One of the fundamental questions a tenant has to answer when
looking for a property is whether they should choose a furnished or unfurnished
rental. It's not always a straightforward decision. There are a few factors to
take into account, the cost of rent and personal circumstances the most
important.
What's the difference between furnished and unfurnished rentals?
On the face of it, it's an easy question to answer. But it
isn't quite so clear cut as it seems. Even unfurnished accommodation will
include some fixtures and fittings. Many landlords will ensure their
unfurnished properties include essential white goods including oven, washing
machine and fridge. Most will include carpets and possibly curtains or
blinds.
If you're looking at renting a furnished property it can be more
confusing. You may see rentals advertised as 'furnished' or 'part-furnished'. What's the difference?
Unfortunately, there's no standard which defines what
furnished and part furnished (or even unfurnished) actually means. Every landlord
or letting agent will have their own interpretation. You need to actually view
the property to get a full understanding of what's included. One landlord’s interpretation
of a furnished apartment, for example, may be that it simply includes basic white
goods. But this is what most tenants would expect to find in an unfurnished
apartment.
Deciding on furnished or unfurnished
Deciding which type of rental is best for you depends on
your circumstances. As well as what you need from the property.
The cost
One of the biggest factors, when tenants look at the property, is the
cost. How much is the rent? Rents on furnished properties tend to be higher
than unfurnished. This is because the landlord has extra expenses including
purchasing, repairing and insuring for the furniture. The landlord is likely to
charge a higher rent to recover those costs. All things being equal to an
unfurnished apartment, for example, will be cheaper to rent than a fully
furnished apartment.
But for a tenant costs involve more than just the rent. If
you take on an unfurnished property you then have the expense of fitting it out
with your own furniture. Not only that but
you also have to pay for moving the furniture in and out of the property at the
start and end of the tenancy. It may work out less expensive in the long run to
pay the higher rent for furnished accommodation.
Of course, if you already have your own furniture you won't
have the initial outlay on furnishing the property. This means you can look for
unfurnished rentals at (in theory) a lower rent.
Convenience
If you want to find a place and move straight in without any
hassle fully furnished is the solution for you. Everything you need is already
in the rental. No need to go shopping, arrange deliveries or worry if your
furniture will suit the decor. Though you
may need small things like kitchen utensils. Otherwise, you’ve moved in as
soon as you unpack your suitcase.
It's the convenience, as well as the savings on buying
furniture, which attracts young people, especially to furnished accommodation. And
if you're going to be a student, you'll certainly be looking for furnished digs.
You don't want to be carting furniture back and forth at the start and end of
every academic year.
Length of tenancy
If you're looking to put down at least semi-permanent roots
you'll be looking for a long-term tenancy. If this is the case an unfurnished
property may be best for you. If you're staying in any property for any length
of time you’ll want to make
it your home. Your own furniture will help you do this.
On the other hand, if you're planning to be moving on
quickly a furnished property would be best. Moving home can be a pain and you
don't want to be hauling furniture in and out every six months or so.
All about you
Your personal circumstances will be the biggest factor in
deciding whether to choose a furnished or unfurnished property. Young people
are spending a huge proportion of their income on rent. Young families and
young people, in general, may find it difficult to find
extra money to furnish their new home on top of the rent and everyday
bills.
Furnished properties will also suit workers who've relocated
for short-term contract work. There's little point in furnishing a place if
you're going to be moving again fairly quickly.
However, if you're older or are downsizing you'll already
have your own furniture so unfurnished properties will probably suit you best.
if you opt for a furnished property you'll have to sell or store your
furniture.
Tenants can find their ideal property
faster with MakeUrMove the online letting platform bringing landlords and
tenants together.
