How to find an apartment to rent in Dubai? In many cases, it is not only about location, size or amenities. The decision on whether to rent a furnished or unfurnished apartment is one of the most critical, yet most people do not pay much attention to it. This decision may influence your budget, convenience, lifestyle and even how at home you feel in your new location.
Both are a good and bad idea in the expat-heavy, fast-moving city of Dubai. No matter what your needs are whether you are visiting on a temporary basis or want to move there permanently, it is always good to know what each of them has to offer so that you make the right choice when going for property leasing in Dubai.
It is time to take the plunge and explore the advantages and disadvantages, financial implications, and quality of life that come with furnished and unfurnished apartments in Dubai so that you can make a safe decision that suits you.
Renting Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments in Dubai: What Are The Differences
Furnished apartments are move-in ready with simple furniture such as beds, sofas, tables, wardrobes, and frequently appliances such as a washing machine, fridge, and microwave. Others may even have kitchen utensils and beddings.
The unfurnished apartments tend to have minimal amenities- such as built in closets, cupboards in the kitchen, and permanent appliances- but you will have to carry your own furniture and household items.
Advantages of Renting a Furnished Apartment in Dubai
Move in Convenience Ready
The first major strength of a furnished apartment is the speed at which you can move in. Your personal belongings are all you need. This is ideal to busy professionals, students or first time residents in Dubai, who would not want to go through the pain of purchasing and putting together furniture.
Short-Term Stays Suits It Well
The furnished apartments are particularly appealing to short term renters. International employees who are on temporary work, corporate workers, and those who move frequently enjoy the flexibility of the lease terms- some furnished rentals even offer monthly lease where unfurnished apartments seldom comply.
Time and Energy Saving
Relocation can be hectic. When you opt to rent a furnished unit, you will not have to spend your days visiting furniture stores, waiting to have goods delivered, or being bothered by moving trucks. You are not faced with the hectic process of putting up a whole house.
Lower Cost Upfront
The monthly rent is normally more, but you will save a lot of money at the initial stages. You will not be forced to invest in furniture, appliances, or decorations. When you add the expense of buying and transporting furniture, furnished apartments could prove more cost effective during short stays.
Disadvantages of Renting a Furnished Apartment
Greater Rent and Deposit
Furnished apartments are usually 15-30 percent higher than unfurnished apartments. Also, there is an increase in security deposits- up to 10 percent of yearly rent, as opposed to 5 percent in unfurnished apartments.
Limited Personalization
You have little control over the style and ambience of your area. The sofa, the dining table, the curtains, they are already selected to you. This may be a disadvantage if you are the kind of person who would like to design his/her own home or would like his/her home to represent him/her.
Less Options
The number of unfurnished listings is much greater than the furnished listings in Dubai. In family-oriented neighborhoods such as Mirdif, Dubai Hills Estate or Arabian Ranches, unfurnished are the most common property type.
Threat of Breaking Furniture
Any damage to the furniture of the landlord can make you lose the deposit. A bumped coffee table or spilt sofa could be down to you, so look after it.
No Space to Bring Your Own Furniture
Have your own bed, couch or dining table? A furnished apartment may not have space to accommodate them, and it will be difficult to integrate your items in the arrangement.
Advantages of Taking an Unfurnished Apartment in Dubai
Reduced Monthly Rent
An unfurnished apartment is usually the cheaper option in case you are going to stay long term. It is cheaper in rent, and you will only have to invest on furnishing it once by yourself.
Complete Interior Design Control
Your space is what you can design, even the couch to the curtains. In case it matters to you to make your home your own, then this option provides you with full creative freedom.
Reduced Security Deposit
Deposits on unfurnished apartments are usually cheaper than furnished apartments- usually only 5% of the annual rent since there is no landlord owned furniture to be concerned with.
Perfect to Families and Long-Term Residents
Unfurnished apartments are ideal in the case of people who intend to stay in Dubai a few years. They provide security and flexibility of creating a home that is changing along with you.
Disadvantages of Renting an Unfurnished Apartment
More Expensive
You will have to equip the whole flat- you will have to spend between AED 15,000 and AED 50,000 depending on how big and what type of furniture you have. Throw in the price of moving, and the start-up can be high.
Requires More Effort and Time to Put in Place
Homes without furniture will take time to be habitable. You will have to go shopping, make deliveries and even put together furniture-all this may be accompanied by a job or other life changes.
Less Flexible in the Event of a Move
Relocating to a new house in the future translates to carrying or selling all your furniture. This is time consuming and may be stressful when it comes to expats who might be moving frequently.
Comparison of Prices: Furnished and Unfurnished Apartments in Dubai
Furnished apartments usually have a higher monthly rent which is 15% to 30% above unfurnished apartments. This additional expense consists of the comfort of ready-to-use furniture and appliances. Nevertheless, it may be worth the increased rent in case you are going to spend a limited period in Dubai as you will not have to spend on establishment of the house.
Conversely, empty apartments tend to attract a cheaper monthly rent and this can save you money in the long term-particularly when you intend to stay longer than two years. However, remember that you will have to provide the house with your own furniture and that is costly. You may end up paying between AED 15,000 and AED 50,000 to furnish the apartment completely depending on your decisions and the size of the apartment.
The two also vary in security deposits. Furnished rentals usually demand a 10 per cent deposit on the total amount of rent in the year, whereas unfurnished units normally demand a deposit of 5 per cent.
Another factor could be utilities. With the furnished apartments, some of them have DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) charges in the rent, whereas in unfurnished apartments, chances of paying utilities separately are high.
Important Considerations to Make Your Decision
Furnished or unfurnished apartments in Dubai: Remember the following when making a decision:
Length Of Stay
Short-term tenants ought to prefer furnished apartments with flexible leases. Unfurnished apartments will be of better value and freedom to long-term residents.
Budget Cost and Upfront Costs
Go furnished, in case you do not want to face the immediate financial burden of furnishing a home. Unfurnished is a better choice in case you can afford it in the short term and use it in the long term.
Personalization
Do you desire a room that is personalized? Unfurnished provides you with that possibility. Furnished works in case you do not mind staying in a ready-made place because it is convenient.
Lifestyle Flexibility
Moving furniture will be a hassle but a furnished apartment will help you avoid this inconvenience in case you change your location frequently. However, when you are settling down in Dubai, it is more sensible to have your own furnishing.
Location and Market Trends
Furnished apartments are more prevalent in places such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay. Less urban or family-based communities have unfurnished options as the majority.
Final Thoughts
The final decision as to whether to take a furnished or unfurnished apartment in Dubai depends on your circumstances, your lifestyle and financial priorities. Furnished apartments are convenient, fast and flexible, unfurnished apartments are stable, customizable and cost effective in the long run.
Ask yourself before you make a final decision:
- What is my time frame?
- How much can I spend per month and how much do I have to spend upfront?
- What is my preference of convenience vs. personalization?
- Do I have furniture, which I would like to take with me already?
When you carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of living in this dynamic city as well as taking into consideration your present needs and future plans, then you will be in a better position to find the right home. Roots Heritage Realty can help you through the process whether it be furnished or unfurnished. Our crew assists you in selecting what suits your lifestyle, budget and future plans. Call me today and we will get you the best location in Dubai, without any hassle, without any stress.
