Furnished vs Unfurnished Rentals: Which One Actually Makes You More Money? 

If you’re a landlord weighing up whether to lease your property furnished or unfurnished, you’re not alone — it’s a very common question. On one hand, a furnished home can attract a higher weekly rent. On the other, furnished properties appeal to a smaller pool of tenants and tend to come with higher turnover. 

So how do you know which option gives you the better long-term outcome? 

Let’s break it down so you can choose the strategy that genuinely supports your investment — not just the one that sounds good on paper. 

Why This Decision Matters 

Many landlords assume that furnishing a property is an easy way to justify a higher rental price. But the numbers don’t always stack up. 

A higher rent doesn’t automatically mean higher profit if: 

• It takes longer to find the right tenant 

• You’re replacing furniture more often 

• You’re facing shorter leases and more turnover 

• You’re paying leasing fees more regularly 

A solid rental strategy balances income, demand, and tenant stability — and the furnished vs unfurnished decision impacts all three. 

The Positives of Renting Your Property Furnished 

Renting furnished can make sense — but usually in very specific circumstances. 

Here’s where a furnished property shines: 

1. Higher Weekly Rent

Furnished properties generally command more rent because they offer convenience, especially for tenants who don’t own furniture. 

2. Ideal for Short-Term or Transitional Tenants

Think: 

• Relocating workers 

• Students 

• Contractors 

• People between homes 

• Interstate or overseas tenants 

These tenants value convenience over long-term affordability. 

3. Attracts People Willing to Pay for Convenience

Some tenants want the “walk in and live” lifestyle. No moving vans. No furniture shopping. No hassle. 

4. Your Property Can Stand Out in Certain Markets

In areas with corporate accommodation or student populations, furnished rentals can fill a niche with less competition. 

The Negatives of Renting Your Property Furnished 

While the pros can be appealing, here’s what often gets overlooked: 

1. Smaller Tenant Pool

Most long-term renters prefer to use their own furniture. That means fewer enquiries, fewer applications, and potentially longer vacancy periods. 

2. Faster Tenant Turnover

Furnished properties usually attract shorter-term tenants — which means: 

• More advertising 

• More leasing fees 

• More exit and entry inspections 

• More wear and tear between tenancies 

Short stays add up. 

3. Higher Maintenance Costs

Furniture needs: 

• Replacing 

• Repairing 

• Cleaning 

• Safety checking 

And every item — from lamps to lounge suites — becomes your responsibility. 

4. More Risk of Damage

More items = more potential for breakage. 
More potential for breakage = more disputes. 

5. Insurance Can Be More Complicated

You’ll need to ensure your contents are covered, not just the building. Not all policies cover furnished rentals the same way. 

The Positives of Renting Your Property Unfurnished 

For most landlords, unfurnished is still the most reliable long-term strategy. 

Here’s why: 

1. Larger Tenant Pool

Unfurnished properties appeal to the majority of renters, which means faster leasing and fewer vacancy days. 

2. Longer-Term Tenancies

Tenants with their own furniture are naturally more settled. They’re less likely to move frequently, saving you: 

• Leasing fees 

• Re-marketing costs 

• Vacancy periods 

• Repeated wear and tear 

Stability = income consistency. 

3. Lower Maintenance & Replacement Costs

No broken dining chairs. No stained mattresses. No snapped bedframes. 

You maintain the property — not the household contents. 

4. Simpler Condition Reporting

Less inventory. 
Less documentation. 
Fewer disputes. 

5. More Flexibility in the Market

Unfurnished properties suit singles, families, couples, retirees — basically everyone. 

The Negatives of Renting Your Property Unfurnished 

Of course, there are some downsides: 

1. Lower Weekly Rent

You won’t be able to charge as much as a furnished rental — but this is often balanced (and usually outweighed) by longer tenancy periods. 

2. Less Appeal for Short-Term or Transitional Renters

Tenants who need “move-in ready” won’t choose an unfurnished place. But this is a small segment of the market. 

Let’s Do the Math 

Because this is where the decision really becomes clear. 

Option A: Furnished 

Higher rent, but shorter tenancy 

$600/week, average tenancy 6 months, plus 2 weeks of vacancy each cycle 
= $600 × 26 weeks = $15,600 income 
Minus average vacancy (2 weeks × $600) = –$1,200 
= $14,400 per half-year, or $28,800 per year 

But now factor in: 

• Leasing fees (twice) 

• Advertising twice 

• Furniture replacement/maintenance 

• Exit/entry cleaning 

• Higher wear and tear 

Option B: Unfurnished 

Lower rent, but longer tenancy 

$550/week, tenant stays 12 months with no vacancy 
= $550 × 52 weeks 
= $28,600 per year 

One tenant. 
One leasing fee. 
Minimal turnover. 

In most cases, landlords earn more by charging less and keeping a long-term tenant. 

Peace of Mind Matters 

At the end of the day, your property is an investment — and the best investment strategy is one that delivers consistent, predictable income with the least possible risk. 

Furnished rentals can work brilliantly in niche markets or short-term contexts, but for most landlords, unfurnished is still the clear winner when it comes to: 

• Stability 

• Demand 

• Lower costs 

• Fewer headaches 

It’s not just about what your property can charge per week. 
It’s about what you keep in your pocket at the end of the year. 

Your rental strategy should support the long-term health of your investment — not just the weekly rent.