Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying a Furnished Apartment in Dubai | Trip Royal Dubai Guide 2025

When investing in Dubai real estate, one of the most frequently asked questions is:
“Should I buy a furnished or unfurnished apartment?”
Both options come with distinct benefits and potential drawbacks.
Trip Royal Dubai explains what to consider before making your choice.

Advantages of Buying a Furnished Apartment

1. Ready-to-Move-In Convenience

A furnished apartment is immediately ready to live in or rent out.
There is no need to spend extra time or budget on furnishing and decoration.

Trip Royal Dubai Insight:
“For investors, this option saves time and offers instant returns with a turnkey concept.”

2. Strong Demand for Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rentals (such as Airbnb) are extremely popular in Dubai.
Furnished apartments are rented out faster and often generate higher rental income.

Average short-term rental yield: 8% – 10%
Occupancy rate: 80% – 90%

Trip Royal Dubai Advantage:
“Furnished apartments are among the most profitable investment options, especially in Dubai Marina, Business Bay, and Downtown.”

3. Attractive for Expat Tenants

Dubai attracts thousands of expat professionals who work on temporary contracts.
These tenants typically prefer fully furnished and equipped apartments.

Trip Royal Dubai Comment:
“Ready-to-use interiors are a key factor for expats, ensuring a steady and reliable rental income for investors.”

4. Saves Time and Moving Costs

Furnishing a new apartment from scratch takes time and adds transportation, setup, and decor costs.
With furnished units, these expenses are already included in the purchase price.

Trip Royal Dubai Tip:
“If your goal is short-term returns, furnished apartments are the smarter choice.”

Disadvantages of Buying a Furnished Apartment

1. Higher Purchase Price

Furnished apartments typically cost 10–20% more than similar unfurnished units.
This price gap should be factored into your investment plan.

Trip Royal Dubai Comment:
“For investors focusing on short-term rentals, the price difference pays off quickly — but for long-term leases, the return rate may be lower.”

2. Furniture Depreciation

Frequent tenant use can lead to wear and tear on furniture over time,
resulting in additional maintenance or replacement costs.

Trip Royal Dubai Advice:
“When purchasing a furnished apartment, always check the quality of materials. Durable furnishings reduce long-term maintenance costs.”

3. May Not Match Your Personal Taste

Furnished apartments are usually decorated in a neutral style to appeal to a wider market.
If you plan to live in the property yourself, it may not fully reflect your personal taste.

Trip Royal Dubai Advantage:
“For buyers who value customization, we offer redesign and interior upgrade support for furnished properties.”

Conclusion: The Right Choice Depends on Your Investment Goals

Furnished apartments are ideal for investors seeking quick returns or targeting short-term rentals.
Unfurnished apartments, on the other hand, are better suited for long-term investors who prefer flexibility in design and tenant selection.
Trip Royal Dubai provides professional guidance to help you identify the property that perfectly fits your investment objectives.