Bordeaux

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Furnished vs Unfurnished

Sections

1. Costs

Furnished Housing

  • Rent: Furnished apartments are generally more expensive than unfurnished ones. Expect to pay 10-30% more for a furnished property of the same size and location.
    • Example: A one-bedroom furnished apartment in central Bordeaux may cost €900–€1,200 per month, while an unfurnished equivalent might cost €700–€1,000.
  • Utilities: Some furnished rentals include utilities (electricity, water, internet) in the rent, but this is not always the case. Be sure to clarify with the landlord.
  • Additional Costs: Furnished rentals may include maintenance fees for appliances or furniture.

Unfurnished Housing

  • Rent: Unfurnished apartments are more affordable. However, you’ll need to budget for purchasing furniture and appliances.
  • Utilities: Utilities are typically not included, and you’ll need to set up contracts for electricity, water, and internet yourself.
  • Initial Setup Costs: You’ll need to invest in furniture, kitchenware, and possibly appliances like a refrigerator or washing machine, which can add significant upfront costs.

2. Lease Terms

Furnished Housing

  • Short-Term Leases: Furnished rentals are ideal for short-term stays (a few months to a year). Lease terms are often more flexible, with durations as short as one month.
  • Long-Term Leases: While possible, long-term leases for furnished apartments are less common and may come with higher monthly rents.
  • Notice Period: Typically, tenants can give one month’s notice to terminate the lease.

Unfurnished Housing

  • Long-Term Leases: Unfurnished rentals are designed for long-term stays, with standard lease durations of three years (renewable).
  • Notice Period: Tenants must give three months’ notice to terminate the lease (reduced to one month in certain cases, such as job relocation or health issues).
  • Stability: Unfurnished leases offer more stability for long-term residents.

3. Deposit Requirements

Furnished Housing

  • Deposit: Typically, one to two months’ rent as a security deposit.
  • Return of Deposit: The deposit is returned at the end of the lease, provided there is no damage to the property or its furnishings.

Unfurnished Housing

  • Deposit: Usually one month’s rent as a security deposit.
  • Return of Deposit: The process is similar, but since there’s no furniture to account for, disputes over damages are less common.

4. Availability

Furnished Housing

  • Market: Furnished apartments are more common in central Bordeaux and areas popular with students, expats, and tourists.
  • Options: These are often smaller apartments (studios or one-bedroom units) and are ideal for individuals or couples.
  • Seasonal Demand: Availability can fluctuate, with higher demand during the academic year (September–June) and tourist season (summer).

Unfurnished Housing

  • Market: Unfurnished properties dominate the rental market, especially in residential neighborhoods outside the city center.
  • Options: A wider range of sizes is available, from studios to family-sized homes.
  • Competition: The demand for long-term rentals is high, so securing an unfurnished property may require persistence and preparation.

5. Cultural and Practical Considerations

Furnished Housing

  • Convenience: Furnished rentals are move-in ready, making them ideal for expats, students, or visitors who don’t want to deal with the hassle of buying furniture.
  • Style: The furniture and decor may not suit your personal taste, and you’ll have limited ability to customize the space.
  • Short-Term Stays: Culturally, furnished rentals are seen as a temporary solution, often used by people in transition.

Unfurnished Housing

  • Customization: Renting unfurnished allows you to personalize your home, which is important for long-term residents.
  • Cultural Norms: In France, it’s common for tenants to bring their own appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines) when renting unfurnished properties. This may be surprising to newcomers.
  • Commitment: Renting unfurnished signals a longer-term commitment to living in Bordeaux, which aligns with the French preference for stability in housing.

6. Pros and Cons

Furnished Housing

Pros:

  • Move-in ready with no need to buy furniture or appliances.
  • Flexible lease terms, ideal for short-term stays.
  • Convenient for expats, students, and visitors.

Cons:

  • Higher monthly rent.
  • Limited ability to personalize the space.
  • Furniture wear-and-tear disputes may arise when moving out.

Unfurnished Housing

Pros:

  • Lower monthly rent.
  • Greater freedom to decorate and furnish the space to your liking.
  • More stability with long-term leases.

Cons:

  • Higher upfront costs for furniture and appliances.
  • Longer notice periods for lease termination.
  • Requires more effort to set up utilities and furnish the home.

Recommendations

  • For Short-Term Visitors (1–12 months): Furnished housing is the best option due to its convenience and flexibility. Look for rentals in central Bordeaux or near universities if you’re a student.
  • For Long-Term Residents (1+ years): Unfurnished housing is more cost-effective and allows for greater customization. Be prepared to invest in furniture and appliances, and consider neighborhoods like Chartrons, Saint-Augustin, or Caudéran for a more residential feel.
  • For Expats or Professionals: If you’re unsure about the length of your stay, start with a furnished rental and transition to an unfurnished one once you’ve settled in.

Tips for Renting in Bordeaux

  1. Prepare Documents: Landlords in France often require extensive documentation, including proof of income, a guarantor (if applicable), and identification. Have these ready to speed up the process.
  2. Use Local Platforms: Websites like Le Bon Coin, SeLoger, and PAP are popular for finding rentals. For furnished options, consider Airbnb, Spotahome, or Studapart.
  3. Visit Properties in Person: If possible, visit the property before signing a lease to ensure it meets your expectations.
  4. Understand Tenant Rights: French rental laws heavily favor tenants, so familiarize yourself with your rights, especially regarding lease termination and deposit returns.

By weighing the pros and cons of furnished and unfurnished housing, you can make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle and plans in Bordeaux.