Journal · 1 min read
Interior ROI for Rentals: How Much Fit-Out Actually Pays
Weighing fit-out spend for monthly rentals and Airbnb to lift rent and occupancy.
2026-05-12
Fit-out for a Bangkok rental pays best at roughly 8 to 15 percent of the unit's value, spent on durable, photogenic pieces. That range typically lifts rent 10 to 25 percent and raises occupancy, recovering the cost within 2 to 4 years.
How to calculate fit-out ROI
The simple formula is the extra annual rent divided by the fit-out spend, giving your return rate. Do not forget the gains from higher occupancy and shorter vacancy gaps.
- Extra monthly rent times 12 equals added annual income
- Higher occupancy means more income-earning months
- A fully furnished unit lets faster than a bare one
- Durable pieces cut repair and replacement between tenants
Where to invest and where to save
Spend on what tenants touch daily, and save on decor that is easy to swap. Balancing the two keeps the unit looking great in photos without blowing the budget.
- Invest well: mattress, sofa, kitchenware, and lighting
- Save on: props, cushions, wall art, and faux plants
- Choose moisture-tough, easy-clean finishes for frequent turnover
- Neutral tones photograph well and suit a wide tenant pool
Monthly rental versus Airbnb
Monthly rentals reward durability and low maintenance, while Airbnb rewards standout photo corners and amenities that earn 5-star reviews. Know your target guest before allocating budget.
How much should I spend to furnish a rental?
A Bangkok studio or one-bedroom usually runs about 150,000 to 400,000 baht for a complete move-in package, depending on location tier and target tenant.
Can furnishing really raise the rent?
Yes. A fully furnished, well-photographed unit typically commands higher rent than a bare unit in the same building and attracts interest faster, cutting vacancy.
Is cheap furniture worth it for rentals?
Only for easy-to-swap decor. High-use items like mattresses and sofas should be durable grade, since early failure raises long-term cost.