If you’ve decided to let out a property as furnished, you have to make sure that you have suitable furnishings in there. It’s the one way you can make sure that you are more likely to secure a tenant than them deciding to rent a property two streets along. Of course, you need to make sure you’ve set a fair rent that’s comparable to other properties in the area and that your property is well advertised if you’re managing it yourself, or that you’ve chosen an agent who will make sure your place gets viewed.

There are certain items of furniture that aren’t sensible choices to put in a rental property. Sofa beds are just asking for extra people to stay over and add wear and tear to the property. Similarly, recliner sofas are attractive pieces of furniture, but these could also easily be used as an extra bed for people who are trying to save money by sub-letting. You’re best off getting a traditional two- or three-seater sofa in a reasonably dark fabric, so that it won’t be ruined by a glass of red wine or something similar being spilled on it.

If you have a one bedroom flat, then your ideal tenant is going to be a single person or a couple. Put in a decent double bed, and even if you’re not replacing the frame, it’s worth buying a new mattress to woo potential tenants.

In the living area, put in a cheap dining table and chairs which are functional, but will be able to take a few knocks. Remember, tenants aren’t going to treat your possessions as well as you would yourself, so don’t buy a table that will mark easily, and get chairs that are sturdy enough to take different people’s weights.

Beyond the basics, don’t fill the property with unnecessary furniture. This gives your tenants the possibility of bringing a few possessions with them.