There is no single solution when looking for a home in Wuxi. Houses. One, two, three and four bedroom apartments, townhouses and villas are all available and each solution should be negotiated to meet the needs of the tenant and the landlord.

Typically, houses and apartments are fully furnished. Unfurnished apartments are rare. Sofa, chairs, dining table, fixtures, fridge, TV, microwave oven, DVD player, beds, mattress, curtains and coffee tables are included in the rent. Tenants are expected to supply things such as bedding, dishes, towels and everyday household items. If you desire an unfurnished apartment ask the landlord if he can remove the furniture. Some will agree others will not. 

ADVICE! Look for a new house or apartment in which the landlord has not yet purchased furniture. Then negotiate a budget with the landlord and purchase the furniture yourself.

In viewing houses you will notice that some landlords have a better sense of interior design than others. Even if the furniture and apartment is new  you can see a most appalling mix of styles and designs. The good news is that there are lots of apartments on the market. You can look around until you find something that does not insult your taste.

ADVICE! If you don't like the furniture ask the landlord to change it!

Kitchens in Wuxi, as in the rest of China, are usually much smaller than those in the west. In many newer buildings you will find nicely designed cupboards and counter tops of marble or stone. Western style ovens are not that common.

Bathrooms should all feature western style toilets. If your agent is showing you a 15000 RMB a month house and the toilet is a squatter get a new agent.

You do not need to sacrifice your standard of living just because you have been posted to Wuxi.  But, you will have to decide what it is that you must have, what it is that you would like to have, and just what you can afford. Talking to a good real estate agent will help answer many of your questions and make finding an apartment or house easier.