Should You Furnish Your Rental Property in Dubai? Pros, Cons & Cost Considerations
If you’re renting out a property in Dubai, one of the biggest decisions is whether to offer it furnished, semi-furnished, or unfurnished. While furnished rentals can attract higher rents and short-term tenants, they also come with added costs and responsibilities. Is it the right choice for you? Let’s break it down.
📌 Pros of Furnishing Your Rental Property
✅ Higher Rental Income
- Furnished apartments typically command 20-30% higher rent than unfurnished units.
- Popular among expats, short-term tenants, and corporate renters.
✅ Faster Tenant Turnover
- Fully furnished properties appeal to those looking for move-in-ready homes.
- Short-term rentals (Airbnb, holiday homes) benefit greatly from a furnished setup.
✅ Attracts High-End Tenants
- Business professionals and international tenants often prefer furnished units.
- Well-furnished properties can stand out in a competitive market.
📌 Cons of Furnishing Your Rental Property
❌ Higher Upfront Costs
- Initial furnishing can cost anywhere from AED 30,000 to AED 150,000, depending on property size and quality.
- Ongoing maintenance and furniture replacement add to long-term costs.
❌ More Wear & Tear
- Furniture and appliances need regular maintenance, leading to higher repair costs.
- Tenants may not treat furniture with the same care as homeowners.
❌ Limited Tenant Flexibility
- Some tenants prefer bringing their own furniture, limiting your potential renter pool.
- Long-term tenants (1+ year leases) may opt for unfurnished units to personalize their space.
📌 Cost Considerations: Furnishing vs. Unfurnished Rental
| Apartment Type | Furnishing Cost (AED) | Rental Increase (%) | Ideal Tenant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 15,000 – 30,000 | 20-30% | Expats, short-term |
| 1-Bedroom | 30,000 – 60,000 | 20-30% | Professionals, couples |
| 2-Bedroom | 50,000 – 100,000 | 15-25% | Families, corporate rentals |
| 3-Bedroom+ | 80,000 – 150,000 | 10-20% | Long-term families, executives |
📌 Should You Furnish Your Property? Factors to Consider
✔ Location Matters
- Dubai Marina, Downtown, Palm Jumeirah: High demand for furnished apartments.
- Suburban areas like JVC, Sports City: Tenants often prefer unfurnished.
✔ Target Tenant Profile
- Short-term rentals & holiday homes: Fully furnished is a must.
- Long-term rentals: Semi-furnished or unfurnished may be better.
✔ Budget & ROI
- Consider the payback period—will the higher rent justify your furnishing investment?
📌 How Remington Properties Can Help
At Remington Properties, we guide landlords in making the right investment decisions for maximum ROI. We offer:
✅ Market Analysis: Know if furnishing is profitable in your area.
✅ Furnishing Consultation: Budget-friendly furnishing solutions.
✅ Tenant Matching: Finding the right renters for your furnished/unfurnished property.
✅ Property Management: Handling maintenance, rent collection & tenant concerns.
📍 Need expert advice on renting out your Dubai property? Contact Remington Properties today!
Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
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