Renting a home can be a big decision, especially when choosing between furnished, semi-furnished, and unfurnished apartments. A fully furnished apartment traditionally means ready to live in and it includes furniture and items essential for daily living. But what does that entail, and is fully furnished right for you? This article will go over everything you need to know, including what a fully furnished apartment is, the advantages and disadvantages of fully furnished, and what to expect when renting a fully furnished apartment.
Key Takeaways
- A fully furnished apartment contains all furniture, appliances, and essential items moving in
- Fully furnished apartments provide all of the convenience and short-term stays, self-distance, and help avoid buying furniture
- A fully furnished rental is usually more expensive than an unfurnished or semi-furnished apartment.
- You may also have less freedom of customization and be responsible for keeping the furniture upkeep
Knowing what to expect helps you make an informed decision and avoid surprises
What Is a Fully Furnished Apartment?
Definition and Explanation
A fully furnished apartment is a rental unit that comes with the furniture, appliances, and other household that makes your living easy. Essentially, you do not have to spend time buying or moving large pieces of furniture such as a bed, sofa, dining table, or kitchen appliances. Everything from the living room, to the bedroom, to the kitchen, is ready to go.
What’s Typically Included?
| Item Category | Common Inclusions |
| Furniture | Beds, sofas, dining tables, chairs |
| Appliances | Refrigerator, microwave, stove, washing machine |
| Kitchenware | Plates, cutlery, pots, pans, utensils |
| Linens & Bedding | Sheets, pillows, blankets |
| Electronics | TV, lamps, sometimes air conditioners |
| Basic Decor | Curtains, rugs, wall art |
This setup is ideal for people who want a move-in ready home without the hassle of furnishing it themselves
Fully Furnished vs Semi-Furnished vs Unfurnished
Feature | Fully Furnished | Semi-Furnished | Unfurnished |
Furniture | All essential furniture included | Basic furniture like fans, lights | No furniture |
Appliances | All major appliances included | Some appliances included | None |
Kitchenware | Included | Usually not included | Not included |
Move-in Ready | Yes | Partially | No |
Rent Cost | Highest | Moderate | Lowest |
Personalization | Limited | Moderate | Full |
Read also: Unsure which rental type suits you? Read our guide on semi-furnished vs unfurnished vs fully-furnished apartments before signing a agreement.
Pros of Renting a Fully Furnished Apartment
1)Convenience and Time Savings
A fully furnished apartment offers many advantages, and convenience is the most beneficial among them. You can move in straight away without worrying about buying and moving furniture! This is particularly beneficial if you are moving for a new job or studying away from your home city, or if you want to take a short-term project. Just think how nice it would be to eliminate furniture shopping and delivery stress!
2)Cost Savings on Upfront Purchases
Furniture and appliance purchases can be costly. By renting a furnished apartment, you can spread out your costs over your rent and avoid the larger up-front payment. In addition, renting versus buying is extremely useful if you have a limited budget or wish to avoid purchasing items you might not end up using in the long-term.
3)Flexibility for Short-Term or Temporary Stays
If you're going to be staying for a few months, a fully furnished apartment is the best option. You don't have to worry about the hassle of selling or storing furniture as you determine what to do when you leave. The simplicity of a fully furnished apartment attracts lots of people, particularly students, business/travel tradesmen, digital nomads and others who care about speed and simplicity.
4)Ready-to-Live Environment
With a fully furnished apartment that has excellent furnishings and all the necessities, you can enjoy the space without fears of mismatched styles and sorting out what kitchenware to buy. It allows the new space to feel like home from day one.
5)Potential Savings on Moving Costs
When you don’t have any furniture to move, you can save the cost of hiring movers or renting trucks. This saves the overall hassle and cost of moving.
Summary Table of Pros
Pros | Explanation |
Move-in Ready | No need to buy or move furniture |
Cost-effective upfront | Avoids large initial furniture purchases |
Flexible for short stays | Ideal for temporary tenants or travelers |
Decor and essentials included | Apartment looks complete and comfortable |
Lower moving costs | No bulky furniture to transport |
Cons of Renting a Fully Furnished Apartment
1)Higher Rent Compared to Unfurnished Apartments
Rent for fully furnished apartments typically comes at a premium because landlords offer furniture and appliances. Generally, the rent on furnished apartments is higher rent provides for replacement and maintenance. It may not be affordable for everyone, especially for long-term renters.
