Renting Unfurnished - Good idea?

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Nottingham
Our tenancy for our current flat expires in August/September time (was hoping to leave sooner but unlikely). Currently only a 1 bed and desperately need some extra space. We are looking to move into a more permanent renting solution/longer term rent. Buying is off the cards for a good few years as I am still at Uni and the other half is now 4 years into her architecture qualifications, but we still want something our own.

As she is only just starting her career and me on student budget means decking out the house/flat will be a slow/budgeted process. But that doesn't matter too much, especially as a lot of bits can be got second hand etc.

My main question is are we being stupid for thinking of doing this? If we aren't being silly and I'm just overthinking things any tips for someone buying all the bits first time.

On another side note the same question applies to smart home bits, (lights, thermostat etc) Anyone ever done it in rented accommodation?
 
I moved out of a fully furnished flat to a empty flat,I needed everything from tea spoons to a bed.
Because it was such a sudden move I had to get a lot in a short amount of time.
I moved in with these items which were brand new..bed,fridge,chest of drawers,freezer,cuttelery,plates and a few other bits.
The only thing I got 2nd was a futon company sofa bed,I got that local for £50.
It was a bit of expense but I done ok.
That was 16 months ago and I have everything now to smart bulbs,smart plugs,demidufier,2x50" TV's,ps4,Xbox one ect.
All takes time and there is nothing I need now and have quiet a bit.
Just bite the bullet as everything will be yours when you move out.
Get the essentials like I did and you will be fine.
 
The only thing I particularly look for is the main white goods - washing machine, oven, freezer and even then sometimes they've been in poor condition (though usually the landlord has replaced them without much hassle - though I did have to move and "plumb in" the new washing machine myself last time which I've never done before) - but a bit more hassle and expense if you are having to buy them.

More often than not things like bed frames and microwaves, etc. have been in such poor state I've just bought my own anyhow.
 
eBay, gumtree, Facebook etc. Most items can be had for next to nothing. No one likes second hand and no one likes collecting it. You'll also probably find you'll get lots of offers from friends/family's as they have stuff they haven't been bothered to get rid of so your doing them a favour removing it from their house.

Only issue is if you then move back to a furnished rental. You have to get rid off everything and if you've been there a few years, you'll lieklyof upgraded the cheap stuff for nicer stuff.

Also unlike.most furnished rented places you can have comfy bed/sofa and less landlord stuff to break and deposit issues.
 
Just be careful how much it will cost and think about how you are going to move it all out when the lease finishes. It could be more expensive and more hassle than it’s worth. Transport and storage costs can add up if needed.
 
We have no true intentions of moving to another lease after this next property.

So I’m not insane for wanting to furnish a rented property. That’s good to know!
 
It's sounds like you are planning to buy at some point, so renting an unfurnished property seems like a logical step towards that. When you buy, you should already have most stuff you need, so it seems perfectly sensible to me.
 
Renting unfurnished is more costly as you have to start and buy all new things but its a 1 time cost then take with you when you move so its got its advantages.
 
pigeonguyuk said:
Renting unfurnished is more costly as you have to start and buy all new things but its a 1 time cost then take with you when you move so its got its advantages.
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You do not need to buy new. People massively over estimate how much it costs to kit a home out. Unless you only look at new stuff.

I got dinning table and chairs for £0, 2 sofas for £20, massive chest freezer for £20 etc.
As long as you have a car second stuff can be had for so cheap, and a lot of the time free. You can then if you wish to upgrade down the line.

The other option so 2nd hand but 1 year old stuff from people that constantly dedicate costs you more but still half price or less compare from new and not a mark on them.

If you do change your mind in the future storage is astronomical for a trying more than a few weeks and better selling/scrapping.

Oh and.dont forget cost of curtains people often forget that, but may come with them even when unfurnished or may not.
 
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Appreciate it all guys. We would love to buy now but even if we could scrape together to buy we then wouldn't have the money to furnish.

Yeah I looked at the largest pro being when we do buy we have everything already.

Having a look over on ebay/gumtree shows you can get some very nice bits for good prices second hand, I originally didnt want a second hand sofa for the same reason I don't want a second hand mattress but there appears to be a lot of new sofas in great condition about that are a large discount over new that seem to fit the bill so will likely just go new on a mattress only.
 
When I split up with my ex I had to buy everything and start fresh in 2016.

Bed - Bought a new one from eBay with storage underneath and mattress, £180

TV - Could have easily got a second hand one but fancied a big new one, Hitachi 49" 4k thing £350 from Argos. I don't even watch TV, it's my pc monitor. Could have done without this easy

Sofa - Took from my old place but could easily have got one for peanuts/free

Fridge/freezer - Full size Bosch, about 5 years old, £25 Gumtree

Washer/Dryer - 6 month old Hoover £50 on Gumtree from someone moving into a fully furnished place

Massive gloss white TV cabinet - £20 on Gumtree for a unit with a £300 rrp

Wardrobe - £10 on Gumtree for a mint £150 new wardrobe

Gumtree is king!
 
We already have a few bits we needed extra in the flat anyway, so its not like we will be going completely empty, for example bathroom storage, desk, TVs etc are all already owned.

Will just keep an eye on gumtree/ebay/facebook then and just snag up any true deals and store them if they are a good enough price.
 
Find a local auction house for house clearances. We furnished our 3-bed for a pittance. The only things I brought with me were my double bed, a 40" TV, and my office chair.
 
Facebook market place in a reasonably big town will furnish a two bed flat for a couple of hundred only thing I'd never touch 2nd hand is a mattress rough!
 
I have to say it depends on how mobile you intend to be. Are you going to have to move for work? I've spent 7 years renting between university and 2 and a bit years of working, having furnished rents and avoiding too many posessions means I can get most of that stuff in the back of my car and move in a short space of time. Its convenient for me and I have 8 years left of training where I could be moving. If you know you are staying put then it is worth it, but if you are moving half way across the country then you'll end up having to rent a big van and eating up a day or two moving.
 
a1ex2001 said:
Facebook market place in a reasonably big town will furnish a two bed flat for a couple of hundred only thing I'd never touch 2nd hand is a mattress rough!
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Depends. If it's a decent one going for next to nowt it's fine. Especially when you can throw a nice mattress topper on top
 
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