Is it better to rent a furnished or unfurnished property?
If you’re looking to rent a house or flat, there are a number of different factors to take into account, including price, size, location, and whether you should choose a property that is furnished or unfurnished.
Whether it’s better to rent a furnished or an unfurnished property will depend on your exact needs. Here are the pros and cons of renting furnished versus unfurnished property.
Furnished vs unfurnished – what’s included?
First, let’s look at which items you might expect to find included in your rental property.
Unfurnished property
Exactly what’s included as part of your rental agreement will vary, but as a general rule an unfurnished property is limited to nominal fixtures and appliances, such as a fridge and cooker, basic floor and window coverings, and basic kitchen and bathroom fixtures – but nothing in the way of furniture, free-standing storage units, or smaller items like cutlery.
Furnished property
A furnished property, however, should have everything you need to in order live comfortably, including all of the main appliances, such as a cooker, fridge/freezer and washing machine. You can also expect all major items of furniture, including sofas or armchairs, beds, wardrobes and/or chests of drawers in each of the bedrooms, a dining table and chairs, soft furnishings and tableware.
Advantages of renting a furnished property
1. Convenience
One main advantage of renting furnished accommodation is that it’s arguably the easiest and most convenient option. You can move in quickly and easily and be ready to start life in your new home immediately, without needing to worry about sourcing and installing furniture, appliances and other items.
2. Flexibility
If you’re a student without any furniture of your own, a professional working on a short-term contract, or if you’re looking to move in a hurry, a furnished property can be a real benefit. It’s worth noting that there tend to be fewer furnished than unfurnished properties available on the market at any one time.
It may also be the case that you already own some furniture, but are looking to rent for the short term and would prefer to store your items for a period of time. Remember, an experienced removals company, such as a Master Remover, will be able to offer a range of storage solutions to suit your needs.
3. Lower initial expense
The lower initial financial outlay is another potential advantage of renting a furnished property. As all of the key items for day to day living are included, there’s no need to pay out large sums for that new washer/dryer, bed, wardrobe and three piece suite all in one hit.
Advantages of renting an unfurnished property
1. Cheaper in the long run?
On the flip side, supplying, maintaining and insuring the items for a furnished letting involves additional costs for the landlord. This is often reflected in higher rental charges and deposits for furnished properites, which could impact on your savings in the longer term.
If you rent an unfurnished property, once you have purchased any items you can of course take them with you to your next home. If you do need to supply your own furniture, you will be responsible for insuring it.
It’s also worth noting that some companies offer special package deals on furniture for new homeowners who are just starting out.
2. Less risk of losing your deposit
It’s also important to think about damage and wear and tear. When renting furnished accommodation, you could find yourself liable for the condition of the furnishings. It’s essential to make sure that your contract sets out clearly what you will be financially liable for in the event of wear and tear, damage or loss of any of the items supplied, so you don’t end up with any unexpected bills!
It is always advisable to prepare an inventory of items with your landlord, and to take photographs as evidence of the condition of the furniture and fittings when you move in.
3. More scope to personalise
Another important area to consider is whether you are looking to personalise your property. With a furnished property, you will be quite restricted as to how far you can make it your own. If you’re not too bothered about sharing someone else’s taste in decor, this may not pose a problem.
However, if you have untapped creative energies and are looking to stamp your own mark on your home – and that shabby chic three piece suite just isn’t your style – you may prefer to let your imagination run free, with an unfurnished letting!
How to make a decision
So, whether it’s better to rent a furnished or an unfurnished property will depend on a number of factors, including speed and convenience, your own personal taste, and your longer-term plans.
For those who are just starting out, or planning to move on again within a short time frame, a furnished property might best fit the bill – but if you’re in it for the long haul it may be worth engaging with your inner designer and investing in your own things!
If you’re looking to move into a new rental home and prefer to bring your own bed, or if you need to put your existing furniture into storage for a while, remember that a Master Remover can help.
Whatever your future plans may be, our professional teams will make sure that your furniture and all of your other possessions are moved safely and efficiently into your new home. Contact us for a quote here.
