Are Most Apartments in London Furnished?

By Robert Palmer

London is a bustling city, and it is no surprise that people from all over the world flock to the capital. Whether for work or leisure, finding a home in London can be quite challenging. One of the most common questions that people ask when moving to London is whether apartments are furnished or not.

The Short Answer

The short answer is no; most apartments in London are not furnished. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

Why Most Apartments in London Are Not Furnished

There are several reasons why most apartments in London are not furnished. Firstly, it is because of the high turnover rate in the rental market.

Most landlords prefer to rent out their properties unfurnished so that they can attract long-term tenants who will bring their furniture with them. This also means that landlords do not have to worry about maintaining and replacing any furniture.

Secondly, unfurnished rental properties tend to be cheaper than furnished ones. Landlords do not have to pay for furniture and appliances, which means they can charge a lower rent.

Exceptions to The Rule

While most apartments in London are unfurnished, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example:

  • Serviced Apartments: These apartments come fully furnished with all the necessary amenities and services such as housekeeping and laundry services.
  • Short-Term Rentals: Some landlords may offer fully furnished apartments for short-term rentals such as Airbnb listings.
  • Luxury Apartments: Luxury apartments often come fully furnished with high-end furniture and appliances.

The Pros and Cons of Furnished Apartments

While unfurnished apartments are the norm in London, furnished apartments do have their pros and cons.

Pros

  • Convenience: Fully furnished apartments are convenient for people who are moving to London for a short period. They do not have to worry about buying or transporting furniture and appliances.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Furnished apartments often look better than unfurnished ones as they have been styled with furniture and decor.
  • No Upfront Costs: Tenants do not have to pay upfront costs for furniture and appliances, which can be quite expensive.

Cons

  • Higher Rent: Furnished apartments tend to be more expensive than unfurnished ones due to the cost of furniture and appliances.
  • No Personalization: Tenants cannot personalize the apartment with their own furniture and decor.
  • Damages: Tenants may be liable for damages caused by the furniture or appliances provided by the landlord.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, most apartments in London are not furnished. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as serviced apartments, short-term rentals, and luxury apartments. When deciding whether to rent a furnished or unfurnished apartment, consider your personal needs and budget before making a decision.