In the property world, the term "furnished" often appears when looking for either rent or buy housing. Furnished means that a residence is equipped with furniture and other essential equipment so that it is ready to be occupied. However, other terms, such as "semi-furnished" and "unfurnished," may also be confusing.
This article will review the meaning of furnished, the difference between semi-furnished and unfurnished, as well as tips for choosing a residence that suits your needs.
What is Furnished?
In general, furnished means a residence equipped with various critical equipment and furniture, such as beds, tables, chairs, cupboards, and sometimes kitchen equipment, such as refrigerators and stoves. Furnished can be considered a complete package, where residents no longer need to buy the main furniture because the residence is ready to use.
A fully furnished residence provides all the basic needs, meaning you can enter and occupy it without additional furniture or household equipment. Furnished is perfect for those looking for practicality and don't want the hassle of buying new furniture.
Tipe Furnished: Fully Furnished, Semi-Furnished, and Unfurnished
Before deciding to rent or buy a residence, it is crucial to understand the differences between several furnished types, namely:
a. Fully Furnished
Fully furnished means the residence has all the necessary furniture and equipment, from the main furniture to household appliances. Furniture that is generally found in fully furnished residences includes:
- Bed and mattress
- Wardrobe
- Work table and chairs
- Sofa in the living room
- Kitchen equipment (stove, refrigerator and cooking utensils)
- Television, air conditioning, or AC
This fully furnished residence is very suitable for those who want to live practically and quickly, especially for the short term, such as students or workers on placement outside the city.
b. Semi-Furnished
Semi-furnished means that the residence is only equipped with some basic furniture, not as complete as fully furnished. Usually, the furniture provided is essential for daily use, such as beds, cupboards, and maybe dining tables. Some electronic equipment may not be included, so residents must equip it themselves.
Semi-furnished residences are more flexible for those who want to bring additional furniture but still want a residence with essential furniture.
c. Unfurnished
Unfurnished means the residence needs to be equipped with furniture. This type of residence is just an empty building ready to fill with furniture and household equipment. Usually, residents who choose unfurnished are those who already have their furniture or want to decorate their residences according to their style.
Unfurnished is an option for those who want to arrange the layout and furniture according to personal preferences without being limited by the existing furniture in the residence.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Furnished
Depending on your needs and preferences, choosing a furnished residence has several advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered.
Benefits of Fully Furnished
- Practical and ready to live in: you don't need to bring furniture or shop for new furniture. This benefit is very suitable for those needing housing quickly and not wanting the hassle.
- Save time and energy: you don't need to consider the transfer or furniture assembly process.
- Suitable for Short-Term Rentals: Furnished apartments are the best choice for short-term rentals because they don't require expensive furniture.
Lack of Fully Furnished
- More expensive rental or purchase costs: The rental or purchase price for a fully furnished residence is usually higher than for a semi-furnished or unfurnished residence because it is fully equipped.
- Limitations in Decoration Style: The furniture provided may not suit your taste, and you cannot replace existing furniture at will.
How to Choose the Right Furnished Housing
If you are interested in living in a furnished residence, here are some tips to help you choose a suitable residence:
a. Check the Condition of the Furniture
Make sure all the furniture provided is in good condition. Feel free to check in more detail for damage to the furniture before you move. It's essential to avoid additional costs later on.
b. Pay attention to the quality of the furniture
A fully furnished residence only sometimes means all the furniture is high-quality. Make sure the furniture provided is comfortable and suits your needs. For example, a comfortable mattress or an ergonomic work chair can be an essential comfort factor.
c. Ask about the Maintenance Policy
Before signing a contract, ensure you know who is responsible for maintaining and repairing the provided furniture. Some owners may provide free repair services, while others require you to cover the costs.
d. Consider Budget
Fully furnished housing is usually more expensive than semi-furnished or unfurnished housing. Calculate your budget carefully to ensure that the residence suits your financial capabilities.
Furnished means a residence equipped with basic furniture and equipment, so you can live in it immediately without needing to add furniture. Fully furnished residences are very suitable for those looking for practicality and don't want the hassle of buying their furniture. However, higher costs and limitations in decoration are some disadvantages to consider.
Understanding furnished types such as fully furnished, semi-furnished, and unfurnished can help you choose a residence that suits your needs and budget. Before deciding to rent or buy, remember to check the condition of the furniture and ask about the maintenance policy.