Practical furnishings and small improvements can speed up the rental of your property by 3 to 30 times and increase the rent by up to 20% according to The International Association of Home Styling Professionals.

Strategically furnishing a rental property can create an inviting and cozy atmosphere, giving you an advantage in attracting more reliable tenants who will take care of the property. As a landlord, you’re probably asking yourself, “How can I make my property more attractive without spending thousands?” The answer lies in the attractive presentation of the apartment – it can play a decisive role in finding tenants. Strategically selected furniture and accessories such as new curtains, modern lighting, or a fresh coat of paint can transform a space with minimal investment. And if you’re looking for practical, affordable and stylish solutions for decoration, furniture and accessories — stores like IKEA offers everything you need to create a cozy home that earns more.

In this guide, we'll show you how to use budget-friendly home furnishings to transform your average rental apartment into a desirable home that attracts more applicants and higher rents. We'll share concrete ideas with real prices and practical advice.

Why the first impression is crucial

Nowadays, most property searches start online, with 98% from potential tenants They start their search online. Therefore, high-quality photos and a well-maintained appearance of the property are crucial for creating a good first impression.

Properties with a professional look sell up to 32% faster and achieve about 5% higher rent. Quality interior photography costs between 200 and 300 BGN, but flatimo provides free, high-quality photos and a video tour that give an excellent start without any additional investment.

The interior of your home is just as important. Even if you've invested time and money, clutter and careless maintenance can detract from the property's beauty. Optimize your space with neutral colors (wall paint: ~25-40 BGN), functional furniture (bookshelf: ~70 BGN), and minimal personal belongings.

Particular attention should be paid to the lighting (new lamps: ~35-60 BGN) and cleanliness. Lighting plays a key role in the welcoming atmosphere, and one of the mandatory “stops” during the inspection includes checking the landscape from the windows.

Investing in an attractive commercial look can serve as a strong argument for a higher monthly rent and significantly speed up the letting process. Our experience at flatimo shows that small improvements can shorten the rental time by up to 3 weeks and increase the rent by ~5%.

5 Budget-Friendly Furnishing Ideas That Work

Multifunctional furniture is a real treasure for small homes, saving space and adding flexibility. A sofa that easily converts into a bed, a folding table and multi-functional storage solutions that maximize functionality without sacrificing style are excellent examples of practical solutions. According to data from Home Staging Institute, well-chosen and functional furnishings can increase interest in viewing the property by up to 40%, and providing appropriate furniture significantly improves the perceived value of the home.

1. 1. For the bedroom, a quality mattress with medium firmness is a recommended item. It is best to choose a latex springless model, which is comfortable, durable and hygienic. For wardrobes, it is advisable to choose floor-to-ceiling models that provide maximum storage space.
      
      
   2. Refreshing the walls A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most effective ways to completely change the look of a room. Light walls create a great backdrop for any interior and make a space appear larger. In the bathroom, the use of light tiles and a clean design creates a feeling of cleanliness and spaciousness.
      
      
   3. The bathroom and the kitchen are key areas that deserve special attention. Even small improvements like replacing the shower, toilet, or mirror cabinet make the bathroom more attractive and can save on future overhead costs.
      
      
   4. The lighting plays a key role in creating a cozy atmosphere. Experiment with different sources – from soft, ambient lights to directional lighting for a work-from-home desk. Choose clean models with LED bulbs and warm light – this saves electricity and appeals to tenants. Complement with natural materials like wood, which add warmth and authenticity to the space.
      
      
   5. Small accessories such as decorative pillows, vases, plants and textiles can significantly improve the appearance of the home with minimal investment. Adding plants not only purifies the air, but also brings freshness and life to the interior. Tenants increasingly appreciate these details that turn an apartment into a real home.

Don't forget these important details before viewings:

• • Ensure good ventilation – stale air creates a negative impression

• • Offer calzones for visitors – shows attention to detail

• • Clean not only the apartment, but also the entrance area

Professional cleaning of carpets, upholstered furniture and windows is an investment that quickly pays off. Dirty surfaces repel potential tenants and create an impression of neglect.

In fact, the main goal is to turn the property into a welcoming place where future tenants will feel cozy and safe.

Conclusion

With a little planning and a sensible budget, any apartment can stand out in the market. From a new shower faucet to throw pillows, small improvements often lead to big results. Multi-functional furniture, neutral colors, and the right lighting don’t just make an impression—they sell the lifestyle you offer.

Remember: you’re not just renting out a place, you’re offering a sense of home. Smart preparation doesn’t require a huge budget – just a strategic approach and a little creativity. Small investments today pay off tomorrow – with higher revenues, faster lettings and happy tenants.