Furnishing Is a Revenue Investment, Not a Cost
Every furnishing decision in an STR directly affects two things: the nightly rate guests are willing to pay and the conversion rate of people who view your listing into actual bookings. A property with cohesive, professionally styled interiors and high-quality photography will command 20-30% higher rates than a generically furnished competitor in the same market.
Budget Ranges by Market and Property Type
Professional furnishing budgets typically range from $3,500 to $8,000 per property. A one-bedroom urban condo can be furnished effectively for $3,500 to $4,500. A two-bedroom beach condo or mountain cabin runs $5,000 to $6,500. A larger multi-bedroom property with outdoor spaces and premium amenities may require $7,000 to $8,000. These ranges assume trade-account pricing, which professional teams access but individual investors typically cannot.
Where to Invest and Where to Save
Invest heavily in the items guests see in photos and use most: the primary living space furniture, bedding and linens, kitchen essentials, and any signature design elements that define the property's aesthetic. Save on items that do not appear in listing photos or that guests rarely notice: basic cleaning supplies, utility items, and storage solutions. The goal is maximum visual and experiential impact per dollar, not uniformly expensive furnishing throughout.
Professional done-for-you teams handle furnishing as part of their standard process, leveraging bulk vendor relationships and market-specific design expertise. This typically produces better results at 20-30% lower cost than an individual investor sourcing everything at retail.