Supply & Demand

Landlords need to ask the question, 'what do tenants in the area want from rented property?' writes Tony Booth.

In other words, do the vast majority demand fully furnished accommodation? And, even if they do, is there already an oversupply of furnished accommodation available? Although the volume of tenants wanting unfurnished properties might be small in number, the lack of suitable let units could provide you with an opportunity to exploit the situation.

It's a dilemma faced by many landlords and getting it right can make all the difference to your first year's buy-to-let annual profit.

After all, there is little point in spending a fortune on furnishings and appliances unless it will help encourage tenants to rent the property in the first place and then stay in it for longer than a six-month tenancy.