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Furnished vs. Unfurnished Rentals: How to Choose Your Home?

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Discover the key differences between furnished and unfurnished rentals. Explore options, costs, and benefits to find the perfect home for your lifestyle.

Furnished vs. Unfurnished Rentals: How to Choose Your Home?

Finding a rental home is more than just choosing where to live—it’s about shaping a space that aligns with your lifestyle, budget, and vision for the future. Furnished rentals offer the ease of moving into a fully equipped home, while unfurnished rentals provide a blank canvas to design your own personalized space. Both options have their advantages, and the best choice depends on your unique needs and priorities.

At Weave Living, we recognize the diversity of modern living. That’s why we offer both furnished and unfurnished rentals across multiple cities, ensuring there’s a perfect home for every type of renter. Let’s explore the differences between furnished and unfurnished options and help you decide which one is the right fit for you.

Do Apartments Come Furnished? 

Whether or not apartments are furnished depends on market trends, location, and landlord preferences. Traditionally, unfurnished rentals have dominated the market, but recent years have seen a growing demand for furnished apartments. This is especially true in urban hubs, where professionals, digital nomads, and students prioritize convenience. At Weave Living, we offer both fully furnished rentals and unfurnished rentals, catering to a wide variety of needs:

  • Fully Furnished Apartments: Available in Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore, these homes are ideal for professionals and individuals looking for hassle-free living.
  • Unfurnished Apartments: Available in Japan and Singapore, ideal for long-term residents who want to customize their living space.


What Do Furnished Rentals Include ? 

At Weave Living, our furnished rentals are designed to prioritize convenience, comfort, and community. Each home is thoughtfully curated with stylish furniture, modern appliances, and all the essentials to make your life easier. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Move-In Ready Features:

  • A hotel-quality bed for exceptional comfort.
  • Ample storage space, including wardrobes and cabinets.
  • A fully equipped kitchen with cookware, utensils, and appliances like a microwave, refrigerator, and stovetop.
  • Living room essentials, including a sofa, coffee table, and smart TV.


2. All-Inclusive Pricing:

  • Rent includes all utilities and high-speed Wi-Fi.
  • No hidden fees—one flat rate for everything.


3. Services & Facilities: 

  • Housekeeping and maintenance (varies by property).
  • Access to gyms, swimming pools, and BBQ areas (varies by property).

*Image of furnished Urban Unit (1K) at Weave Place – Ueno South, provided for reference purposes only.


What Do Unfurnished Rentals Include? 

Unfurnished rentals at Weave Living offer a clean slate for renters to create a home that reflects their style and preferences. While inclusions vary by property, every unit provides the essentials needed to get started.

Basic Fixtures:

  • Lighting, plumbing, and electrical fittings.


In-Unit Facilities:

  • Built-in wardrobe or shoe cabinet.
  • Private balcony, terrace, or rooftop (varies by property).
  • Private kitchen and bathroom.
  • High-speed Wi-Fi connection.


In-Unit Appliances

  • Cooktop for meal preparation.


Customizable Space:

  • Freedom to furnish and decorate your home to match your unique style, whether minimalistic or industrial style.

*Image of Unfurnished One-bedroom Plus Unit at Weave Place – Higashi-Koenji, provided for reference purposes only.


Furnished Vs Unfurnished Rental : Pros And Cons


Furnished Rentals

Pros:
Cons:
Convenience: Move-in ready with no need to buy furniture. Flexibility: Ideal for short-term or transitional stays. Cost Savings: No upfront expenses for furniture or appliances. All-Inclusive: Utilities, Wi-Fi, and maintenance are often included in the rent. Professional & Stylish interior design
Limited Customization: Furniture and layout are predetermined.


Unfurnished Rentals

Pros:
Cons:
Freedom to Personalize: Decorate and furnish the space to match your style. Long-Term Value: A better choice for those planning to stay for extended periods.
High Upfront Costs: Expenses for furniture and appliances can add up. Time-Consuming Setup: Moving in and furnishing the space takes effort.


Is It Better To Rent Furnished Or Unfurnished ?

Choosing between a furnished or unfurnished rental depends on your personal circumstances and priorities. To make an informed decision, consider these three key factors in detail:

1. Money

Unfurnished rentals often require a significant upfront investment to furnish the space. Here’s a quick breakdown of typical costs:

  • Bedroom: Bed frame and mattress ($500–$1,500), wardrobe ($200–$500), nightstand ($50–$200).
  • Living Room: Sofa ($500–$1,200), coffee table ($100–$300), storage units ($100–$400).
  • Dining Area: Dining table and chairs ($300–$800).
  • Kitchen: Refrigerator ($800–$1,500), microwave ($100–$300), cookware and utensils ($100–$300).
  • Décor and Miscellaneous: Curtains, lighting, rugs, and appliances like a washing machine or air conditioner can add $500–$2,000.

On average, furnishing a home can cost $3,000–$8,000 or more, plus delivery and moving fees. While this investment makes sense for long-term stays, it may not be practical for short-term renters, who could benefit from the convenience of a furnished rental.


2. Duration of Stay

Your length of stay plays a key role in deciding between furnished and unfurnished rentals:

  • Furnished Rentals: Best for short-term stays (a few months to a year). Ideal for expats, digital nomads, or students. Move-in and move-out are hassle-free with no need to buy, sell, or transport furniture.
  • Unfurnished Rentals: Better for long-term stays (1+ years). The upfront cost of furniture becomes more economical over time. Great for those looking to settle down and personalize their space, with the option to resell furniture later.


3. Living Style

Your lifestyle and preferences determine which rental type suits you best:

  • Furnished Rentals: Perfect for those prioritizing convenience and minimalism. Move in with just your suitcase—no need to shop for furniture or décor. Ideal for frequent movers, busy professionals, or those with transitional lifestyles.

  • Unfurnished Rentals: Best for renters who value personalization and creativity. Great for long-term stability, allowing you to gradually furnish and design your space. Ideal for families or anyone looking to create a truly customized home.



Final Thoughts

The decision between renting a furnished or unfurnished apartment boils down to your financial priorities, the length of your stay, and your preferred lifestyle. If you need a quick, hassle-free solution for a short-term stay, a furnished rental offers convenience and simplicity. If you’re planning to settle down for a year or more and want a personalized space, an unfurnished rental provides greater value and flexibility.

At Weave Living, we make it easy to find a rental that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a move-in-ready space or a blank canvas, our thoughtfully designed properties are here to support your lifestyle. Explore our options today and find the perfect home for your journey!


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