Furnished or Unfurnished Rental Property

There are so many factors that impact the decision to select a rental property in Dubai. These include but are not limited to the selection of the property type, area, configuration, etc.

Another important factor relates to the furnishing of the property. Whether you’ve first moved to the city or are just looking for new options, you’ve probably pondered whether to consider furnished or unfurnished rental property in Dubai.

Both these property types are common in Dubai and come with their own pros and cons. Let’s delve deeper and find out more about them:

Pros and Cons of Furnished Properties in Dubai

The Pros of Furnished Apartments

It’s Easier to Move

If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like putting down roots, furnished properties are perfect for you. This is the reason they’re especially popular in Dubai, with its highly transient population. Renting a furnished place means you won’t own most of the bigger items, and it’ll be easier for you to pick up and move on short notice.

Also, you will be spared from paying a hefty sum to moving companies when relocating since there will be no bigger items to move. So, if you are someone who moves frequently, the debate of furnished or unfurnished rental property weighs in more towards the former.

It’s Actually Cheaper

Speaking of the cost, furnished properties may seem more expensive initially. However, when you factor in the additional expenses an unfurnished place brings with it, things start to change. A cooking range, refrigerator, and washing machine can cost a pretty penny. This way though, you’ll save money buying both furniture and white goods.

Flexibility

The next pointer in our furnished or unfurnished rental property debate relates to flexibility.

Furnished properties are a lot less restrictive when it comes to the contract. Most furnished properties won’t require a year-long lease since the landlords knowingly cater to those who don’t stay in one place for too long.

So, if you’re not sure what your long-term plans are, you’re probably better going after a furnished property. They’ll be willing to offer a shorter lease, and you don’t have to make such a big move for a place you’re only staying in for a few months.

Complete Amenities

You can find many furnished properties, particularly rental apartments in Dubai, with complete amenities. Some of these amenities include laundry service centres, swimming pools, reserved parking, conference room, control gate access, and well-equipped fitness centres. You’ve got everything you need under one roof, making your apartment more fun, safer, and more comfortable than unfurnished living spaces.

The Cons of Furnished Apartments

Higher Rents and Security Deposits

The landlord has invested in furniture and white goods, and the cost is partly passed on to the renter in the form of more expensive rents. It is an investment on the landlord’s behalf, after all. Chances are they will also demand a larger security deposit to protect them from damage to their valuable furniture.

Liability

More furniture means more liabilities. In an unfurnished property, there is the risk that you might not get your security deposit back if your child scribbles all over the wall with crayons or if you were a bit too enthusiastic with the power drill.

In comparison, in the furnished apartment, there’s a lot more to break. Torn upholsteries, scratched tables, and broken chairs are all things you’ll have to carefully avoid if you want that security deposit back.

The Décor Isn’t Yours

You’re going to have to make do with what you are given in a furnished property. Most furnished properties let you hang art on the walls and add other personal touches around the place, but they won’t let you do much else.

Remember that the look of the property is mostly determined by the landlord, so if you’re the sentimental type, it may be best to go for an unfurnished house.

No Space for Your Stuff

You probably don’t have a lot of stuff if you’re looking at furnished properties, but in case you do, remember you most probably won’t have a lot of spare room in a furnished home. So, you will have to make do with a limited space, which may prove to be difficult for you.