of good quality furnished property in the London area particularly in the very popular East End of London. More people are looking for unfurnished accommodation and this has made landlords reduce the amount of furnished property they offer.

Corporate clients looking for short to medium term leases still require furnished accommodation but residential letting is now the most important part of the property market. Letting opportunities are excellent in England with some superb locations in the major cities. Renting is an excellent alternative and flexible option for those not set on owning a house of their own.

A BBC Radio Five Live programme recently had a ‘phone in’ discussion comparing renting with home ownership. While most people still preferred to buy, renting was seen as a very acceptable life-style option.

Tenants who already have furniture and white goods are only looking for unfurnished property. Some see renting as a short term option while others have sold to rent. There is little difference in the monthly rent between furnished and unfurnished.

For many people renting is short-term while they work toward buying their own property. If they have some furniture already it makes sense to rent and collect more ready for their own house or flat. Sometimes also unfurnished property is just a little cheaper.

People of all ages and income levels deciding to rent seem to prefer unfurnished accommodation. This is sometimes called ‘part-furnished’. Most rental property comes with carpets, curtains, electrical fittings, fully fitted kitchens and attractive bathrooms. A property being shown to let for the first time should look no different from a builders show house apart from the furniture.

Why choose unfurnished?

• A furnished property may be offered with TV, sofas, tables, beds, curtains, carpets, wardrobes, washing machine and every other home comfort you can think of. If a private tenant has already been living in unfurnished property or owned a home he or she will already have their own furnishings.
• Most people prefer to create a home in their own style.
• You don’t have to worry about damaging the landlord’s furniture so you are less likely to lose all or part of your deposit.
• Unfurnished properties are slightly cheaper to rent.
• You can start to buy furnishings for the home that you plan to buy in the future.
• Renting unfurnished property lets you try living in an area to see if you like it before you decide to buy. You can move on easily with a month’s notice.