Furnished vs Unfurnished Rental Singapore: Homejourney Complete Comparison
This definitive guide compares furnished vs unfurnished rentals in Singapore, empowering tenants and landlords with data-driven insights, legal considerations, and practical advice. Homejourney prioritizes your safety by verifying listings and providing transparent market analysis to build trust in every decision.
Whether you're an expat seeking a furnished rental for quick move-in or a landlord evaluating unfurnished rental options, understand costs, responsibilities, and 2026 trends like stabilizing rents (2.5-3% growth for private homes).[1]
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary
- Furnished vs Unfurnished: Key Definitions
- Singapore Rental Market Overview 2026
- Pros and Cons Comparison
- Detailed Cost Breakdown
- Legal Rights and Responsibilities
- How to Choose: Tenant and Landlord Guide
- Maintenance, Wear & Tear, and Disputes
- Real Singapore Examples and Insider Tips
- FAQ: Furnished vs Unfurnished Rentals
- Next Steps with Homejourney
Executive Summary
Furnished rentals offer move-in readiness with appliances and furniture included, ideal for short-term expats, but at 10-25% higher rents. Unfurnished rentals provide flexibility and lower costs, suiting long-term locals personalizing their space.
In 2026, rising supply (13,500 HDB MOP flats) caps rent growth, favoring tenants in non-prime areas while premium locations hold value.[1] Homejourney verifies partially furnished listings for transparency, helping you avoid pitfalls.
Furnished vs Unfurnished: Key Definitions
What is a Furnished Rental?
A furnished rental includes essentials like bed, sofa, dining set, wardrobe, kitchen appliances (fridge, washer, oven), and sometimes decor. In Singapore, standards vary; luxury condos in Orchard may include smart TVs, while HDBs offer basics.
What is an Unfurnished Rental?
An unfurnished rental comes empty except for built-ins like kitchen cabinets and air-con units. Tenants furnish entirely, common in family-oriented HDBs in mature estates like Queenstown.
Partially Furnished and Furniture Rental Options
Partially furnished rentals include air-cons, kitchen basics, and lights but no furniture—popular middle ground. For flexibility, furniture rental services like those from local providers allow monthly packages (S$200-500 for 2-room sets), bridging unfurnished gaps without commitment.
| Type | What's Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Furnished | Furniture, appliances, linens, utensils | Expats, short-term (6-12 months) |
| Partially Furnished | Air-con, kitchen fittings, lights | Young professionals customizing |
| Unfurnished | Bare shell + built-ins | Families, long-term (2+ years) |
Singapore Rental Market Overview 2026
Singapore's rental market stabilizes in 2026 with private rents growing 2.5-3% and HDB at low single digits, driven by supply surges (7,006 private TOPs, 13,500 HDB MOP flats).[1] Furnished units dominate expat-heavy areas like CBD (median S$4,300 for condos), while unfurnished prevail in suburbs.
HDB rentals near MRTs (e.g., Tampines) command premiums regardless of furnishing; private condos in non-prime areas see competition from new MOP supply.[1] Homejourney's verified listings at Homejourney rental search highlight these trends.
Pros and Cons: Furnished vs Unfurnished Comparison
| Furnished Rental | Unfurnished Rental | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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Furnished appeals to 85% of expat households in private properties; unfurnished suits owner-like living in HDBs.[1]
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Rental Prices by Type
In 2026, expect furnished 2-bedroom condos in Tanjong Pagar at S$5,000-6,500/month vs unfurnished S$4,200-5,200 (20% premium).[1] HDB 3-room furnished: S$3,200-4,000; unfurnished: S$2,800-3,500. Use Homejourney's property search for real-time verified prices.
Hidden Costs: Furniture and Maintenance
- Furnished: S$200-500/month extra in deposits for items; potential repair charges.
- Unfurnished: Initial furnishing S$15,000-30,000 (IKEA basics for 3-room HDB); furniture rental S$300/month alternative.
