“Furnished” and “turnkey” get used loosely in real estate listings, and the difference matters once you’re negotiating an offer. This guide explains what these terms actually mean in practice at Club Campestre, and what to confirm before assuming a home comes with everything you see in photos.
Furnished
A furnished home includes some or all of its furniture in the sale, but “furnished” alone doesn’t specify how much – it could mean a fully outfitted home or just a few key pieces left behind. Always ask for a specific inventory rather than assuming “furnished” means everything currently in the house.
Turnkey
“Turnkey” generally implies a home ready for immediate use without additional purchases or work – furniture, appliances, and often housewares and linens included. It’s a stronger claim than “furnished” alone, and it’s worth asking exactly what standard the seller or agent means by it, since there’s no universal definition in Mexican real estate transactions.
Move-In Ready
“Move-in ready” is sometimes used interchangeably with turnkey, but it can also just mean the home has no pending repairs or renovations needed – which is a different claim than “the furniture is included.” Ask specifically whether “move-in ready” refers to the home’s condition, its furnishings, or both.
Furniture Packages
Some sellers or developers offer a defined “furniture package” as a separate line item or add-on to a home purchase, rather than including existing furniture in the sale price. This is common with newer construction. If a furniture package is offered, get a written list of exactly what it includes and whether its cost is separate from the purchase price.
What Should Be in Writing
Regardless of how a listing describes a property, personal property terms belong in the written offer, not left to assumption. Buyers should request – and sellers should provide – an itemized inventory of what stays with the home: furniture, appliances, art, outdoor furniture, pool equipment, and any other movable items the buyer expects to receive. Verbal assurances during a showing are not a substitute for a signed inventory list attached to the purchase agreement.
Questions to Ask Before Making an Offer
Is the home furnished, turnkey, or neither, and what specifically does that mean for this property? Is there a written inventory available now, or will one be provided before closing? Are any furnishings excluded from the sale – family heirlooms, specific art pieces, or anything the seller plans to keep? If a furniture package is offered separately, what exactly does it include and what does it cost? Getting clear answers before writing an offer avoids disputes at closing.
To see what’s currently listed, browse Homes For Sale or Condos For Sale. For more on the buying process itself, see our Guide to Buying, or contact us with questions about a specific property’s furnishings.
