Why furnished rentals are ideal for expatriates

When relocating abroad, housing is one of the first issues to address—and often one of the most complex. You need to settle in quickly, for an uncertain duration, in a tight rental market. In this context, furnished rentals provide a suitable framework, while furniture rental opens up even more options.

A turnkey solution for quick move-in

Upon arrival in a new country, furnishing is rarely the top priority. Expatriates need to focus on their job, administrative procedures and integration. Having a fully functional home from day one helps reduce mental load during the first few weeks.

Furniture rental meets this need. It allows an empty property to be equipped without purchase, without international transport and without delays. The home becomes immediately liveable upon move-in, making the transition smoother and more secure.

A model aligned with real expatriation timelines

Recent data shows that temporary stays often fall into an intermediate duration.

According to the Lodgis barometer, the average stay in furnished rentals in France reached 7.4 months in Q2 2025, compared to 6 months two years earlier.

Between a short hotel stay and permanent relocation, furniture rental supports both medium- and long-term assignments, when even temporary housing becomes a true living space.

A direct response to a tight rental market

The use of furnished rentals is also driven by market pressure. Still according to Lodgis, demand for traditional furnished rentals increased by 40% year-on-year in Q2 2025, while the supply of available properties decreased by 24% nationwide and up to 25% in the Île-de-France region.

This contraction in supply is accompanied by rising rents in most major cities, with notable increases in Lyon, Bordeaux and Toulouse. Longer stays reduce turnover and intensify competition between tenants.

In this context, the ability to quickly furnish an empty property can make a decisive difference in securing accommodation, without waiting for a furnished unit to become available.

A cost-effective solution without logistical constraints

Buying furniture for a temporary relocation involves often underestimated costs: purchase, delivery, assembly, and then resale or storage at the end of the assignment. These are compounded by the challenges of international transport or managing furniture that becomes unnecessary.

Furniture rental avoids these issues. It provides clear budget visibility, removes logistical constraints and adapts to the actual duration of the stay. Furniture is delivered, installed and then collected.

The Homat catalogue, designed for international mobility

A specialist in furniture and appliance rental for over 30 years, Homat offers a comprehensive catalogue to fully equip housing for international mobility situations.

The offer covers all main living areas: bedroom furniture (beds, bedding, storage), living room furniture (sofas, tables, chairs, storage units), as well as kitchen equipment and accessories, including appliances and tableware. Additional equipment, such as multimedia devices or specific appliances, can also be included depending on requirements.

The catalogue is designed to adapt to the size of the property and the household composition, making it suitable for both a studio occupied by a single person and a family home.