Should You Buy Furnished Apartment or Finish It Yourself?

Buy Furnished apartment or unfinished apartment? This is a question that many homebuyers grapple with. This article will give you an overview of these two types of apartments, helping you make the best choice based on your needs and budget.

Comparing the Advantages and Disadvantages of Furnished Apartments and Unfinished Apartments

Furnished Apartment: Convenience and Quick Move-In

Notable advantages:

• Convenience: A furnished apartment is like a “turnkey” solution, where you can move in right away without spending time and effort on designing, shopping, and installing furniture. This is especially suitable for those who are busy or lack the time or experience in decorating their homes. All you need to do is bring your suitcase and start enjoying your new living space.
• Time-saving: The process of completing interior work can take a long time and may come with unexpected challenges. With a furnished apartment, you can avoid these risks, saving valuable time. You won’t need to search for contractors, supervise construction, or worry about selecting materials and furniture.
• Easier to rent: If you’re planning to invest in a rental property, furnished apartments will attract more tenants and allow you to recoup your investment faster. Tenants typically prefer fully furnished apartments that are move-in ready.
• Aesthetic guarantee: Furnished apartments are often designed by professional architects, ensuring aesthetic appeal and harmony within the living space.

Some limitations:

• Limited design options: You must accept the existing interior style, which may not completely suit your personal taste. If you prefer uniqueness and want to express your own personality in your living space, this could be a drawback.
• Higher costs: Furnished apartments are typically more expensive than unfinished apartments due to the inclusion of furniture and interior work. However, you need to balance the higher initial cost with the time and effort saved from having to complete the apartment yourself.
• Difficult to change: If you want to alter the interior, it will cost more and require additional effort. This can be challenging if the apartment has already been designed and furnished.

Unfinished Apartment: Freedom of Design and Quality Control

Notable advantages:

• Design freedom: You have full creative control to design the living space according to your preferences, from choosing colors and materials to arranging the furniture. This is your chance to showcase your personality and style, creating a unique space that reflects who you are.
• Quality control: You can personally select materials and supervise the construction process, ensuring the quality of the work and furniture according to your desires. You can be confident in the origin, source, and quality of each item in your apartment.
• Cost savings: If you have the experience and time, completing the interior work yourself can help save costs compared to buying a furnished apartment. You can actively search for suppliers and furniture at reasonable prices that fit your budget.

Some limitations:

• Time and effort required: The process of completing the interior can be lengthy and require significant effort, from planning and finding contractors to supervising the work. You’ll need to invest time and effort to research, choose, and manage the process.
• Risks: Issues such as delays, unforeseen costs, or poor-quality workmanship may arise. If you lack experience in construction and interior design, you may encounter these risks.
• Resale difficulties: Unfinished apartments can be harder to sell and may not fetch as high a price as fully furnished ones. Some buyers may be hesitant to finish the interior themselves, preferring move-in-ready homes.

Factors to Consider When Deciding on an Apartment

To make the right decision, carefully consider the following factors:

• Usage needs: Do you prioritize convenience, or do you want the freedom to design your space? If you want to move in right away without dealing with interior completion, a furnished apartment is a good choice. On the other hand, if you want to express your creativity, an unfinished apartment is better suited.
• Budget: Determine your budget and compare the price difference between a furnished apartment and an unfinished one, along with the estimated cost of completing the latter. Don’t forget to account for possible additional costs during the interior work.
• Time: Do you have enough time and experience to complete the interior? If you’re busy or lack experience, a furnished apartment will save you time and effort.
• Purpose of use: Are you buying the apartment to live in or for investment purposes? If it’s for personal use, choose the apartment that suits your needs and preferences. For investment, furnished apartments are generally easier to rent.
• Experience: Do you have knowledge of interior design and construction? If so, you can confidently choose an unfinished apartment and complete it to your liking. If not, a furnished apartment might be the safer choice.

Advice for Choosing the Right Apartment

Based on the factors mentioned above, Ngoc Thanh Vinhomes offers the following suggestions to help you choose the most suitable apartment:

• Busy people needing a move-in-ready home: A furnished apartment is a perfect solution, saving you time and effort. You can move in immediately without worrying about design and interior work.
• People on a tight budget: If you can complete the interior yourself and want to save money, an unfinished apartment is worth considering. However, make sure you have a clear financial plan and account for additional costs.
• Creative individuals: Unfinished apartments allow you to fully express your personal style in your living space. You can choose every detail, from wall paint to furniture design, creating a unique space that reflects your personality.
• Investors: If your goal is rental income, furnished apartments are usually easier to rent. Tenants often prefer fully furnished apartments ready for immediate occupancy. However, if you want long-term investment and have the ability to complete the interior, an unfinished apartment can offer higher returns when sold.

Steps to Buying and Completing an Apartment

Furnished Apartment

• Inspect the quality of the interior carefully: Check the materials, design, and condition of the furniture before deciding to buy. Make sure the interior meets your needs and aesthetic preferences.
• Negotiate the price: If the price doesn’t seem reasonable, negotiate with the developer or seller for a better deal. Be prepared with market information and data on similar projects to support your negotiation.

Unfinished Apartment

• Plan the design: Create a detailed plan for the design style, materials, and furniture you want to use. You can refer to magazines, websites, or consult with architects for suitable ideas.
• Choose a reputable contractor: Find and choose a contractor with experience and credibility to ensure construction quality. Seek recommendations from friends or family or look for reviews online to find the right contractor.
• Closely monitor the construction: Keep a close eye on the construction process to ensure everything proceeds on time and meets quality standards. Visit the site regularly and communicate with the contractor to address any arising issues.

Important Notes When Buying an Apartment

Besides choosing between furnished and unfinished apartments, there are several other important factors to consider:

• Location: Choose an apartment in a location convenient for travel and daily life, near amenities like schools, hospitals, supermarkets, and parks. A good location not only saves you travel time but also increases the property’s value in the future.
• Legal documentation: Ensure the project has full legal documentation to avoid future risks. Thoroughly check all legal documents related to the project and the apartment before deciding to buy.
• Developer reputation: Choose a reputable developer with experience and financial capability to ensure construction quality and timely handover. Research the developer’s track record, past projects, and customer reviews. You should choose reputable developers with many years of experience in the market, such as Vinhomes, Masterise, and others, to ensure the best experience.
• Construction quality: Inspect the apartment’s construction quality carefully before making a purchase. Pay attention to details like walls, floors, ceilings, and electrical and plumbing systems.
• On-site amenities: Consider the amenities the project offers, such as swimming pools, gyms, children’s play areas, and parks, to ensure a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
• Potential for value appreciation: Consider the apartment’s potential for value appreciation, especially if you plan to invest. Research local infrastructure development, zoning plans, and nearby projects to evaluate the apartment’s future value growth.

Ngoc Thanh Vinhomes’ Advice

Choosing between a furnished and an unfinished apartment depends on various factors, including your needs, budget, time, and experience. We hope this article has provided you with useful information to make the best decision. If you have any questions or need further advice, feel free to leave a comment or contact Ngoc Thanh Vinhomes. Don’t forget to share this article if you found it helpful, and visit our website vinhomesplace.com for more useful information about the real estate market!