Executive Summary: Your Definitive Guide to Furnished vs Unfurnished Rentals in Singapore
This comprehensive Homejourney guide compares furnished rental and unfurnished rental options in Singapore's 2026 market, covering costs, legal rights, market trends, and practical advice for tenants and landlords. With private rents stabilizing at 2.5-3% growth and HDB rents capped by rising supply, understanding furnishing levels—fully furnished, partially furnished, or unfurnished—helps you make informed decisions in a competitive market.[1] Homejourney prioritizes your safety with verified listings and transparent guidance, ensuring trust every step of the way.
Table of Contents
- What is Furnished, Unfurnished, and Partially Furnished?
- 2026 Singapore Rental Market Overview
- Pros and Cons Comparison
- Detailed Cost Breakdown
- Tenant and Landlord Rights on Furnishings
- How to Choose: Decision Framework
- Inventory and Inspection Best Practices
- Common Issues and Solutions
- FAQ: Furnished vs Unfurnished Rentals
What is Furnished, Unfurnished, and Partially Furnished?
In Singapore rentals, furnishing levels define what's included. A furnished rental comes with all essentials: bed, sofa, dining set, kitchenware, wardrobes, and appliances like fridge, washer, and aircon. Unfurnished rental properties are empty shells with only built-ins like kitchen cabinets and wardrobes—no movable items. Partially furnished offers a mix, typically aircon, kitchen appliances, and lights, but no furniture.
These terms are standard in tenancy agreements, but details vary. HDB flats often lean unfurnished due to subletting rules, while condos near MRTs like Orchard or Tanjong Pagar frequently list as furnished for expats.[1] Homejourney listings clearly specify furnishing status with photos for transparency.
Singapore-Specific Definitions
HDB requires subtenants to maintain furnishings as per the agreement, per HDB guidelines. Private condos have flexibility, but URA monitors lease compliance. Always check listings on Homejourney's rental search for verified details.
2026 Singapore Rental Market Overview
Singapore's rental market stabilizes in 2026, with private residential rents growing 2.5-3% year-on-year, reaching a median of S$4,300 for condos.[1][3][4] HDB rents face low single-digit growth due to 13,500 MOP flats entering the market, increasing supply.[1] Furnished units command 10-20% premiums in prime areas like District 10 (Bukit Timah), where expat demand persists near international schools.
Unfurnished options appeal to long-term locals in mature estates like Bedok or Jurong, offering flexibility. Data shows furnished condos near MRTs (e.g., Kallang or Dawson) retain value amid supply surges.[1] Homejourney's verified data helps you spot trends safely.
Furnishing Trends by Property Type
| Property Type | Popular Furnishing | Median Rent (2026 Est.) | Key Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDB 3-Room | Unfurnished/Partially | S$2,800 | Bedok, Punggol |
| Condo 2-Bed | Furnished | S$4,500 | Tanjong Pagar, Orchard |
| HDB 4-Room | Partially Furnished | S$3,500 | Jurong East |
| Luxury Condo | Fully Furnished | S$7,800 | Sentosa Cove |
Estimates based on 2025 data trends; actuals vary by location.[1][4] Search Homejourney rentals for real-time verified prices.
Pros and Cons: Furnished vs Unfurnished Rental
Furnished rentals suit short-term expats or busy professionals—move-in ready, no setup hassle. However, they cost more and limit personalization. Unfurnished rentals allow customization but require upfront furniture rental or purchase costs.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Furnished | Unfurnished |
|---|---|---|
| Move-In Time | Immediate | 2-4 weeks |
| Monthly Premium | +15-25% | Base rate |
| Customization | Limited | Full |
| Damage Risk | Higher (landlord items) | Lower (your items) |
| Best For | Expats, short-term | Families, long-term |
Partially furnished balances both, common in HDB sublets. Insider tip: In humid Singapore, furnished units often have better-maintained aircons—check via Homejourney aircon services post-move.
Detailed Cost Breakdown: Furnished vs Unfurnished
Furnished rentals average S$5,200 for a 2-bed condo vs S$4,300 unfurnished—a 20% premium.[4] Add furniture rental at S$200-500/month for unfurnished (e.g., from local providers). Upfront: Unfurnished needs S$5,000-10,000 for basics.
