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Furnished vs. unfurnished rentals in London: how do rental prices compare?
A home is more than just bricks and mortar; its contents, which allows you to live comfortably, is equally important. With this in mind, take note of two common descriptions during your London property search:
- Furnished: These rental homes come complete with all the main furniture (like sofa, table, chairs, beds and wardrobes) and a fully equipped kitchen, including white goods (a cooker, washing machine, fridge freezer, and maybe a dishwasher) you’ll need. This means they are ready to live in, saving you time and money.
- Unfurnished: These rental homes will be largely empty in terms of furniture, but will contain a fully equipped kitchen, including all the white goods in the kitchen. This gives you the chance to channel your inner interior designer and put your stamp on the property.
Crucially, furnished rental properties don’t trigger an automatic rent increase, as is the case in some countries. However, landlords typically charge higher rent for furnished properties because they save tenants the cost and effort of furnishing them. Moreover, if you request for an unfurnished property to be furnished, and the landlord agrees, they may propose a rent increase to reflect the added value – don’t be afraid to negotiate on this.
It’s also worth noting that landlords are not legally obliged to provide furniture for rental homes in the UK. It’s entirely up to them what’s included, so confirm this before you move in. With no formal rules governing their contents, you may find other items included, like cutlery, a TV, an iron and a vacuum cleaner. You can always ask for some items to be removed, or for essential items to be included as part of your offer.
Most tenancy agreements stipulate what you can and can’t do to the property. So, check it carefully before hammering nails into walls or re-painting your bedroom.
If you’d like help working out what your cost of living will be in London, use our handy calculator:
Consult with Simply London
One of our relocation specialists can accompany you to your viewings before managing the rental agreement negotiations, including the furniture that’s included once you’ve found somewhere you love. Contact us today to learn how we can help make your move to London smooth and stress-free.
We’ve helped so many people relocate and settle into their new home in London, find out what some of them have to say about our services here.
Article published 10th March 2025
