The Choice Between Furnished and Unfurnished Units in Kenya
Written by: Erick Ochieng Edited by: Linet Kanario
Renting a new place comes with a big decision: furnished or unfurnished? This decision to rent a furnished or unfurnished apartment is not just about couches and beds, it is a choice that affects your lifestyle, budget, and even your long-term comfort. Suppose you are a creative soul wanting a blank canvas or a busy professional always on the move and craving convenience, this blog will break down the pros, cons and the hidden costs to help you make an informed decision.
Pros and Cons of Furnished Apartments
One of the biggest advantages of choosing a furnished apartment is convenience. It is move-in ready, which means no stressful furniture shopping, no moving truck, and no assembly hurdles. This makes it a perfect fit for anyone needing quick relocation, whether one is a student, an expatriate, or just in town for a temporary assignment. Additionally, it offers real cost savings by eliminating the upfront expenses of furnishing, allowing for a smoother and more effortless transition.
Furnished apartments offer convenience but not without a few trade-offs worth paying attention to. For starters, the rental payment is relatively high compared to the unfurnished units. Secondly, there is the matter of style, the furniture provided might not align with one’s taste and preference which might make the unit feel less personalized. Lastly, the possibility of wear and tear on the furniture could potentially affect the return of the security deposit.
Pros and Cons of Unfurnished Apartments
For people planning long-term stays and would like to save on monthly rent, unfurnished units are a definite smart move. These units not only save on cost in the long run but also offer a blank canvas that allows for personalized designs and furniture, making the space more homely. Moreover, the market consists of many unfurnished units at different locations which means a wide range of options to choose from.
Just like unfurnished units, these too come with their own set of challenges. First off, there are the many upfront costs that come with furnishing a new place not to mention the moving expenses, especially for someone who relocates often. Secondly, furniture selection and setup can be time-consuming and tedious, making unfurnished units hardly worth the hassle and cost, particularly for short stays.
What Apartment for Who?
From the pros and cons we can comfortably deduce that furnished apartments are a great fit for people who need convenience and flexibility. Students, for instance, often do not have the time, budget, or means to furnish an entire apartment, making move-in-ready spaces an ideal choice. Remote workers as well are a good fit for furnished units in that they align with their on-the-go lifestyle. Lastly professionals who are constantly on the move for temporary assignments also prefer these units since they lack the time to set are move furniture around.
Unfurnished apartments, on the other hand, are often ideal for long stays. Residents looking to have a personal touch during their long stays often appreciate the ability to furnish and decorate the units while saving money in the long run. Investing in furniture might feel like a cumbersome move at first but over the years one is able to save money and turn the space into a home.
Return on Investment for Different Rental Terms
The return on investment (ROI) for furnished versus unfurnished apartments varies significantly based on the rental term. For short-term rentals (less than 6 months), furnished apartments often provide a better ROI due to their convenience and the premium charged for furnished options. For longer-term rentals, the ROI for unfurnished apartments can be more favorable as the initial furnishing costs are spread over a longer period.
To sum up this discussion, there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to the decision between furnished and unfurnished units, each has its charm and hurdles. What really matters is one’s preference and how they intend to live. Do you prefer the ease of moving in or the joy of making a place truly your own? Whatever preference you have, take a moment and weigh the trade-offs then choose the space that truly fits your lifestyle.
References
Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments: Which One Is Right for You?
Pros and cons of letting unfurnished vs furnished property
Fully furnished vs Partially furnished vs Unfurnished property: What is the difference?
Furnished or Unfurnished? Factors affecting profit from Condo sale.