HDB unfurnished 4-room: S$3,200 base; furnished adds S$400. Landlords factor depreciation—furnishings last 5-7 years in Singapore's climate. Tenants save via furniture rental, but calculate total: furnished often cheaper short-term (<18 months).
- Furnished Total Year 1: Rent S$62,400 + deposit 2 months.
- Unfurnished + Furniture Rental: Rent S$51,600 + furniture S$3,600 = S$55,200.
Break-even at 14 months. Use Homejourney's projects directory for location-specific rents.
Tenant and Landlord Rights on Rental Furnishings
Singapore tenancy follows common law—no statutory furnished definitions, but contracts govern. Written agreements recommended; stamp duty (0.4% annual rent) applies for >1 year leases. HDB subletting mandates inventory lists.
Landlord Rights: Specify furnishings in schedule; charge for damage beyond fair wear/tear. Tenant Rights: Expect items in working order; no unauthorized removal. Disputes via Small Claims Tribunal (up to S$20,000). IRAS taxes rental income; declare furnishings value.
Disclaimer: This is general guidance—consult lawyers for advice. Homejourney connects you to verified agents via Homejourney agents.
Key Regulations
- Stamp Duties Act: Lease stamping within 14 days.
- HDB Rules: Approval for subletting whole flat; furnishings must match listing.
- Community Mediation Centre: Free dispute resolution pre-court.
For expats, see Foreign Tenant Guide to Renting in Singapore: Homejourney's Complete 2026 Handbo... .
How to Choose: Step-by-Step Decision Framework
- Assess Tenure: Short-term (<2 years)? Go furnished.
- Budget Check: Calculate premiums vs furniture costs.
- Location Scout: Prime MRT areas favor furnished (e.g., 5-min walk from Orchard MRT Exit B).
- Family Needs: Kids/pets? Unfurnished avoids damage claims.
- Search Homejourney: Filter by furnishing on rental search.
Original insight: In 2026's supply surge, negotiate furnished add-ons like partially furnished upgrades for 5-10% less.[1]
Inventory and Inspection Best Practices
Photograph everything on handover. Use detailed checklists: condition of sofa fabric, aircon filters, fridge seals. Joint sign-off prevents deposit disputes (typically 2 months' rent).
Landlords: Provide maintenance schedule—Singapore humidity damages wood fast. Tenants: Report issues within 7 days. Homejourney tips: Schedule aircon checks via aircon services.
- Check serial numbers on appliances.
- Test all outlets/lights.
- Note existing scratches.
Common Issues and Solutions
Pitfall 1: "Fully furnished" means luxury sofa? Clarify in contract. Solution: Insist on photos/video.
Pitfall 2: End-of-lease damage claims on old items. Solution: Fair wear/tear clause; mediate via Community Centre.
For negotiations, read 租赁协议谈判实用清单：新加坡租房必备Homejourney指南 . Foreign tenants: Avoid mistakes in 7 Critical Mistakes Foreign Tenants Make in Singapore | Homejourney .
FAQ: Furnished vs Unfurnished Rentals in Singapore
What is the difference between furnished and unfurnished rental in Singapore?
Furnished includes furniture/appliances; unfurnished has only built-ins. Partially furnished has basics like aircon.
Are furnished rentals more expensive in 2026?
Yes, 15-25% premium; median furnished condo S$5,200 vs S$4,300 unfurnished.[1][4]
Can I request furnishings in an unfurnished rental?
Negotiate addendum; common for partial upgrades. Use Homejourney agents.
What if furnishings break during tenancy?
Tenant liable for negligence; landlord for pre-existing issues. Document at start.
Is furniture rental a good alternative?
Yes for unfurnished—S$200-500/month, flexible. Ideal for 1-2 years.
HDB furnished sublets: Any rules?
Must match HDB approval; inventory required.
How does furnishing affect security deposit?
Higher risk in furnished; expect deductions for wear/tear disputes.
Ready to find your ideal furnished rental or unfurnished rental? Start with Homejourney's verified listings at https://www.homejourney.sg/search?status=For+Rent. Connect with trusted agents at https://www.homejourney.sg/agents for personalized advice. Homejourney ensures a safe, transparent journey—your trust is our priority.
