How interior design can help your investment stand out

January 29, 2025

How can you make your property stand out to renters in a busy market? First impressions are everything and there are more quality options on the market than ever before.

Getting the interior design right is a key way of ensuring that your property grabs more attention than other properties on the market. Get it right and you can achieve:

Higher rents
More potential tenants
No void periods

Looking at in that way, paying attention to the interior design of your property isn’t an additional extra. Instead, it’s an essential consideration for anyone looking for a UK buy-to-let property for sale in 2025.

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Do tenants care about what the property looks like?

Tenants want to live somewhere that feels like a home. The days when the rental market was dominated by identical, bland properties all painted in the same shade of white are over.

Instead, renters want a fashionable home with personality. Fewer people than ever can afford to buy their own homes and are instead renting for the long term. That means they want to rent a place that makes them feel at home.

The latest Renter Survey from Carter Jonas shows that in the last year, almost 10% of tenants who moved to a different rental property said the number one reason was a desire for more stylish interior design.

If you don’t consider it, that means you’ve got a one in 10 chance of your tenant leaving within 12 months for that reason alone.

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What’s important when it comes to interior design?

It’s a fact that good interior design can give your investment a boost by attracting more tenants and giving them another reason to stay for the long term. But what are the most important interior design factors you should look at when selecting an investment property for sale in the UK?

Who is your target renter? You professionals and families will have different design preferences. Make sure you know who you are renting to and tailor the design to them. For example, a Manchester city centre apartment would benefit from a modern, clean design scheme to attract young professionals in the city. Families may want more bright colours.
Are bathrooms and kitchens up to date? Renters prefer modernised facilities in their homes, and a superior bathroom and kitchen with new white appliances will give the best first impression. If you invest in an off-plan property, you can guarantee that you will get the best bathroom and kitchen on the market.
Does the property feel big? Apartments that feel big are likely to show off your interiors to their maximum potential and be more attractive to tenants. That means investing in a property with big windows and an open floor plan in the living areas is always a good idea.

Finally, the big question is: Should you provide furniture?

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The benefits of buying a furniture pack with your investment

You can argue the benefits of renting out a furnished or unfurnished property, but for landlords looking to maximise their income, there is a clear answer.

Furnished properties can rent for up to 20% higher than unfurnished ones, and that makes furniture a great investment. In particular, if you are buying off-plan, it’s essential to also buy a bespoke furniture pack which is:

Made to measure – You won’t be able to get in before completion to measure the exact dimensions of furniture. Buying a bespoke furniture pack with your purchase means it will be done for you.
Apartment ready to go on day one – Buying off-plan means that you can ensure a tenancy starts on day one after completion, but if you don’t have furniture already in place that isn’t possible.
Brand new – If you buy a furniture pack with your purchase you can be assured everything is brand new and in perfect condition, just as potential tenants like it.
Cost and time-efficient – Sourcing a furniture pack directly from the developer when you purchase an off-plan property is both cost and time-effective. You’ll be able to access lower rates and you won’t have to spend time searching for each item individually.
Professional design – Furniture packs are chosen and designed by a professional interior designer. That means you will get top-tier furniture without having to pay for a designer.

Want to learn more about our available investment opportunities and discover their outstanding interior design? Get in touch with our team of expert consultants today.