Do I need to furnish a short let, and what does it cost?

Why does a short let need full furnishing?

Guests arrive with a suitcase and expect to live there straight away. That means everything from beds and sofas to plates, towels and a kettle. A long let can be unfurnished. A short let can't.

What do guests actually care about?

After seeing a lot of reviews, it comes down to a few things. Get these right and the rest matters much less:

• A really good bed and mattress in every bedroom
• Quality bedding and towels, with spares for changeovers
• Fast, reliable wifi
• A spotless, working bathroom with a good shower
• A practical kitchen with the basics to cook a proper meal
• Somewhere comfortable to sit and somewhere to work
• A washing machine, especially for contractors and families

What's a waste of money?

Designer furniture, lots of decorative bits, expensive artwork and fragile ornaments. Guests don't book for them, and they get damaged or moved. Avoid white sofas and delicate fabrics too. Honestly, don't overspend on furniture. Think of it like kitting out a good hotel room rather than a show home.

Our guests are mostly contractors and relocating families on longer stays. They want comfort and practicality, not a magazine shoot. More on that in who actually stays in a managed Airbnb.

So what does furnishing cost?

It depends on the number of bedrooms, the condition of the property and what you already own. A former long let that came furnished may only need better beds, linen and kitchen kit. An empty house needs everything. The best way to keep costs sensible is to focus spending on the list above and buy durable, easy to replace items for everything else.

Before you spend anything, ask Renzo for a free income projection with local comparables, so you know what the property could earn. Our guide on how much more you can earn on Airbnb explains what drives income.

What is the done for you furnishing option?

If you don't want to project manage it, we offer a full done for you setup covering furnishing, photos, the listing and onboarding. We know what works for our guests and what gets damaged, so you don't waste money learning the hard way. Our wider support team also includes furnishing help.

Can I use furniture I already have?

Often, yes, if it's in good condition and practical. Worn mattresses always need replacing. We'll tell you honestly what's worth keeping. And if your property isn't ready yet, our guide on whether your property is suitable covers the other checks, while how quickly you can switch explains the timeline.