Searching for the perfect furnished property in Harare can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Whether you're an investor eyeing rental income or a tenant seeking ready-to-move-in convenience, the question remains: are furnished properties worth the extra cost? If you've been scratching your head over this decision, you're not alone. This guide is specially crafted for property investors, landlords, and tenants navigating Zimbabwe's unique real estate landscape in 2025.
In short, furnished properties can command 15-25% higher rental income but require significant upfront investment and ongoing maintenance. Let's dive into what makes them tick in Zimbabwe's current market.
As Zimbabwe's leading property marketplace with over 8,000 listings and connections to 2,000+ professional agents, Propertybook has witnessed firsthand how furnished properties perform across different market segments. Our analysis reveals surprising trends about what today's tenants truly value in furnished accommodations.
What Exactly Counts as "Furnished" in Zimbabwe?
Before parting with your hard-earned dollars, it's crucial to understand what "furnished" actually means in Zimbabwe's property market. Not all furnished properties are created equal.
A fully furnished property in Zimbabwe typically includes all essential furniture and appliances needed for immediate occupancy. This means beds, sofas, dining sets, wardrobes, refrigerators, stoves, and sometimes even smaller items like kettles and toasters. But the definition can vary widely depending on the property owner and target market.
According to our database of 4,842 Harare properties, the standard for furnished properties has evolved significantly in recent years. Basic, hodge-podge furniture won't cut it. Tenants will be much happier with a complete living experience.
Three Tiers of Furnished Properties in Zimbabwe
Based on our extensive market analysis, furnished properties in Zimbabwe typically fall into three categories:
- Basic Furnished: Essential furniture only (beds, sofas, dining table, wardrobes)
- Fully Furnished: Complete furniture plus major appliances (refrigerator, stove, washing machine)
- Executive Furnished: Premium furniture, all appliances, plus extras like smart home features, entertainment systems, and designer decor
The tier you choose impacts not just your initial investment but also the type of tenants you'll attract and the rental premium you can command.
The Financial Impact: Counting the Costs and Returns
Let's talk money - after all, that's what matters most to investors. Our property experts have crunched the numbers to give you a clear picture of what furnished properties mean for your bottom line.
Investment Costs
Furnishing a standard 3-bedroom property in Harare (the most common rental configuration according to our data) requires significant upfront capital:
- Basic Furnishing: $3,000-$5,000
- Full Furnishing: $7,000-$10,000
- Executive Furnishing: $15,000-$25,000+
These figures represent quality, durable furnishings suitable for rental properties - not the cheapest options that might need replacement after one tenant.
Rental Premium
The good news? Furnished properties in Harare command substantially higher rental rates:
- 3-bedroom unfurnished house: $750-$1,200/month
- 3-bedroom furnished house: $1,500-$3,000/month
That's a premium of up to 150% in some areas! But before you rush to buy furniture, consider the target market and location carefully.
Furnished properties in areas popular with expatriates and corporate tenants yield significantly higher returns on investment. Areas like Borrowdale, Mount Pleasant, and Highlands consistently show strong demand for quality furnished accommodations.
Who Rents Furnished Properties in Zimbabwe?
Understanding your potential tenants is key to making smart investment decisions. Our rental marketplace data reveals five primary tenant segments for furnished properties:
- Corporate Professionals: Often on company accommodation allowances, seeking quality homes in upscale areas
- Expatriates: Foreign workers on short to medium-term assignments (1-3 years)
- Diplomats: Embassy staff and international organization employees
- Returning Diaspora: Zimbabweans returning home temporarily or testing relocation
- Students: Particularly international students or those from wealthy families
Each segment has distinct preferences and price sensitivities. For instance, corporate and diplomatic tenants typically seek higher-end furnishings in secure locations, while students prioritize convenience and reasonable pricing over luxury finishes.
The Pros and Cons: Is Furnishing Right for Your Property?