2)Limited Ability to Personalize
When you rent a fully furnished apartment, you are essentially living in someone else’s idea of style. You have very little freedom to change the furniture, you may not be able to paint the walls, or add your own decorations (if they are not already there). It can feel like the space is much less your own.
3)Responsibility for Furniture Upkeep
You will probably be expected to keep the furniture in good condition. Any damage can result to your security deposit or be subject to additional fees. If you don't have experience caring for furniture, this can be a source of stress.
4)Possible Lower Quality or Outdated Furniture
Not all landlords have quality furniture. The furniture may be old or in a bit of disrepair, and this can hinder comfort and satisfaction!
5)Additional Fees or Hidden Costs
Some landlords charge extra for includes utilities, maintenance, or housekeeping. It's a good idea to read the lease so there are no surprises!
6)Limited Storage Space
Because fully furnished apartments come with all the furniture and decor, there is often less amount of space available. This can be an issue when you have a lot of personal belongings.
Summary Table of Cons
Cons | Explanation |
Higher rent | Cost of furniture included in rent |
Limited personalization | Restrictions on decorating or changing furniture |
Furniture upkeep responsibility | Tenant liable for damage or repairs |
Possible outdated furniture | Quality may vary. |
Extra fees | Utilities or maintenance fees may apply. |
Less storage space | Furniture takes up room |
What to Expect When Renting a Fully Furnished Apartment
Typical Inclusions
Expect the apartment to come with:
- Sofa sets and coffee tables
- Kitchen appliances like fridge, microwave, stove
- Basic kitchenware such as plates and utensils
However, the exact items vary by landlord and property
Lease Terms and Deposits
Furnished apartments may require higher security deposits since they have furniture you cannot move out. Lease terms may also specify how you should take care of the furniture, and how you cannot modify anything.
Tenant Responsibilities
You need to take care of the furniture and appliances. You should report any damage right away or you may have disputes later about the damage. Some landlords may offer to maintain the appliances and/or furniture in the unit. Before signing the lease, ask if the landlord offers those types of services
Inspecting Furniture Quality
Do a thorough check of the furniture and appliances before you move in. After you check them, make sure to take photos or videos of their condition, so you have some documentation of what they looked like. To help protect yourself from being charged for damages, this is beneficial
Additional Fees to Watch For
Ask about utilities, internet, housekeeping, and maintenance fees. Some furnished apartments include these in your rent, while others will charge you separately.
Conclusion
A fully furnished apartment is ready to move in with furniture and appliances. it is convenient for short-term stays but costs more and lacks personalization compared to a traditional rental apartment. Fully furnished properties are often suitable for students, expats, or professionals on temporary assignments. When looking at a furnished apartment, inspect the furniture for damages, check the lease terms, and compare apartments before making a decision.
Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Choose a fully furnished apartment according to your budget, how long you plan to stay, and your need for flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1)Why should I choose a fully furnished flat for rental?
A fully furnished apartment is great if you want to have a move-in condition without spending on furniture. Ideal for short-term stays, students, expats or professionals that want a convenient, cost-saving option on upfront furniture costs. If you move regularly or would like to avoid the hassle of moving heavier things, a furnished apartment can be an excellent option
2)Which is better, fully furnished or unfurnished?
It all depends on your needs:
- Fully furnished: Better for shorter stays, flexibility, and savings on furniture.
- Unfurnished: Better for a longer term stay, personalizing your space and has lower monthly rent.
3)What does "fully furnished" mean in an apartment?
A fully furnished apartment comes with all the essential furniture (bed, sofa, dining room table, etc.), bigger appliances (fridge, stove, TV), and possibly all kitchenware, linens and decorations – it will already be ready for move in. You should always double check with the landlord, as for all things, it depends on what the you get!
4)Is it better to move into a furnished apartment?
Furnishing an apartment usually will cost more than an unfurnished investment. However. you may find it worth it due to the money you will save on couches, beds, tables, desks, etc.
