Finding the right place to live in Dubai has always been a big decision for many newcomers. Recently, in 2025, this has become more important for newcomers, students, and long-term residents.
Rental prices are constantly changing in different neighborhoods, and rental options are more flexible than ever.
Now choosing the right type of apartment directly depends on your lifestyle, comfort, and overall budget.
Many expats and families are struggling to decide if a furnished apartment will save them time and money, or if renting an unfurnished home offers better value in the long run. These are the questions and concerns of many people.
In the following, we are going to discuss important issues. How to plan for a better life in Dubai.
How much do you want to spend, and how long do you expect to stay in Dubai? In this Dubai housing guide 2025 article, we will help you understand the importance of these issues better.
Pros and Cons of Furnished Apartments
Pros:
One of the most important advantages of choosing a furnished rental is the ease of imagination, as it eliminates the need to prepare large appliances. You won’t need to allocate funds to buy large furniture or household appliances, and your time will be saved to a great extent.
If you are one of the people who have chosen Dubai for short-term stays or if you are a newcomer who does not want to invest in home furnishing yet, choosing furnished rental will be a popular option for you.
An important thing to keep in mind is that furnished units are often popular with renters and fill up quickly.
Cons:
The cost of furnished rental is usually higher. Homeowners pay more for furniture and maintenance.
The presence of furniture and the arrangement in advance will lead to less freedom for you. So it will be hard for you to customize the space or remove the things you don’t like.
In addition, it is not very suitable for long-term residents as they generally have to pay higher rents.
Pros and Cons of Unfurnished Apartments
Pros:
Unfurnished apartments have a lower monthly rental fee. So tenants have the opportunity to save more in the long run.
When your home is unfurnished, and you get the opportunity to furnish it, you can decorate it exactly to your taste, style, and needs.
So whether you are a family or a long-term resident who wants stability and a place to call your own, Unfurnished Apartments will be more suitable for you. Overall, your chances of finding the right one will increase.
Cons:
When you choose Unfurnished Apartments, you will also have to allocate part of your budget to the initial set-up costs of purchasing furniture and appliances. You will also face moving costs and installation costs, as you will have to coordinate everything from setup to delivery.
Many Unfurnished Apartments come with a minimum contract period (often a year or more), thus reducing flexibility for shorter stays. Finally, you should spend time setting up your home, such as assembling furniture, decorating, and creating a sense of life in it, so that you can create a home that meets your desires and standards.
Unfurnished Apartments are the best option for residents who plan to stay there for more than 2 years.
Cost Comparison – Which Saves More in 2025
When we look at the Dubai housing guide 2025, we find that the cost difference between furnished and unfurnished rentals in Dubai is significant. The average annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around AED 61,885, and for a 2-bedroom apartment is around AED 85,461.
For furnished units in prime areas and locations in Dubai, you will have to pay 20-30% more than for unfurnished units.
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In areas like Arjan, an unfurnished 2-bedroom unit may cost AED 4,000-6,500 per month, but you should note that a furnished unit in the same area costs AED 5,500-8,000 per month.
It is not enough to focus on the rent alone. Tenants should also consider hidden costs. Such as utility costs (DEWA), internet, and chiller costs. Also, if they choose unfurnished apartments, they should pay attention to the costs of purchasing and installing furniture and other living necessities.
In short, if your stay is short (less than two years), a furnished unit may “save” you time and set-up costs and ultimately be more cost-effective. However, if you are a long-term tenant, renting an unfurnished apartment often offers better value after deducting the cost of furniture.
Ideal Options for Expats, Students & Families
Expats & Working Professionals
For many expats and professionals moving to Dubai, a comfortable furnished apartment is the best option, as they want to settle in quickly and avoid wasting time on setting up and buying household items.
A look at the Dubai housing guide 2025 reveals that furnished units are in high demand and are ideal for expats and working professionals.
Areas such as Dubai Marina and Business Bay, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), and Barsha Heights are popular due to their metro/tram access. If you are looking for corporate offices and convenient amenities, these are the areas to consider in Dubai.
