I have a furnished flat in an inner suburb in a capital city and the rent is so much higher $200 per week vs $140 unfurnished.

I also target international students and aim for a 12 month lease Jan – Jan.

The problem I’ve had is with a less than progressive PM (and at times I wouldn’t hesitate throwing the term useless in) They prefer set and forget traditional tennants and methods of advertising.

One year when they ignored my instructions it sat vacant for 8 weeks and cost me $500 in advertising. The next year as I requested they placed free ads on the university website and it was gone within a week.

I have old furniture purchased at garage sales. Noone has complained and it hasn’t caused problems yet. I do intend to sell the property within the next year so have never looked at is a 10 year plan.

Good luck – don’t let it be too hard because the extra return is worth it.

Cheers

Kate