Minimal furniture for rent: €800 back in 6 months

One of the most common questions landlords ask us is: how much should I invest to furnish a rental property? The answer is simpler than you think. With a small budget and smart choices, you can furnish a fully functional apartment that not only attracts tenants quickly but also returns your investment within the first few months.

In this article we'll look at how an investment of just €800 can transform an empty property into a move-in-ready space, and why this strategy makes financial sense for every landlord.

Why minimal furnishing works

Most tenants in Tirana look for furnished properties. An empty apartment stays on the market longer, and you often have to lower the price to make it attractive. On the other hand, a property with minimal — but complete — furnishing rents faster and at a better price.

The key is to invest in what's truly needed: a bed, a table, a wardrobe and basic kitchen items. Nothing excessive, nothing decorative. The tenant wants to arrive, drop their suitcase and start living. That's exactly what you need to provide.

Where the €800 goes: complete list

Example: for a 1-bedroom apartment, here's a practical budget breakdown:

• Bedroom: bed with mattress (€250–300), pillow and basic sheets (€30), small wardrobe or hangers (€80)
• Living-kitchen: table with 2–4 chairs (€100–120), a simple sofa or couch (€150–200)
• Kitchen: dish set, trays, plates, glasses, cutlery (€50), pots and pans (€40)
• Bathroom: towels, shower curtain, basket (€20)
• Extras: window curtains, lamps, coffee maker (€60–80)

Total: around €780–890, depending on where you shop. Many landlords buy from well-known furniture stores with reasonable prices, or use online platforms for seasonal discounts.

How this money comes back within 6 months

Let's calculate. Example: a furnished 1-bedroom apartment can rent for €50–80 more per month than an unfurnished one. Let's take the average: €60 more per month.

In 6 months: €60 × 6 = €360. But that's only the price difference. Add the fact that a furnished property rents 2–3 weeks faster — meaning zero void months, zero lost rent. If you would have waited 1 month to rent it unfurnished, that's also an entire month's rent lost.

So: the price difference plus the time saved returns your investment within 6 months, and from month 7 onwards, every extra cent is pure profit.

Furnished doesn't mean luxury

A mistake landlords often make is thinking furnishing must be expensive or decorative. No. The tenant pays for functionality, not design. A comfortable bed is more important than a stylish nightstand. A sturdy table is better than a pretty but weak chair.

Your goal is to create a solid base that the tenant can personalize with their own items. This makes them happier too — they feel at home, not like guests.

How to start today

If you have an empty property and are considering furnishing it, start with these steps:

• Make a list of essential items for each room — don't add anything "for looks"
• Set a clear budget and don't exceed it
• Buy from stores with good quality-price ratio, not necessarily the most expensive
• Once furnished, take good photos and list it on our platform — 0% commission for you as a landlord

And remember: on Zgjedhja Ime, you as a landlord pay no commission. List for free, find tenants quickly and start returning your investment from the first month.

Conclusion

Minimal furnishing isn't a compromise — it's a smart strategy. With €800 you create a functional property that rents quickly, brings higher income and returns the investment within half a year. In a competitive market like Tirana's, this is one of the safest ways to maximize your profit as a landlord.

If you're ready to list your furnished property, check our current listings and see what tenants are looking for today. Start with little, earn much.