Furnished vs Unfurnished Apartment: Which Is Better?

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January 4, 2022

When individuals are looking for an apartment to rent or buy, they will most likely consider the merits/demerits of a furnished vs unfurnished apartment. There are numerous benefits of renting a furnished or semi-furnished apartment, like saving money on purchasing expensive items and increased flexibility, but there are also some disadvantages.

Since the only way you can solve the furnished vs unfurnished apartment dilemma is by determining your housing needs, the best thing to do as a tenant or buyer is to evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of a  property to determine which one matches your housing needs. Also, gathering information through online searches like “what does fully furnished mean?” and other related topics will help you identify the best apartment type for you.

Differences between a Furnished and an Unfurnished Flat

If you are looking for an apartment to rent or buy, you must decide if you want a furnished or unfurnished unit. Since the difference between them is that one comes as empty rooms and the other comes with all the basic items you require at home, your decision should be guided by your needs and your current situation.

Length of stay

For example, a person moving to a new location for a few months for job reasons may prefer a furnished apartment over an unfurnished one, as it makes it easier to move in and out. The tenant will only have to bring his clothes and buy the utensils that are not in the flat. On the other hand, a person who already owns lots of furniture may find a furnished apartment less viable, as he/she will be forced to sell or store the items. If it is empty, the new occupant will only have to place his or her own.

Price

Apart from the available items, there is a considerable price difference between furnished and unfurnished apartments. In most parts of the world, a furnished apartment will cost more to rent/buy than an unfurnished one. This is because a seller/landlord expects higher returns from a fully furnished apartment. After all, they have invested more.

Also, since furnished lease agreements are shorter than unfurnished ones, such properties will attract individuals looking for temporary housing, forcing the landlord to charge a higher rent to offset the additional costs created by increased vacancies in their property.

What is a Furnished Apartment?

Rent a furnished flat

A furnished apartment is any apartment that comes with all the items you need to live in comfortably. However,  these items may vary from apartment to apartment. Most furnished apartments come with basic appliances and furniture, like:

- Sofa

- Beds

- Dresser

- Tables

- Basic household appliances

Due to the difference in the number of furniture, appliances and decorations in various furnished apartments, they are further categorized as partially furnished, unfurnished and fully furnished. Below are some reasons you should consider renting/buying a furnished apartment.

Less expensive

Buying all the furniture and appliances after moving into your new home can be an expensive ordeal. On the other hand, renting a furnished apartment will lower the cost.

Convenience

Moving into a furnished apartment offers the highest level of convenience, especially if it is your property, or if you are looking for an apartment you can move in or out with just a suitcase.

Greater flexibility

A furnished apartment can be a perfect option if you are looking for a place to stay for a short time, like some months.

What is a Semi-Furnished Apartment?

Rent a semi-furnished flat

Answering the question “what is a semi-furnished apartment?” can be challenging if you are new to matters real estate. Though the name can describe a wide range of apartments, it is mainly used to describe an apartment with only essential pieces of furniture, like a bed, sofa, table and chairs. You should not expect to find kitchen utensils and small appliances in a semi-furnished apartment.

The advantages of a semi-furnished apartment are close to those of a fully furnished, but you may not enjoy the benefits in full. For example, here are some of the situations you will find:

- You will avoid the cost of buying the big furniture.

- You don’t have to deal with bulky furniture when moving in or out of a semi-furnished apartment.

- You have to purchase the smaller appliances and kitchenware.

- You cannot move in or out with just your clothes.

What is an Unfurnished Apartment

Rent and unfurnished flat

An unfurnished apartment will not include any piece of furniture, meaning you will have to purchase them yourself or move in with whatever you own. However, some unfurnished apartments come with essential kitchen appliances like the fridge, stove and dishwasher. Though you will spend a considerable amount buying furniture, renting/buying also has some significant benefits:

- You can add some personality to your new home.

- You pay lower rent and deposit.

- Purchasing your own furniture cost you less overtime as it is a long term investment.

- There is less chance of losing your deposit.

- You do not lose the deposit if you break the furniture or electronics because they are yours.

Where To Find the Best Options for Furnished vs Unfurnished Apartment in Barcelona

If you have already weighed all the pros and cons of furnished vs unfurnished apartments in Barcelona and made up your mind, the next step is to find your preferred apartment type in Barcelona. There are many ways of finding apartments for sale or rent in Barcelona, but it is always advisable to involve a real estate agency like Equinox Urban Housing for a smooth process.

At Equinox, we offer a wide variety of apartments for rent and sale in various parts of Barcelona. Our services involve more than just buying and selling properties, thanks to our closeness and awareness of our client’s needs and priorities. Whether you prefer an unfurnished, semi-furnished or fully furnished apartment, we will ensure that you have found the perfect place to live within a short time and at the best price. We can also help you choose the best apartment type for you, depending on your needs, if you find the furnished vs unfurnished apartment topic complicated.

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