Is It Better to Sell a Property Empty or Furnished?

17 October, 2024

One of the most challenging choices you may have to make when selling your house is whether to leave it vacant or furnished. Should you present it as a blank canvas and let consumers picture the room with furniture? This can actually influence both the final offer you receive and the speed at which your house sells.

Selling Empty: Pros and Cons

Some sellers may wonder, "Why not just empty the place and be done with it?" It sounds simple, and once it's done, you won't have to worry about cleaning or rearranging objects for viewing.

The Benefits of Selling an Empty Home

Easier to Maintain

Managing an empty house is simpler as there is no furniture or personal belongings to maintain neatness. Particularly with probate sales or if the property is already vacant, leaving it empty results in less maintenance.

Buyers Can Visualise Their Own Style

Some purchasers can clearly picture their own objects and taste in the room without furniture. A blank canvas lets potential buyers see how they would decorate each area, which may be a big selling advantage, particularly if the house has unique architectural elements or lots of natural light.

The Downsides of Selling Empty

Lack of Connection

Emotional attraction is a critical factor in property buying. An empty house can be a very cold place and not welcoming to be in, especially in colder weather. Buyers need to feel attached to a space; it's quite difficult for them to view it as one's home if it is empty. They could fail to recognise its actual potential without that emotional draw.

Exposes Every Flaw

Without furniture to help soften the room's appearance, every blemish, scuff, or small flaw becomes more apparent. Staging experts claim that homes with furniture often cover these little problems, keeping buyers' attention on the general attractiveness instead of any defects.

Rooms Can Seem Smaller

Oddly, empty can seem smaller than they are. This is because furniture allows consumers to gauge the size of a room and provides perspective. Staged homes offer a more realistic sense of space, so rooms appear larger and more functional.

Selling with Furniture: The Case for Staging

Leaving some furniture in the house or doing home staging is a very effective way to give warmth and a homely feeling. Expert opinions decidedly support this approach, especially in a competitive market.

The Benefits of Selling with Furniture

Creates a Welcoming Atmosphere

A beautifully furnished home can make the buyer envision that he or she could be standing there, and maybe that could be the magic that sells. Furniture makes the space feel lived in. Research has found that staged homes sell around 30% faster and at a higher price than vacant homes, making the requirement to design an approachable, welcoming space clear.

Helps Define Each Room

Furniture also clarifies the use of every room. Buyers want to know right away what a space is for. Whether it's a bedroom or a dining area, a well-furnished room indicates to purchasers how the space should be used. This can be crucial for open-plan houses or irregularly shaped rooms.

Improves Security

One usually disregarded advantage of leaving some furniture is security. Empty homes can be targets for vandalism or break-ins since they draw unwelcome attention. Having furniture in a house makes one feel as though someone is still around, discouraging possible issues.

The Downsides of Selling with Furniture

Personal Style May Not Appeal to Everyone

Although furniture can help a house sell, your taste might not. Purchasers may be turned off by too bold or antiquated furnishings. Hence, it's important to neutralise your décor when selling. Buyers should see the house's potential rather than let your taste divert them. Should your furniture prove unsuitable, home staging could be the solution.

More Maintenance

Leaving furniture on the property means more effort to keep it appealing. If you have already moved out, you might not want to deal with consistent cleaning and tidying before viewings. Under such circumstances, many professionals advise professional staging—where hired furniture is placed, especially to appeal to purchasers. This choice lets you design a neat, welcoming area free from the work of keeping it clean.

The Expert Case for Home Staging

Home staging is becoming increasingly popular in the UK market, particularly for homes already unoccupied. Professionally staged homes often stand out in today's competitive market. Renting furniture to highlight the house in its best possible light helps purchasers see how it might be used.

What’s the Best Choice?

Tom Cranenburgh, Partner at GetAnOffer says;

“Usually, your situation will determine the decision. From a practical sense, selling a house empty is simpler; nevertheless, you can lose the emotional link consumers need to make an offer. If you still cannot decide, consider the local buyer preferences and your area's property market. There is no right or wrong answer, every home and every situation is unique. Myself and my colleagues will be on hand to help you reach the best decision to get your property on the market in the best possible way.”