In the active rental markets of Wilmington, Hampstead, and Leland, investors often face a pivotal decision: should they invest the capital to furnish a long-term rental, or stick to the traditional unfurnished model? While "furnished" is the standard for vacation rentals in Wrightsville Beach or Oak Island, the math changes significantly when the lease term extends to twelve months or more.

For property owners in New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, and Brunswick counties, the choice between furnished and unfurnished isn't just about aesthetics, it is a strategic decision that impacts vacancy rates, depreciation schedules, and your ultimate return on investment (ROI).

The Furnished Premium: Who is the Tenant?

In Southeastern NC, the demand for furnished long-term housing is driven by specific demographic "hubs."

• Corporate and Medical Relocations: Professionals moving to New Hanover County for roles at Novant Health or GE often need a turn-key solution while they shop for a permanent home.
• Military Transitions: In Jacksonville and Sneads Ferry, active-duty families transitioning in or out of Camp Lejeune often prefer furnished options to avoid the logistical headache of moving heavy furniture during short-term assignments.

• The ROI: Typically, a furnished long-term rental can command a 15% to 25% rent premium over its unfurnished counterpart. Additionally, the IRS allows you to depreciate furniture over a 7-year period, providing a faster tax write-off than the 27.5-year schedule for the structure itself.

The Unfurnished Advantage: Stability and Low Overhead

While furnished units bring higher gross rents, they also bring higher "burn rates." For many investors in Leland or Burgaw, the unfurnished model is the superior play for long-term wealth.

• Lower Turnover Costs: Tenants who move in with their own furniture tend to stay longer. In the Cape Fear region, the average stay for an unfurnished tenant is 2.5 years, compared to just 12–14 months for furnished long-term tenants.
• Reduced Liability and Maintenance: Furnishing a home means you are now responsible for the "wear and tear" of sofas, mattresses, and dining sets. In a coastal environment, salt air and high humidity can take a toll on upholstery. An unfurnished rental in Surf City eliminates the need for furniture repair budgets and deep-cleaning fees between tenants.

Strategic Advice for the Coastal Investor

Before committing to a furniture package for your property in Brunswick or Pender county, consider the "Hybrid" strategy.

• Target the "Executive" Mid-Term: If your property is near downtown Wilmington or the Mayfaire area, furnishing it for 3-to-6-month "mid-term" leases can capture the highest possible ROI by bridging the gap between volatile short-term rentals and lower-yielding long-term leases.
• Quality Over Quantity: If you do furnish, choose commercial-grade, moisture-resistant materials. In Southeastern NC, cheap particle-board furniture often swells and warps in the summer humidity.
• Insurance Endorsements: Ensure your landlord policy specifically covers "contents" if you furnish. A standard dwelling policy in Oak Island may only cover the structure, leaving your $20,000 furniture package unprotected in the event of a fire or flood.

Your Next Step

Choosing the right rental model requires an intimate understanding of local tenant demand and the financial trade-offs of coastal maintenance. At Aspyre Realty Group, we are experts in listening and communicating people's wants into homes that work for them. We act as your strategic partner and guide, helping you analyze the data across New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, and Brunswick counties to ensure your rental property is positioned for the highest possible return.