Furnished vs. Unfurnished Rentals in The Hague: What Expats Should Consider

When searching for a new rental property in The Hague, one of the key decisions expats face is whether to rent a furnished or unfurnished property. Each option has its own advantages and considerations, depending on your personal circumstances and length of stay. Therefore, we have created the following pros and cons of both furnished and unfurnished rentals in The Hague.

Furnished rentals The Hague:
Pros:
  1. A furnished apartment or house is equipped with all the necessary furniture and appliances for your stay. This makes the move a lot easier; the hassle of buying and transporting items is low.
  2. Its ideal for short-term stays: if you are planning to stay in The Hague for a short, a furnished rental property is a more practical choice as it saves you from the investment in furniture.
  3. With everything already set up, you can settle in quickly and start enjoying your new home right away. This gives an immediate comfort.
Cons:
  1. The rental prices are higher for furnished apartments. This is because it actually covers the cost of the furniture and the convenience it provides.
  2. It limits your personalization. Furnished rentals may not reflect your personal style and you might have limited options to make the property truly your own.
  3. You are responsible for maintaining the condition of the provided furniture. Any damage could result in additional costs at the end of your rental period.
Unfurnished Rentals The Hague
Pros:
  1. The rental prices are lower. Unfurnished properties generally have lower monthly rents, making them a cost-effective option for long-term stays.
  2. Personalization: You have the freedom to furnish and decorate the space according to your style and preferences. This creates a home that feels uniquely yours.
  3. Investment in your own furniture: Purchasing your own furniture can be seen as an investment, and you can take it with you if you move to another property.
Cons:
  1. Initial Setup Costs: The upfront costs of buying furniture and appliances can be significant. Additionally, some unfurnished rentals might not include essentials like flooring or lightning.
  2. Furnishing an apartment requires time and effort, from shopping for items to arranging delivery and assembly. However, we offer an additional service to do this for you (read below for more).
  3. While the monthly rent is lower, the initial expenses for setting up an unfurnished apartment can be high, especially if you need to install flooring or other fixtures.
Key Considerations for Expats
  1. Length of Stay: If you are staying for a short term (less than a year), a furnished rental might be more practical despite the higher rent. For long-term stays, investing in an unfurnished property could be more economical in the long run.
  2. Budget: Assess your budget not only for rent but also for initial setup costs. Furnished apartments have higher monthly rents, while unfurnished ones require a larger initial outlay for furniture.
  3. Lifestyle and Preferences: Consider how important it is for you to personalize your living space. If you prefer a home that reflects your style, an unfurnished rental offers more flexibility. We totally understand that you might prefer a home away from home, and therefore your personal taste would be more important.
  4. Availability: The Hague has a competitive rental market, especially in expat-friendly areas. Start your search early and consider using services like ours to find the best options and advice.
Our Additional Styling Service

At Expat Relocation The Hague, we understand that turning an unfurnished rental into a home can be a daunting task. That’s why we offer an additional service that can be booked alongside our main relocation services. We work closely with an interior stylist, who is able to help you instilling your unfurnished home, ensuring it reflects your personal taste and lifestyle, all based on your budget. They can help you with an entire IKEA interior to design furniture.

Moreover, we collaborate with a dedicated team that specializes in decorating and assembling furniture. This means that when you arrive, your home will be fully set up and designed to your liking, allowing you to relax and enjoy your new space from day one.

To conclude, choosing between a furnished and unfurnished rentals The Hague depends on various factors, including your length of stay, budget and personal preferences. Consider these aspects carefully, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs best and ensures a smooth move to your new home in this vibrant city.

For more information about rentals The Hague and if you are seeking a rental property in The Hague, or to explore our additional styling services, visit our website. Let us help you find the perfect rental property tailored to your needs and style!