Unfurnished or Furnished Condominiums in Singapore: What to Consider Before Signing a Lease

Choosing Between Furnished and Unfurnished Properties in Singapore

One key difference in Singapore’s condominium rental market compared to Japan is that you can choose between “unfurnished,” “fully furnished,” or “partially furnished” properties. In English, these are referred to as “Unfurnished,” “Fully Furnished,” and “Partially Furnished.”

In furnished or partially furnished properties, the furniture provided by the owner is already installed, and in some cases, it may be inherited from the previous tenant. Partially furnished properties may include some built-in furniture, while the remaining pieces must be arranged by the tenant. The type and quality of furniture vary depending on the owner, so it’s important to consider the furniture situation when choosing a property.

Deciding in advance whether a furnished or unfurnished property is better can make property viewings easier. This article aims to provide useful information to help with that decision. Below, we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of furnished and unfurnished properties from Sollys Design’s perspective.

▲Project example (link available). The client, who loves interior design, selected furniture filled with designer stories and meaning.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Furnished Properties

• Advantages
  • Furniture is already provided, so you can move in and start living immediately
  • Saves time and effort of buying furniture locally in Singapore
  • Lower initial costs
  • Rent allowances for expatriates often cover furnished properties

• Disadvantages
  • Limited freedom in interior design, as the furniture is chosen by the owner
  • Lower-quality or second-hand furniture may be used to reduce costs
  • Rent is typically calculated so that furniture costs are recovered within 14 months, which can make long-term leases (over 2 years) more expensive; this varies by owner
  • Families with small children may worry about potential damage to the furniture and extra costs for repairs or restoration

Advantages and Disadvantages of Unfurnished Properties

• Advantages
  • Complete freedom to design the interior according to personal taste
  • Ability to create a space tailored to your lifestyle
  • Furniture purchased can be moved to future residences
  • High-quality furniture can become a personal asset
  • For long-term leases over 2 years, overall costs can be lower than furnished properties

• Disadvantages
  • Arranging furniture yourself takes time
  • Initial costs for purchasing furniture

Luxury rentals above SGD 10,000/month are often offered unfurnished, allowing tenants to furnish according to their personal taste. Regarding lighting, although Singapore uses a different voltage than Japan, using a proper converter makes Japanese appliances usable without issues.

Negotiation Before Signing the Lease Is Key to Your Ideal Space

Furnished properties may seem convenient, but if you want to create your ideal living environment, an unfurnished property can offer greater advantages. For those who prefer to choose their own furniture but are looking at a furnished property, pre-lease negotiation with the owner is key.

Even for properties advertised as furnished, owners may agree to remove furniture or provide a budget to purchase your preferred furniture. While there may be some restrictions, tenants can often allocate the budget as they like. Negotiating furniture arrangements before signing the lease is ideal.

Consulting Sollys Design before your property viewing allows us to provide advice on selecting properties from an interior design perspective, tailored to your needs. While owner’s preferences may limit some options, we aim to help you create the best possible living environment.

Conclusion: Which Should You Choose, Furnished or Unfurnished?

The choice depends on your purpose and duration of stay in Singapore, as well as your ideal lifestyle. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Most Sollys Design clients tend to choose unfurnished properties, but we also work with clients renting furnished or partially furnished units. In some cases, clients rented a furnished property but wanted to replace the furniture, and we helped store the original pieces. However, if you are uncertain, negotiating furniture arrangements before signing the lease is recommended. If you are unsure which option to choose, feel free to contact us.

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▲Living room designed with the theme “Quiet Luxury,” Project example (link)