Why Smart Property Investors Should Care About Design (Even If They Don’t Think They Do)

The problem is, that many property owners don’t even realize this. They might not know the top furniture brands that hold real market value—brands like Edra, De Sede, and B&B Italia, to name a few. These aren’t just well-established names in the design world, but their value keeps growing year after year. Whether you’re flipping a property, renting it out, or developing it, the look and feel of the space directly affect tenant demand and long-term appreciation.

Why Designer Furniture Impacts Your Investment Strategy

You don’t have to be an interior design junkie to see how furniture and layout choices affect your property’s profitability. Here’s how:

Higher Value, Higher Income – Well-furnished rental properties (especially short-term ones) can command premium prices. A sleek, well-designed space photographs better, attracts more interest, and books faster.

Gain in Resale Price – When investing in a property, you must always ask yourself whether you are making a profit or a loss. This applies to renovation costs as well as seemingly minor expenses. Is it really better to save money on cheaper furniture that will not increase the value of the property on the market? Isn't it better to invest in designer furniture that will increase in value by 10% a year?

Longer Leases, Less Worries – Comfortable and well-designed interiors promote the durability of leases. The less time you spend managing lease changes, the better your cash flow will be. For example, tenants who rent homes with high-end furnishings like Knoll's are often more likely to renew their leases because of the experience and aesthetic value the property offers. And who can blame them? Who wouldn't love coming home after work and relaxing in an armchair seen in James Bond movies?

Tax Deductions & Depreciation – Yep, even furniture and fittings can come with tax benefits if structured correctly. Knowing what qualifies for deductions could save you thousands. According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), furniture and fittings in investment properties can be depreciated, depending on the cost and use of the items. High-end furniture items, like those from Cassina, can be depreciated at a higher rate compared to more basic or lower-cost alternatives.

Tips: While depreciation rates vary, the Australian government allows you to claim depreciation for furniture bought specifically for rental properties, so choosing well-crafted pieces could allow you to maximize your tax savings.

Competitive Edge in a Crowded Market – With property investment booming across Australia, standing out in the market is key. In highly competitive cities like Sydney and Melbourne, offering a property with distinctive interiors can be the difference between a vacant property and one that attracts quality tenants. Unique, well-designed spaces can be the differentiator between a property that sits vacant and one that stays in demand.

Design Choices That Pay Off

So, what kind of design decisions make financial sense? Here are a few key ones to start with:

Avoid Trends, Stick to Classics – While it might be tempting to chase the latest interior fads, a time-tested aesthetic ensures long-term appeal. Neutral palettes, high-quality materials, and smart layouts will never go out of style.

Functional Spaces – Multi-purpose rooms with clever storage solutions (have you ever seen how a Poliform kitchen is organized?) increase usability, making properties more attractive to renters and buyers alike.

Quality Over Quantity – Investing in a few well-made, durable pieces rather than filling a space with cheap furniture makes a property look more polished and ensures longer-lasting value. Even a living room with just a few square meters can be magically enchanting with the viral Flos Arco lamp tucked away in a corner!

Outdoor Appeal – Whether it’s a rental unit or a commercial space, well-designed outdoor areas add significant value. A stylish patio, well-placed greenery, or a modern Talenti seating area can elevate the entire property.

So, Where Do You Find the Right Stuff?

If the idea of hunting for designer furniture sounds about as fun as watching paint dry, you should not be afraid to ask design experts for help. Thanks to our readers, we know that there are also free design services online, such as Tomassini Arredamenti. Think of it as the property investor’s secret weapon: a top-rated e-commerce platform with a constantly updated catalogue of the best made-in-Italy brands, global shipping, and a team of experts who know their stuff. They even offer custom interior and exterior design services if you want to go all-in on optimizing your property’s value.

Long story short? You don’t have to love design to make it work for you. But ignoring it? That could cost you.

About Guest Expert Apart from our regular team of experts, we frequently publish commentary from guest contributors who are authorities in their field.