Sharjah

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Furnished vs Unfurnished

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Comprehensive Guide: Furnished vs. Unfurnished Housing in Sharjah, UAE

Sharjah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a popular destination for expatriates and families due to its affordability compared to neighboring Dubai, as well as its family-friendly environment and cultural richness. When renting housing in Sharjah, one of the key decisions is whether to opt for a furnished or unfurnished property. Below is a detailed comparison to help you make an informed choice.

1. Cost Comparison

Furnished Housing

  • Rental Costs: Furnished apartments or villas typically have higher monthly rents due to the inclusion of furniture, appliances, and sometimes utilities.
    • Example: A 1-bedroom furnished apartment in Sharjah may cost AED 3,500–5,500 per month, depending on the location and quality of furnishings.
  • Upfront Costs: Security deposits for furnished properties are often higher (e.g., 10% of annual rent) to cover potential damage to furniture.
  • Utilities: Some furnished rentals include utilities (electricity, water, internet) in the rent, but this is not always the case.

Unfurnished Housing

  • Rental Costs: Unfurnished properties are more affordable, with rents typically 20–30% lower than their furnished counterparts.
    • Example: A 1-bedroom unfurnished apartment may cost AED 2,500–4,000 per month.
  • Upfront Costs: Security deposits are lower (e.g., 5% of annual rent) since there is no furniture to account for.
  • Utilities: Tenants are responsible for setting up and paying for utilities, which adds to the overall cost.

2. Advantages and Disadvantages

Furnished Housing

  • Advantages:
    • Move-in ready: Ideal for short-term stays or expatriates who do not want to invest in furniture.
    • Convenience: Includes essential appliances (e.g., refrigerator, washing machine) and furniture (e.g., beds, sofas, dining tables).
    • Flexible leases: Often available for shorter rental periods (e.g., 3–6 months), which is useful for temporary workers or visitors.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Higher rent: Premium pricing for the convenience of a fully equipped home.
    • Limited personalization: Tenants cannot easily replace or modify furniture.
    • Potential wear and tear: Tenants may be held responsible for damages to furniture, leading to disputes over the security deposit.

Unfurnished Housing

  • Advantages:
    • Lower rent: More cost-effective for long-term residents.
    • Personalization: Freedom to furnish and decorate the space according to personal taste.
    • Long-term leases: Typically offered for 1 year or more, which is ideal for families or long-term expatriates.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Upfront investment: Tenants must purchase furniture and appliances, which can be expensive.
    • Time-consuming setup: Moving in requires more effort to furnish and arrange utilities.
    • Resale or disposal: Expats leaving Sharjah may face challenges selling or disposing of furniture.

3. Typical Procedures for Renting

Furnished Housing

  1. Search: Furnished properties are often listed on platforms like Bayut, Dubizzle, or through real estate agents.
  2. Lease Terms: Shorter leases (3–6 months) are common, but annual leases are also available.
  3. Documents Required:
    • Passport copy
    • UAE residence visa (or proof of application)
    • Emirates ID
    • Post-dated cheques for rent payments
  4. Security Deposit: Typically 10% of the annual rent.
  5. Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection of the furniture and appliances before signing the lease.

Unfurnished Housing

  1. Search: Unfurnished properties are widely available and can also be found on Bayut, Dubizzle, or through agents.
  2. Lease Terms: Standard leases are for 1 year, with renewal options.
  3. Documents Required:
    • Same as for furnished housing.
  4. Security Deposit: Usually 5% of the annual rent.
  5. Utilities Setup:
    • Electricity and Water: Register with SEWA (Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority). A refundable deposit of AED 2,000–4,000 is required.
    • Internet and TV: Choose a provider like Etisalat or du.

4. Local Considerations and Cultural Factors

  1. Family-Oriented Housing:

    • Sharjah is known for its family-friendly environment, and many landlords prefer renting to families rather than single individuals or groups of bachelors. This is especially true for unfurnished properties.
    • Furnished apartments are more commonly rented by single professionals or short-term expatriates.

  2. Conservative Culture:

    • Sharjah is more conservative than Dubai, and tenants are expected to respect local customs and laws. For example, cohabitation between unmarried couples is not permitted under UAE law, though enforcement has become more lenient in recent years.

  3. Proximity to Dubai:

    • Many expatriates working in Dubai choose to live in Sharjah due to lower housing costs. However, commuting can be time-consuming due to traffic, so consider properties near major highways like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road or Al Ittihad Road.

  4. Furnishing Costs:

    • If you choose an unfurnished property, affordable furniture can be purchased from stores like IKEA, Home Centre, or Pan Emirates. Second-hand options are also available on platforms like Dubizzle.

  5. Maintenance:

    • In furnished rentals, landlords are typically responsible for maintaining furniture and appliances. In unfurnished rentals, tenants are responsible for maintaining their own belongings.

5. Key Recommendations

  • Choose Furnished Housing If:

    • You are staying in Sharjah for a short period (less than 1 year).
    • You prefer convenience and do not want to invest in furniture.
    • You are a single professional or a couple without children.

  • Choose Unfurnished Housing If:

    • You are planning a long-term stay (1 year or more).
    • You want to personalize your living space.
    • You are moving with family and need a larger property.

6. Estimated Costs Summary

| Category | Furnished (Monthly) | Unfurnished (Monthly) | |--------------------------|-------------------------|---------------------------| | 1-Bedroom Apartment | AED 3,500–5,500 | AED 2,500–4,000 | | 2-Bedroom Apartment | AED 5,000–7,500 | AED 4,000–6,000 | | Villa (3–4 Bedrooms) | AED 10,000–15,000 | AED 8,000–12,000 | | Utilities (SEWA, etc.) | Often included | AED 500–1,000 | | Furniture Costs (One-Time)| N/A | AED 10,000–20,000 |

Conclusion

The choice between furnished and unfurnished housing in Sharjah depends on your budget, length of stay, and personal preferences. Furnished housing offers convenience and flexibility, while unfurnished housing provides cost savings and the opportunity to create a personalized home. By considering the factors outlined above, you can make a decision that best suits your needs and lifestyle in Sharjah.