Me - I've been in my apartment for 2 years so far. The rent has gone up a little bit but not much and my landlord is happy to discount it if I pay a year in advance. It's easier to get an unfurnished rental than a furnished this time of year. People who have furniture are usually making their money from the holiday markets. If you rent through an agent expect to pay one months rent as commission - otherwise drive or walk around the area you are interested in and ring the numbers on signs in windows of places you like the look of.