- Stamp duty: 0.4% of annual rent for leases ≥1 year (Stamp Duties Act).
Landlords: Furnished yields higher yields (4-5% vs 3.5%) but higher vacancy risks in supply-heavy 2026.[1]
Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Singapore tenancy follows common law; no statutory furnished/unfurnished rules, but contracts define all. HDB subletting requires approval (see HDB Subletting: LOI to Approval Process Guide | Homejourney ">HDB Subletting Guide).
Tenant Responsibilities
- Maintain furnishings in furnished rentals; normal wear exempt.
- Pay utilities; insure own belongings.
- Return items as-is in unfurnished.
Landlord Obligations
- Provide functional furnishings/appliances in furnished units.
- Repair structural issues; declare pre-existing damage.
- IRAS: Report rental income; tenants get e-stamping via IRAS portal.
Disputes up to S$20,000 at Small Claims Tribunal. Always get written agreements; negotiate via LOI (see LOI vs Tenancy Agreement: Singapore Rental Guide | Homejourney ">LOI Guide).
How to Choose: Step-by-Step Guide
For Tenants
- Assess stay length: <1 year? Furnished.
- Budget: Factor 15% premium + deposit.
- Inspect: Photo inventory list mandatory.
- Search verified options on Homejourney.
For Landlords
- Target audience: Expats prefer furnished.
- Cost furnishing if unfurnished yields low.
- Connect with agents via Homejourney agents.
- Check bank rates for investment math.
Maintenance, Wear & Tear, and Common Disputes
Furnished rentals see more disputes over stains/scratches; document with photos. Air-con servicing (link to Aircon Services ">aircon services) is tenant duty unless faulty. Prevention: Clause for professional cleaning at handover.
- Tip: Use Community Mediation Centre pre-Tribunal.
- HDB: Follow subletting rules to avoid fines.
Real Singapore Examples and Insider Tips
Example: SkyOasis@Dawson HDB (near MRT Exit A, 5-min walk)—furnished 4-room S$4,200 vs unfurnished S$3,600. Premium holds due to location.[1] Insider: In Tampines (13,500 MOP influx), unfurnished competes better; furnish for faster lets in CBD.
Expats: Negotiate diplomatic clauses (see Diplomatic Clause Explained: Expats Exit Leases Early in Singapore | Homejourney ">Diplomatic Clause Guide). Families: Unfurnished HDBs allow kid-proofing.
FAQ: Furnished vs Unfurnished Rentals in Singapore
Q: What's the average furnished rental premium in 2026?
A: 10-25%, e.g., S$1,000 extra for 2-bed condo; varies by location.[1]
Q: Can tenants remove furniture in partially furnished rentals?
A: No, unless agreed; specify in tenancy agreement.
Q: Who pays for furniture repairs in furnished rentals?
A: Tenants for damage beyond wear; landlords for breakdowns. Inventory list essential (see Key Clauses to Negotiate in Singapore Tenancy Agreements | Homejourney ">Key Clauses Guide).
Q: Is furniture rental cheaper than buying for unfurnished?
A: Yes for short-term; S$300/month vs S$10k buy.
Q: HDB furnished rental rules?
A: Approval needed; no sublet without HDB okay (see HDB Subletting: LOI to Approval Process Guide | Homejourney ">HDB Guide).
Q: Deposit for furnished vs unfurnished?
A: 2-3 months both; extra for high-value items in furnished.
Q: Best areas for unfurnished in 2026?
A: Queenstown, Tampines—supply caps prices.[1]
Next Steps with Homejourney
Ready to find your ideal furnished rental, unfurnished rental, or partially furnished home? Start with verified listings on Homejourney's rental search. Connect with trusted agents at Homejourney agents for personalized advice. Homejourney ensures safety through verification and transparency—your trusted partner in Singapore rentals.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general info; consult professionals for legal advice. Data as of 2026 market outlook.[1]