Note that these locations will help reduce your commute time. We especially recommend these areas for professionals who value a ready-to-live-in space.
Students
Students prefer to be close to their university or educational institution. This is why they often opt for furnished shared or studio apartments.
Other practical areas include Deira and Al Nahda. These areas of Dubai are not only affordable but also have good transport links, making student life easier.
Families
For families, it makes more sense to choose unfurnished homes. This allows for customization, longer life, and savings over time. Community-focused neighborhoods are ideal for families. These include Mirdif, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Hills. These areas offer easy access to amenities such as schools, parks, and desirable amenities.
Where to Find Furnished Apartments at Good Rates
Finding affordable furnished apartments in Dubai is not difficult, but you often have to compare listings on reputable platforms. The Dubai housing guide 2025 will help you find the right place to rent.
Tenants can filter furnished units, building amenities, and contract terms using the HOMEBOOK platform to find the right options. Fortunately, the platform helps tenants avoid paying high commissions.
Furnished short-term stays are a great option for flexible contracts and ready-to-move-in housing. Especially in business centers and tourist areas. Furnished units located in areas such as JLT, Dubai Marina, Bur Dubai, and Discovery Gardens, according to Expatriate Housing, often offer better maintenance support.
But you should always check before signing whether the unit is without a chiller, or what hidden costs are there? It is also necessary to specify the agency commission fees and ensure whether they include an annual maintenance fee.
Tips Before Signing a Rental Contract
Looking for the best rental option in 2025? Then check out the Dubai housing guide 2025 before signing the contract. Unclear maintenance terms are one of the most common complaints from tenants.
So before signing a rental contract in Dubai, you should pay attention to the items included in the lease, especially items such as chillers, parking, and maintenance, which can significantly affect the costs.
If you are renting a furnished unit, be sure to ask for a signed inventory list. This way, you will avoid later disputes over damaged furniture or other household items.
According to the Dubai housing guide 2025, keep this checklist in mind:
Always verify Ejari registration and make sure that the agent has a valid RERA license to avoid any illegal contracts.
Tenants should also negotiate payment terms with the landlord and come to a reasonable conclusion. Because the flexibility of each landlord is different. Also, ask questions clearly about early termination penalties and take photos of the condition of the apartment and furniture before moving in.
Conclusion
Looking at the Dubai housing guide 2025, it’s clear that choosing between furnished and unfurnished apartments isn’t just about the rent. There are several other factors to consider, such as your lifestyle, budget, and how long you plan to stay in Dubai.
Furnished apartments offer convenience and a quick start, especially for newcomers, students, and professionals who want to avoid the stress of moving in.
Unfurnished apartments, on the other hand, allow for more control over the design and décor you want and will usually save you money in the long run, making them ideal for families and long-term residents.
Whether you prefer a ready-to-move-in space or a home you can customize, understanding the hidden costs, contract terms, and area selection will help you make the smartest decision you can and won’t regret. With proper planning, you can enjoy a comfortable life that truly suits your time and goals in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Furnished rental, as the name suggests, is provided to tenants along with furniture, appliances. It means "ready to move". Unfurnished units only contain walls, plumbing, and fixed cabinets, and tenants must provide their own furniture and appliances.
Often yes. For shorter stays, the convenience of a furnished place means you can skip shopping for furniture and other essentials, allowing you to move in quickly and making it more affordable and ideal for short-term renters.
Yes, in Dubai, furnished units are usually about 15-30% more expensive than unfurnished units. Also, the cost of furniture and comfort is added to the rent.
To rent furnished units, you have to pay more and accept responsibility for possible damage to the furniture, and you have fewer customization options. For unfurnished units, you must allocate budget and time to buy furniture and appliances. In general, you should carefully check the rental amount, the inventory, and the terms of the contract.
In general, yes. So if you plan to stay longer and want to personalize your home, choose unfurnished units. Buying furniture for yourself can provide better value over time.
