Hong Kong investors: Why consider a London furnishing company over a high street retailer?

For Hong Kong investors, the London property market can be a challenging place to navigate, especially when considering the additional task of furnishing a property. After investing your money into the property, the next crucial phase involves getting the home ready for tenants, and the furniture you choose will be key in attracting potential high-quality renters.

Based on a recent study by property portal OnTheMarket, landlords in the UK can earn up to 21% more by furnishing their rental properties in comparison to those who have unfurnished ones. However, a lot of buyers still struggle with deciding whether to choose furniture from popular retailers or go for a complete furniture package from a professional London furnishing company?

So, let’s break it down for overseas landlords, who are looking for the best and most cost-effective options for managing their rental properties:

High-street retailer vs. A professional furniture package provider: An extensive cost comparison

When it comes to furnishing a property, the initial costs can often give a false impression. Even though furniture bought separately from stores may appear to be cost-effective, the overall cost can increase significantly once delivery and assembly charges are taken into account. The thorough cost comparisons in the table below between a renowned British high street retailer and our furnishing partner, InStyle Direct clearly demonstrate this.

The cost comparison

Note This cost comparison was conducted in August 2024.

Why is choosing a local retailer a challenge for landlords and investors?

Time-constraint

Buying furniture from different stores can be time-consuming and often involves extensive research and coordinating multiple delivery dates. Prone to delays, late delivery and installation can significantly disrupt the entire furnishing process, especially for overseas investors managing their properties from afar.

Challenges of cohesive design

Retailers provide a wide variety of styles, but if not carefully coordinated, this flexibility can result in mismatched designs.

Quality and durability

Lower-cost products tend to have reduced durability, which can lead to more frequent replacements and ultimately higher expenses over time.

Longer lead times

Retailers often have longer lead times for delivery, and most do not cover the cost of assembly in their pricing.

How does a furnishing company add value to your property?

Cost-effective

Furniture packages include a single, all-encompassing price that includes delivery and installation.

Focus on design

Furniture packages are carefully put together to improve the overall appearance of your home. Opting for a furniture package guarantees a unified and visually appealing space.

Turnkey solutions to make setup easy

Furniture packages are delivered and installed together for a hassle-free experience. This minimises the inconvenience of having to assemble and coordinate personally.

Quality and long-lasting furniture

Companies go through a rigorous sourcing process to acquire durable, high-quality materials that are built to last, guaranteeing that your investment will endure for years to come.

Responsible disposal

Most companies take care of the waste produced during assembly to provide a clean and professional service, eliminating the need for customers to worry about disposal.

Why do we recommend InStyle Direct as the top choice for landlords when furnishing their BTL properties?

We collaborate closely with InStyle Direct, combining our deep understanding of the London property market with their furnishing expertise to create a suitable furniture package for our overseas landlord and investor clients. By sharing market insights we collectively design furnishing solutions that meet the unique needs of landlords and appeal to the preferences of tenants. This collaborative approach ensures that landlords maximise their rental potential, with the majority of properties furnished through this partnership letting within just a week.

One of InStyle Direct’s standout successes was furnishing 450 build-to-rent units for Vastint at Sugar House Island, resulting in a 100% occupancy rate upon completion and a 20% rise in rental fees for several units.

Opting for a complete furniture package instead of buying separate items from stores and retailers provides numerous benefits for buyers, landlords, and investors abroad. Choosing turnkey solutions enhances the marketability and rental potential of your property by offering cost savings, design consistency, easy setups, and quality assurance. Plus, with stock availability, InStyle Direct can fully furnish your home in 24-48 hours, ensuring a quick and seamless process. Get in touch to learn more!