Tag: Furnished rentals

Choosing between a furnished or unfurnished rental in the Netherlands? The difference goes beyond whether you need to bring a sofa. Flooring, curtains and appliances can vary too—and the photos do not always show what will stay…

What do the Dutch furnishing terms mean?

English translations vary between advertisements. “Unfurnished” can be particularly confusing, so check the Dutch term alongside the property description.

Kaal: a shell rental

A kale woning comes without furniture and may also lack floor coverings, curtains and light fittings. Check the kitchen separately: having a kitchen does not tell you which appliances are included.

You may need to arrange flooring before bringing in your furniture. Ask about the condition expected when you leave, too; items you install cannot necessarily remain for the next tenant.

Gestoffeerd: semi-furnished or upholstered

A gestoffeerde woning generally includes basic finishing, such as flooring, but no movable furniture. Curtains and lighting are commonly associated with this category, although advertisements do not always use the term consistently.

You will usually need your own bed, sofa and table. Check window coverings and appliances individually, especially a washing machine or dryer.

Gemeubileerd: furnished

A gemeubileerde woning includes furniture, but the exact inventory varies.

Some properties are set up for international tenants to arrive with little more than a suitcase. Others provide the main furniture but leave you to arrange bedding, towels, crockery and cooking equipment.

Whether you choose furnished or unfurnished accommodation, ask for a written overview of what will be included.

For an additional explanation of the terminology, see Huurwoningen.nl’s guide to shell, semi-furnished and furnished rentals (in Dutch).

Photos show what is there, not necessarily what stays

If a property is still occupied, items visible during a viewing may belong to the outgoing tenant. Even a furnished rental can be advertised with older photographs that no longer match the interior.

For example, a washing machine and dryer might be present during your viewing but leave with the tenant before you move in. This is a possible scenario, not something the furnishing label alone can resolve.

Instead of asking whether the property “has” a washing machine, ask:

“Will this washing machine remain, and is it included in the rental?”

Have important details confirmed in writing before signing. If the advertisement and the information given during the viewing differ, ask which items will actually be supplied.

What if the previous tenant offers to leave things behind?

The outgoing tenant may offer to sell you items such as flooring, curtains or appliances. This is often called overname.

Available items and prices may be discussed during the viewing, either by the tenant or through the rental agent. The agent may then help both tenants get in contact, leaving them to arrange the purchase directly.

Before agreeing, establish:

• Exactly which items are being sold and their condition.
• The price, payment arrangements and handover date.
• Whether they belong to the tenant or are already included in the rental.
• Whether the landlord agrees that they can remain, particularly flooring or fitted items.

Keep the arrangement in writing. Items you purchase from a tenant should be clearly distinguished from items supplied by the landlord.

Furnished or unfurnished: which option fits your stay?

A shorter stay with a planned return home

A furnished property can save you from buying, transporting and later selling a household’s worth of furniture.

If you expect to stay for around a year, arranging flooring for a shell rental may be more work than you want to take on. A furnished home can simplify your arrival, provided its inventory meets your needs.

A longer stay

A shell or semi-furnished home may suit you if you want to settle in and use your own furniture.

Semi-furnished can be a useful middle ground: some basic finishing is already there, while you choose the furniture. Bringing belongings from abroad may also become more worthwhile over a longer stay, depending on transport costs and whether they fit the property.

Plans that are still uncertain

Compare actual homes rather than assuming one furnishing category always offers better value.

Consider the monthly rent, any separate furnishing charges, setup costs and the work involved when you leave. Also distinguish money needed upfront from costs over your stay. Furniture you buy may move with you or have resale value, although you should not count on recovering the full purchase price.

Whether furnished or unfurnished housing offers better value depends on your length of stay and what you already own.

Time matters too. Shopping for appliances and arranging deliveries can be difficult when you are starting a new job immediately after arrival.

Your checklist before signing

Before signing for a furnished or unfurnished rental, confirm which items will remain and which you need to arrange yourself.

At the key handover, compare the property with the agreed inventory. Record missing items or existing damage in the inspection report, with supporting photos.

Choose a home that fits how you are moving

Moving for a year with two suitcases calls for a different setup from relocating with your own furniture and plans to settle.

Use your expected stay, available budget and willingness to organise the setup to decide which furnishing options belong in your search. Then check each property on its own details.

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