Furnished Apartments Costing More, But Delivering Less

A recent research showed that renters have to pay an average of 20% more per month for furnished apartments compared to unfurnished ones. However, despite the higher cost, many tenants are not happy with precisely what they are paying more for – the furniture provided by their landlords.

The Financial Impact of Furnished Rentals

Recent research has revealed that choosing a furnished apartment now costs renters approximately £261 more per month, which adds up to an additional £3,129 annually, when compared to renting an unfurnished two-bedroom unit. This price disparity is more noticeable in certain cities, with Newcastle leading the way, where renters pay 35% more for furnished apartments. Bristol and Leicester follow closely behind, with price hikes of 33% and 32%, respectively.

In terms of actual costs, Bristol tops the list with a furnished two-bedroom apartment costing an extra £573 per month compared to an unfurnished one. Brighton and Leicester also see significant differences, with tenants paying £451 and £359 more per month, respectively, for furnished units. On the lower end, Hull experiences the smallest increase among the top 10 cities, with renters paying an additional £181 per month for furnished apartments, marking a 23% increase.

Dissatisfaction with Landlord-Provided Furniture

While renters are paying more for the convenience of a pre-furnished apartment, the majority are unhappy with the furniture that comes with it. According to the research, over 73% of tenants expressed a desire to replace their landlord’s furniture. Common complaints include the furniture being "cheap," "bland," "stained," and "old." These negative comments highlight the dissatisfaction between the higher rent prices and the perceived value of the furniture provided.

Furthermore, three-fifths of renters struggle to make their furnished apartments feel like home and are finding it difficult to personalise spaces filled with furniture that they don’t like. This dissatisfaction underscores a growing trend where renters are paying more but receiving less in terms of quality and comfort, leaving many to wishing for more control over their living environments.

Conclusion

Renters are having to pay more for furnished apartments, but they do not feel like they are getting their money’s worth. This has left them feeling alienated in spaces that should feel like home.