Kenya’s real estate market offers a variety of rental options to suit diverse lifestyles, budgets, and investment goals. Among the most common choices are furnished and unfurnished apartments—each with distinct advantages and limitations. Whether you’re a tenant searching for a new home or an investor evaluating rental strategies, understanding the pros and cons of each will help you make the most informed decision.
What Are Furnished Apartments?
A furnished apartment comes equipped with essential furniture and appliances. This typically includes beds, sofas, dining tables, wardrobes, kitchen appliances, and sometimes even utensils, curtains, and décor. These units are popular among expatriates, corporate travelers, and short-term tenants.
Pros of Furnished Apartments
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Convenience: Ready to move in with no need to purchase furniture.
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Ideal for Short-Term Stay: Great for expats, tourists, and corporate employees.
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Higher Rental Income: Landlords can charge a premium—up to 30–50% more than unfurnished apartments.
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Attracts a Niche Market: Appeals to international tenants and working professionals.
Cons of Furnished Apartments
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Higher Initial Investment: Owners must furnish the unit, increasing setup costs.
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More Wear and Tear: Furniture requires ongoing maintenance and replacement.
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Shorter Lease Terms: Tenants often stay for a few months, leading to frequent vacancies.
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Higher Management Costs: Landlords need to manage inventory and repairs more actively.
What Are Unfurnished Apartments?
An unfurnished apartment is typically a bare space—offering essential fittings such as kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures, and built-in wardrobes but lacking movable furniture and electronics.These are preferred by long-term tenants who want to bring their own furnishings and make the space their own.
Pros of Unfurnished Apartments
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Lower Setup Costs for Landlords: No need to buy or maintain furniture.
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Stable Tenancy: Long-term tenants (e.g., families) tend to stay longer, reducing turnover.
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Less Maintenance: Fewer items to fix or replace.
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Personalization: Tenants can furnish the home to their taste.
Cons of Unfurnished Apartments
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Longer to Rent Out Initially: May not appeal to tenants seeking convenience or short stays.
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Lower Rent Yield: Monthly rent is usually lower compared to furnished units.
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Vacancy Risks in High-Turnover Areas: In city centers or student hubs, unfurnished units may take longer to fill.
Price Comparison (2025 Estimates – Nairobi)
| Apartment Type | Furnished (KES/month) | Unfurnished (KES/month) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom in Kilimani | 90,000 – 120,000 | 65,000 – 80,000 |
| 2-Bedroom in Westlands | 130,000 – 180,000 | 90,000 – 120,000 |
| Studio in Kileleshwa | 65,000 – 85,000 | 45,000 – 60,000 |
Which Should You Choose? Tenant Perspective
Choose a Furnished Apartment If:
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You’re relocating temporarily for work or study.
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You’re a digital nomad, diplomat, or tourist.
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You don’t want to invest in furniture or deal with moving logistics.
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You’re looking for flexible, short-term leasing.
Choose an Unfurnished Apartment If:
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You’re settling long-term (12+ months).
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You already own furniture.
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You prefer to customize your living space.
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You’re on a tighter monthly budget.
Investor’s Perspective: Which Yields Better Returns?
| Criteria | Furnished Apartment | Unfurnished Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Income | Higher (KES 100K–200K+) | Moderate (KES 60K–120K) |
| Occupancy Duration | Short-term (3–6 months) | Long-term (12+ months) |
| Maintenance Requirement | High | Low |
| Setup Cost | High | Low |
| Risk Level | Higher (frequent turnover) | Lower (stable occupancy) |
| ROI Potential | High (in tourist zones) | Stable (in suburbs) |
Furnished apartments tend to yield higher monthly income, especially in high-traffic areas like Westlands, Kilimani, and Nairobi CBD. However, they also come with greater maintenance and vacancy risks.
Unfurnished apartments offer greater stability and appeal to families and long-term residents—making them ideal for suburbs like South B, Lang’ata, or Kasarani.
Final Verdict
✔ Best for Short-Term Gains & High Yields:
Furnished Apartments in urban centers, near commercial districts or airports.
✔ Best for Long-Term Stability & Lower Risk:Unfurnished Apartments in family-friendly neighborhoods or satellite towns.
Ultimately, your choice should depend on your goals—whether you’re a tenant prioritizing convenience or an investor optimizing for ROI For a balanced portfolio, many landlords in Kenya now offer a mix of both options across different locations.
Explore available furnished and unfurnished apartments on Realtors.co.ke to compare real-time options that match your needs.
