An interview with Project Developer Nextensa and MM Interior about the benefits of ready-to-rent apartments
In a competitive real estate market, the appeal of a turnkey apartment—fully furnished and ready for immediate rental—is greater than ever for both investors and tenants.
In collaboration with MM Interior, Nextensa offers buyers the opportunity to present their apartment as fully furnished, eliminating the need to deal with furniture, accessories, or the hassle of coordinating with various suppliers with long delivery times. This all-in-one concept provides peace of mind for both buyers and tenants and comes with numerous advantages.
We spoke with Sonja De Greef from Nextensa and Gitte Bel from MM Interior about this partnership and how they help buyers make their investments profitable and efficient.
Sonja De Greef, Head of Marketing and Sales at Nexensa
MM Interior has been one of our partners for painting and interior design for some time now. They are reliable, affordable, and take a lot of work off the hands of buyers. That’s why we are happy to recommend them through our customer support service, so investors can be assured their apartment is prepared for rental on time and to a high standard.
We already noticed in phase I that customers were responding enthusiastically: some even chose MM to help furnish their own homes. Recently, they also furnished our brand-new show apartment.
Picture model apartment:
Knowing that MM Interior has already made over 2,000 apartments rental- and move-in ready in collaboration with project developers, the decision was quickly made. But what gave us even more confidence was the connection we felt with the people behind the scenes.
Team picture MM Interior:
Our strength lies in the complete package: from the smallest detail to a fully furnished interior, we make sure everything is perfect. – Team MM Interior
Gitte Bel, founder of MM Interior
Our collaboration with project developers began about 21 years ago, when more and more investors started requesting fully furnished apartments for rental purposes. With my background in the furniture industry, I quickly realized that I could provide this service, and the step was an easy one to take.
Today, I work with a passionate team of four women, all with a background in interior decoration, to offer a comprehensive service: from painting and window treatments to complete furniture packages. Our goal is clear: to make homes efficiently rental- or move-in ready so that residents only need to bring their suitcases.
What are the advantages of furnished rentals for real estate investors?
Sonja: A furnished apartment opens the door to a different segment of tenants, such as expats, NATO employees, EU workers, and young professionals. For investors, this is often attractive because, with the right furnishing and finishing, you can aim for a higher rental price. Moreover, tenants feel at home immediately and are often inclined to stay longer.
Gitte: For tenants, a furnished apartment is simply convenient: you walk in, and everything is already there. We ensure everything is perfect, from the furniture to the lighting and decor. This is a benefit for the tenant and for the landlord, who can start renting quickly without worrying about the finishing touches.
Advantages:
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- Appealing to a Broad Audience
- Furniture enhances a luxurious look and justifies higher rental prices
What is the difference between “rental-ready” and “move-in ready”?
Gitte: At MM Interior, we offer different levels of finishing, tailored to the client’s preferences and the purpose of the apartment.
A rental-ready apartment is fully prepared for leasing and includes:
- Basic finishes such as painting, window treatments, and lighting.
- The apartment has a fresh, neutral look, ready for tenants who wish to bring their own furniture and decor.
A move-in ready apartment goes a step further:
- Complete furnishings, including furniture, accessories, and household essentials, tailored to the style and ambiance of the property.
- The tenant only needs to bring personal belongings; the property is fully prepared for occupancy. Everything is provided, from kitchenware to bedding, allowing the tenant to move in immediately.
A designer apartment is customized for owner-occupiers:
- A more exclusive interior with carefully chosen colors, furniture, lighting, and decor, reflecting the personality and tastes of the buyers.
How far in advance does MM Interior begin preparations?
Gitte:Â Buyers usually contact us about six months before the handover. This time is needed to get to know the buyer, prepare a quote, and place the orders on time. This way, everything can be delivered as close as possible to the key handover date.
How does the process proceed?
Gitte: We work according to a strict schedule. Within 2 to 3 weeks after the key handover, we ensure the apartment is ready. The process goes as follows:
1. Painting: This phase takes about one week, depending on the size of the apartment. We professionally finish all walls and ceilings, including additional options such as wallpaper or accent walls.
2. Installation of window treatments and lighting (following week): The window treatments and light fixtures are tailored to the function of the rooms. We provide blackout curtains in the bedrooms and light, sheer curtains in the living room. Each space gets the right ambient lighting, such as adjustable spotlights in the kitchen or water-resistant lamps in the bathroom.
3. Placement of furniture and accessories (same week): Everything comes together efficiently in a harmonious, stylish whole. Our team ensures everything is in the right place—furniture, household items, kitchenware, and linens.
Sonja: This efficient planning is ideal for buyers who don’t want to waste time or money. After all, a month or two of vacancy can quickly cost an investor around €3,000. Buyers who are still renting can move in faster and can terminate their rental contract more quickly.
What are the costs?
Gitte: For a rental-ready 1-bedroom apartment, the budget is approximately €7,500 + VAT, with painting costs accounting for about 60% of the budget. A fully move-in ready apartment, including furniture, linens, appliances, and household items, costs around €11,000 + VAT.
