Furnished Vs Unfurnished Properties in Dubai: Making the Right Choice

Are you looking for a rental property in Dubai? You might need help deciding what type of property is best and whether you should go for a furnished or unfurnished property. Furnished properties are fully serviced properties with appliances, furniture, and other items included in the rental agreement. With an unfurnished property, you are renting simply the property itself, without any furniture or appliances, so as a tenant you have to buy and install these yourself.   

In this blog, we are going to explore the pros and cons of furnished and unfurnished properties to help you decide which option is right for you. 

Types of Furnished Properties

In Dubai, you can typically find two types of furnished properties: 

• Semi-Furnished Properties
• Fully-Furnished Properties

Semi-Furnished Properties

Semi-furnished properties usually come with the basic appliances and the major pieces of furniture, such as a bed, sofa, fridge and stove. But, they don't usually come with the smaller pieces of furniture that you might want to live comfortably, such as a coffee table, lamps, drawers etc. This can be a good option if you would like to have the basic furniture provided but are happy to either buy or bring with you the smaller furnishings. 

Fully-Furnished Properties

Fully furnished properties are where the landlord provides all of the necessary furniture and appliances as part of the rental. This means the tenants don't have to worry about buying any household furniture at the beginning of the tenancy and can simply move straight into the property. 

Pros and Cons of Furnished Properties in Dubai

Furnished properties can be an attractive option for people who don't already own furniture and would like the convenience of being able to move straight into a property without any hassle. There are several pros and cons associated with furnished properties. Some of them are given below. 

Pros

Lower Move In Cost

When you rent a property, it can be expensive to either buy all the furniture that you need or pay a removal company to move the furniture from your old rental property to your new one. But if you choose a furnished property, you don't have to incur these expenses, and can simply bring your personal effects when moving in. 

Time-Saving

Moving all of your furniture, or buying new furniture, can be time-consuming and tiring. Moving into a furnished apartment can reduce stress and save time as you don't have to worry about shifting large, heavy furniture.

Flexibility

Whereas some tenants may want to establish a long-term home within a rental property, some tenants enjoy the flexibility of being able to regularly move to a new rental property. By choosing a furnished property, you have much greater flexibility to regularly move to a new property, without the time and expense of moving your furniture each time. 

Cons

Fewer Personalisation Options

One of the major downsides of furnished properties is that you don't have much freedom to decorate or personalise your home. The furniture is provided to you y the landlord, without you typically having any input on the furniture choices. 

Higher Rent And Deposit

Typically, the deposit required for an unfurnished property is 5% of the annual rent, whereas for a furnished property it is 10%, so you should be prepared for this. The average rent and security deposit of furnished properties is also typically significantly higher than unfurnished properties because of the expense to the landlord to provide the furniture and other household items in the rental agreement.

Sell Or Store Your Old Furniture

Moving into a furnished property when you already own furniture is quite challenging. Since your new home is already furnished, there will be limited space for new additions. So you might have to consider selling some of your existing furniture or putting it into storage. 

Liability For Furniture

When you move into a furnished property, you are liable for any damage to the furniture and the other household items that goes beyond normal wear and tear. 

Pros and Cons of Unfurnished Properties in Dubai

Now, let’s discuss the major pros and cons of unfurnished properties. 

Pros

Freedom of Personalisation

One of the major advantages of the unfurnished property is that you have the freedom to customise and personalise the interior design of the home as you wish. This is particularly beneficial and appealing for those who want to stay in one property for a long time and make the place feel like their own. They have the option to choose the furniture and decorations according to their style and make the property feel more like a home.

Reduced Liability

Unfurnished properties have less liability as the landlord provides no household necessities and furniture. You are only responsible for the property itself so you won't be charged for any damage to the furniture. 

Lower Rent And Deposit

The deposit on an unfurnished property is lower than with a furnished property (5% of the annual rent vs 10% for a furnished property). The rental rates are also normally lower with unfurnished properties since the landlord doesn't incur any expense for furnishings. 

Cons

Additional Furnishing Cost

One of the biggest downsides of unfurnished properties is the high cost of purchasing furniture and household items. If you are on a tight budget, this might be a considerable price to pay after renting an unfurnished apartment in Dubai. 

Setup Time

Setting up an unfurnished apartment takes time. You'll need to wait for deliveries, assemble furniture, and organise things, which can be inconvenient when you're eager to settle in quickly.

Conclusion

Deciding which type of property to rent in Dubai is an important decision that requires careful consideration of all the potential options. When choosing between furnished and unfurnished properties, it comes down to your personal preference. Renting a furnished property can provide convenience and comfort at an affordable price rather than purchasing appliances and furniture separately. On the other hand, unfurnished properties may be more suitable for tenants who have the desire to create a long-term home and who want greater customisation opportunities. It is recommended to consult a real estate agent in Dubai to ensure the selected property aligns with your needs. Your choice should not just be about the property itself but also about how well it complements and enhances your overall living experience in Dubai.