To Let Furnished or Unfurnished?

Q. I have just purchased my first investment property. Should I advertise it as furnished or unfurnished?
Richard Jackson

This would entirely depend on the type of property and the profile of your desired tenant. However, it is crucial that you advertise your rental property offering both alternatives, with a reasonable premium for the furnished option. The rule of thumb would predict that all rentals up to and around £500 pcm would warrant a £50 pcm premium where as a £100 pcm plus premium would be acceptable on all rents up to and around £1000 pcm.
 
If you do decide to furnish your property then this could have advantages, especially if renting to professionals who may wish to walk into a "turnkey" solution. The only advice we can give you is to look closely at attention to detail when selecting the finishing touches. Items like egg cups, kitchen knives and DVD storage may be trivial to you but just having a sofa, coffee table and a bed does not qualify as a furnished apartment!
 
Seriously contemplate the look and feel of your property as image is king. If you are trying to achieve top rental prices then don't be complacent as tenants have many options in Sheffield. However don't let the cost of furnishing your pad put you off as companies do exist that specialise in offering chic, cost effective, quality furnishing solutions that won't break the bank.