When considering a space to rent, the choice between a furnished versus unfurnished condo unit is one of the core decisions you will have to make. Depending on your specific logistical needs, interior design preferences, and other practicalities, it is worth weighing either option.
To get you started, here are some top considerations when deciding which unit suits you best.
Pros and cons of a furnished condo
Easier move-in, less expenses on big items
Fully-furnished units typically cover all the basic pieces you need: a bed in each room, a dining set, a sofa set, and sometimes additional items like a study table and free-standing storage. Moreover, furnished units may also include appliances. This includes air conditioning units, a water heater, refrigerator, stove, TV set, and a washer-dryer. Depending on the size of the condominium and the number of rooms, you may even find an AC installed in each area.
Some units may even include tableware in the kitchen and beddings for rotating your sheets. Internet access may also be included in leasing a furnished condo unit.
Purchasing furniture and appliances for an unfurnished unit is a potentially large expense, and one that goes up with the floor area of the condo you plan to lease. Furthermore, if the period in your lease contract is shorter–a year or less–a furnished unit will prove more practical. These factors should definitely be considered when deciding between a furnished versus unfurnished condo unit.
Another practicality? The ease of moving in. Moving large items is one of the biggest challenges of transferring to a new place. Furthermore, hiring a mover to do the heavy work is another cost consideration. When you move into a fully-furnished unit, you need only worry about bringing in clothes and smaller items.
And once you are settled, you can immediately get to making small decorative tweaks to your new place. Unless the space has been refurbished by a professional interior designer, furnished units tend to come with furniture of a more straightforward design: a bed frame with clean and modern lines or perhaps a sofa upholstered in a soft, understated hue. This allows renters like yourself to customize as you please, without breaking the bank.
Fully furnished units command higher monthly rent
While you do save on expenses that can go to your monthly rent instead, the cost of leasing a fully furnished unit is typically on the higher end of the spectrum. And if the condo you are eyeing is a corner unit, located on a higher floor, or comes with an unobstructed city view, lease rates can go even higher.
However, this higher rent is justifiable when deciding between a furnished vs unfurnished condo unit.
The owner has invested in furniture, appliances, and in some cases, interior design, to provide an attractive option for the renter who will lease a furnished unit and this is an investment they will eventually need to recoup.
With a higher monthly rent comes a higher security deposit. Intended to ensure that a lessee leaves the unit in the same good condition upon move-in, the security deposit for a furnished unit also takes into account any repairs the owner will need to make to potential damages.
Pros and cons of an unfurnished condo
Flexibility to plan your space as you please
An unfurnished condo is a blank slate–and if you consider yourself a design enthusiast, you have plenty of space in which to plan the placement of furniture and home decor. This certainly works best for a more customized rental that aligns with your personal taste and preferences.
When doing a site visit to an unfurnished unit, the absence of furniture also allows you to better envision how you wish to organize and spruce up your rental. More so, if you are working with a professional designer.
A customized home designed to your liking also has science-backed benefits that impact well-being, provided your space has sufficient lighting, good space storage, and decorative elements that affect happiness such as plants and art. If you intend to rent for a longer period of time, enjoying the space you live in makes the stay even more enticing.
That said, before making any changes to the interior, always review your lease contract and discuss any improvements you wish to make
On the other hand, condo units advertised as semi-furnished may not be as generous on the add-ons but are nevertheless packed with a few key furniture pieces. This is another option worth exploring as it tows the middle ground between bare and fully furnished while affording you some level of design flexibility.
Cost implications
While unfurnished units cost less than their all-in counterparts, you will need to purchase new furniture or appliances–if you do not have everything you need already.
It is wise to make all necessary measurements prior to moving in. In this manner, you can avoid potential delays such as a bed that is too large for the guest bedroom, or a stove that is too wide for the kitchen.
As with any move, whether you choose a furnished or unfurnished unit, it pays to plan properly. Review your contract in detail and clarify any ambiguous clauses before signing. Make a checklist of all inclusions. Examine any damages and report these to the owner. Settle all payments required before you get ready to move into your brand new rental home.
Find a Rockwell Unit that suits you
Planning to rent a furnished or unfurnished condominium unit or opting for a place at Rockwell comes with the distinct benefits of well-thought design, safety and security, and exclusivity.
Explore Rockwell Leasing and Secondary Sales for a curated list of units in a Rockwell development of your choice. Choose from spacious studio units all the way to tri-level three-bedroom homes that fit your unique residential requirements.
And shortlist your options with ease by comparing units, reviewing the features of each property and viewing photos so you can ultimately enjoy the signature Rockwell lifestyle.