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Blog > Furnished or Unfurnished Rental: Which One Is Right for You?
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If you’re looking for an apartment, you have plenty of options and decisions to make. Location, price, number of bedrooms, and building amenities are just of few things to consider when finding the right place.
Another feature you might consider is whether to rent a furnished vs unfurnished apartment. Furnished apartments have all the essential furnishings to live comfortably. This includes a couch, TV and stand, dining room table and chairs, dresser, bed, night table, lamps for living area and bedroom, kitchen utensils, pots, pans, dishware, small appliances, linens, towels, and possibly a desk, book shelf and additional seating. Some also include artwork and decor. Unfurnished have no furniture. They are empty rooms that you need to furnish. There are pros and cons to both types of rentals.
Furnished apartments are great if you do not have furniture or do not want to buy your own furniture. Furniture is not only expensive, it loses its resale value quickly. You can save thousands by choosing an apartment that is already furnished.
Renting furnished property is great for those who are only looking for a short term rental. If you are not planning to stay at the rental place or area for long, a furnished place is a great choice. Furnished apartments commonly have more flexible leasing options because most renters are looking for temporary accommodations. While many fully furnished apartments are short term, there are also long term rental units available.
Fully furnished rentals are move-in ready. You don’t have to move furniture in or arrange for delivery of any furniture. Once you have the key, you’re ready to move your personal items like clothing, toiletries and food in.
If you are wondering are furnished apartments more expensive, the answer is yes. The rent for a furnished apartment is typically 20% to 40% higher than an unfurnished apartment. Landlords are responsible for all repairs and replacement of furnishings and insurance on the contents of the apartment so rent prices are higher.
Damage deposits are also higher because they are 50% of the one month’s rent.
Another drawback to renting a fully furnished place is you have very few options in how the place is decorated. Because the furniture is chosen by the landlord, you have no say in the furnishings and style of the rental unit.
One of the biggest benefits of renting an unfurnished place is the price difference between a furnished and unfurnished rental. As mentioned, rent for an unfurnished place is up to 40% cheaper. Along with the cheaper rent, you will also pay less for the damage deposit.
Unfurnished apartments are great for long term renters. If you are looking for stability, an unfurnished place might be your better option.
Along with the furnished vs unfurnished price difference, unfurnished rentals allow you to design your home the way you want. You can buy your own furniture and décor to create your own personalized place.
When comparing furnished vs unfurnished apartment options, the biggest disadvantage to moving into an unfurnished rental is that you have to buy, repair, and replace all your own furnishings. Furniture is expensive so if you don’t already have your own furniture, you will have to buy it all before you move in or go without certain furnishings until you can afford to buy them.
You are also responsible to move or arrange for the delivery of your furniture to your new rental apartment. This will add to the upfront costs of moving into your unfurnished apartment.
When looking for a place to rent, your immediate, short, and long term needs will help you decide whether renting a furnished property or unfurnished rental is more suitable to your short and long term needs. There are benefits and disadvantages to both.
A furnished vs unfurnished price difference is just one factor to be considered when deciding which is better. Unfurnished apartments have more upfront costs but are cheaper in the long term whereas furnished units have cheaper upfront expenses but cost more to rent.
