Furnished or unfurnished? What’s best for selling your property?

Some may argue an empty house lacks visual appeal, while others say furnishing a house is expensive and inconvenient.
So, do houses sell better unfurnished or furnished? It can simply come down to what is the better option for you and your circumstances.
If you are selling your home, these pros and cons may help you decide if unfurnished or furnished is the way to go.

Pros of selling a house furnished

– Gives the buyer a visual representation of how the space can be used.
– Creates a lasting impression on the buyer by making it feel more like a home rather than just an empty house.
– Has the potential to create a lasting first impression.

Cons of selling a house furnished

– It can be a major inconvenience if you are in a rush to move out.
– If not furnished nicely, it can reduce the appeal of your home and reduce the value of the property in the buyer’s mind – remember, interior is subject to personal preference and some may not like your taste.
– Over furnishing a room may crowd it, making it seem smaller than it is.

Pros of selling a house unfurnished

– Unfurnished houses are empty and can be shown at the last minute, meaning more views, potentially leading to a faster sale.
– Offers a blank canvas for buyers to use their imagination.

Cons of selling a house unfurnished

– Empty houses may seem smaller to some people.
– An empty house can give the impression of being abandoned – like the owner is desperate to move out and sell the property.
– Small dents and scratches on walls and floors are more visible.

For more information about how to make your home as appealing as possible, read REIWA’s article on making first appearances count.

Read the official REIWA media release here – April 2018