Benefits of fully furnished apartments
The number of furnished apartments is on the rise because the number of people using them is on the rise. More and more rental apartments are being furnished with furniture and appliances as added value. There are four benefits for users:The initial cost is less than that of a typical rental property.
The advantage of living in a furnished apartment is that it reduces the initial costs, which tend to be high. In many cases, the cost of renting an apartment from signing a lease to moving can amount to hundreds of thousands of yen. To help reduce this burden, apartments with furniture and appliances are gaining attention.
Specifically, you can save on the following initial costs:
- Furniture purchase costs
- Home appliance purchase costs
- Moving costs for moving large furniture and appliances
This can be a huge benefit for those who are hesitant to move because of the high initial costs.
No need to bring in furniture or appliances
If your furniture and appliances are already set up in the room, you won't have to go through the trouble of moving them in. You won't have to worry about arranging for a transport company or coordinating a schedule to be there. When purchasing new large furniture or appliances, it is important to ensure that you have a route for bringing them in. If you are renting an apartment, you may have to nervously watch as they are brought in. If the furniture and appliances are included, you don't need to worry about this.
No disposal fee for furniture and appliances
The furniture and appliances that were included in the rental contract will be returned to you when you move out. There is no need to remove or dispose of unwanted furniture or appliances. In the case of businessmen and students who are working away from home, there are many cases where they return to their parents' homes after the contract period ends, where their families are waiting for them. Furniture and appliances for single-person living tend to end up as trash. If there is no need to dispose of them, there is no extra cost involved.
Great for short-term stays
The shorter the period of time you plan to live in an apartment with furniture and appliances, the more likely you are to realize the financial benefits. By keeping the initial costs to a minimum, you can reduce the total cost of renting an apartment. If you plan to stay for a few months to two years, this is recommended over a regular apartment.
Disadvantages of Furnished Apartments
Unfortunately, there are not only advantages to renting a furnished apartment. Here are three disadvantages that you may be concerned about.Rent becomes expensive
The downside to a furnished apartment is that the rent is more expensive than a regular rental apartment. When comparing similar properties, furnished apartments are likely to be 10-30% more expensive.Furnished apartments offer great benefits for those considering short-term rentals, but the disadvantages outweigh the benefits for those considering a yearly rental.
For example, if the rent for an unfurnished apartment is 50,000 yen and the rent for a furnished apartment is 60,000 yen, the monthly difference is 10,000 yen. If a student lives in the apartment for four years, the difference will be 480,000 yen, which is more than the initial cost savings.
You will be using second-hand furniture and appliances.
The furnished apartments are equipped with second-hand furniture and appliances. The equipment was used by the previous tenant, so you cannot decide on the model or design yourself. Even if it is properly cleaned and maintained, some people may feel uncomfortable about second-hand items or old models. Also, even if you want to replace it with a new product, you cannot dispose of the equipment without permission.
I can't decide the layout of the room to my liking
In rental apartments where furniture and appliances are included, the layout of the room tends to be fixed. Especially when large furniture such as a sofa, TV stand, and dining table are included, it can be difficult to arrange the space to your liking. If you have wishes such as "I want to use the space more spaciously" or "I want to be able to redecorate freely," it is recommended that you look at properties that do not come with furniture or appliances.
Who should choose a furnished apartment?
Furnished apartments have both advantages and disadvantages. If you're wondering which one is right for you, take note of the following three points. We'll explain the conditions for people who are suitable for furnished apartments.People who want to reduce initial costs
Those who are keen to keep initial costs to a minimum are those who are keen to actively consider furnished apartments.Students who are looking for an apartment to coincide with their enrollment will have to pay the initial costs of the property in addition to the enrollment fees. It is not uncommon for the total expenses to exceed 1 million yen. Also, if you suddenly decide to move, it may be difficult to cover the initial costs with the money you have on hand.
Even in such cases, a furnished apartment allows you to start your new life with minimal burden.
People looking for a short-term place to live
The shorter the contract period, the more likely it is that people will see the economic benefits of apartments equipped with furniture and appliances.If you accept that it is only a temporary residence, you will be less likely to notice the various disadvantages. If you don't need to move your furniture or appliances, the burden of moving in a short period of time will be reduced.
It is highly likely that the owner is accustomed to signing contracts with short-term tenants, making it easier to complete various procedures.
People who don't mind second-hand furniture and appliances
One major disadvantage of living in a furnished apartment is that the furniture and appliances are used.People who don't mind things that other people have used will find it comfortable to live in an apartment with furniture and appliances. This is especially suitable for people who don't care about furniture or appliances and think, "It's fine as long as I can use it."
Commonly provided furniture and appliances
A typical furnished apartment includes the following items:・TV・Refrigerator・Washing machine・Microwave・Stove (system kitchen)
・Bed・Desk・Chair・Storage (racks and storage cases)
Things to be aware of when staying in a furnished apartment
When moving into an apartment that is fully furnished, there are two things you need to be aware of. Please check them in advance.Check the response in case of a breakdown
During your tenancy, the furnishings and appliances may break down. Who will handle this and how will vary depending on the contents of your contract.If furniture or appliances are considered "accessory equipment," the landlord is responsible for the repair costs. If the contract states that the item is "rented free of charge" or "not included in the equipment," the tenant will pay for the repairs. If the item cannot be repaired and new items need to be purchased, the tenant must also prepare the repairs.
To avoid any problems, be sure to check the contract details carefully in advance.
You cannot remove any unwanted furniture or appliances without permission.
There may be some furniture and appliances provided that you think are not necessary for your daily life.However, you cannot dispose of them without permission. You need to be especially careful with large furniture and appliances, as they can easily get in the way.
If you really want to remove it, we recommend consulting with the management company or the landlord. There is a chance that they will take it away through negotiation. Please avoid making your own decisions.
The process of living in a fully furnished apartment
The process for moving into a furnished apartment is roughly as follows:Contact a real estate agency
First, inquire with a real estate agency about the property you are interested in. If you don't have a specific property in mind, it will be easier to move the conversation forward if you tell them you are looking for an apartment with furniture and appliances.View the room
If you find a room that interests you, try to view it in person. If it is not currently occupied, there is a good chance that they will be able to accommodate you. If it is an apartment that comes with furniture and appliances, it is also a chance to see for yourself what kind of furniture and appliances are installed. Check every corner.Make a contract
Once you have decided on the room you want to move into, you will need to sign a contract. Check the details of the contract carefully and pay the necessary fees.Receive your room key and move in
Based on the terms of the contract, you will receive the key and move in. Recently, more and more properties are being equipped with smart keys. If you move into an apartment with furniture and appliances, you can minimize the amount of luggage you need to bring with you. If you bring only your everyday items, you will likely be able to resume normal life right away.