Like any investment decision, furnishing your rental property comes with advantages and disadvantages. Let's weigh them up:
The Upside of Furnished Properties
Furnished properties offer compelling benefits for landlords willing to make the initial investment:
- Higher Rental Income: Command 15-25% premium over unfurnished equivalents
- Reduced Vacancy Periods: Appeal to tenants needing immediate occupancy
- Target Premium Segments: Access to corporate tenants and expatriates with larger budgets
- Tax Benefits: Potential depreciation deductions on furniture and appliances
- Market Differentiation: Stand out in competitive rental markets
The Downside of Furnished Properties
However, the furnished route isn't without challenges:
- Higher Initial Investment: Significant upfront costs for quality furnishings
- Maintenance Headaches: Responsibility for furniture repairs and replacements
- Faster Depreciation: Furniture wears out and styles become dated
- Inventory Management: Need for detailed documentation of items provided
- Increased Insurance Costs: Higher premiums to cover contents
For many landlords, the decision comes down to location and target market. Our data shows furnished properties perform exceptionally well in Harare's high-end neighbourhoods but offer less advantage in mid-market areas.
Essential Furnishings That Add Real Value
Not all furniture items deliver equal return on investment. Based on feedback from our network of 2,000+ agents, these are the furnishings that tenants value most:
High-Value Furnishings
- Quality beds and mattresses: Comfort is non-negotiable for tenants
- Durable sofas: Preferably leather or high-grade fabric that can withstand wear
- Reliable appliances: Refrigerator, stove, washing machine, and air conditioning
- Dining set: A proper table and chairs for meals
- Work-from-home setup: A desk and ergonomic chair (increasingly important since 2020)
Low-Value Furnishings
- Decorative items: Tenants often prefer to add their own personal touches
- Entertainment systems: Technology preferences vary widely among tenants
- Exercise equipment: Takes up space and often goes unused
- Overly specific furniture: Items that suit niche tastes limit your tenant pool
The most successful furnished properties strike a balance between comfort and neutrality. You want enough furniture to make the space livable but neutral enough that tenants can imagine themselves living there.
Current Market Demand: Where Furnished Properties Shine
Our marketplace data reveals clear patterns in demand for furnished properties across Zimbabwe's urban centers, with Harare leading the pack.
Hot Areas for Furnished Rentals
Based on search volume and inquiry rates on Propertybook, these Harare neighbourhoods show strongest demand for furnished accommodations:
- Borrowdale: Popular with diplomats and corporate executives
- Avenues: Preferred by young professionals and expats
- Mount Pleasant: Attracts academic staff and international students
- Highlands: Sought after by business professionals
- Harare CBD: Growing demand for furnished apartments among young professionals
In these areas, well-appointed furnished properties rarely remain vacant for long, with our listings data showing average vacancy periods of just 2-3 weeks compared to 4-6 weeks for unfurnished properties.
Maintenance Realities: The Hidden Costs
Owning a furnished property means taking on additional maintenance responsibilities. Our property management partners report these common maintenance issues:
- Furniture repair costs: Budget approximately 5-10% of furniture value annually
- Replacement cycles: Most furniture needs replacement every 5-7 years
- Between-tenant refurbishment: Deep cleaning, touch-ups, and minor repairs
- Appliance servicing: Regular maintenance of air conditioners, washing machines, etc.
These costs must be factored into your financial calculations when determining whether furnished rentals make sense for your investment strategy.
Strategic Recommendations for Furnished Property Owners
Based on our comprehensive market analysis and feedback from successful landlords, here are our top recommendations for maximizing returns on furnished properties:
Furniture Selection Strategy
Choose furniture that balances durability, aesthetic appeal, and broad market appeal:
- Invest in quality where it matters: Beds, sofas, and appliances should be durable
- Choose neutral designs: Avoid highly distinctive or trendy pieces
- Prioritize function over form: Practical comfort trumps avant-garde design
- Select easy-clean materials: Leather, metal, and certain synthetics withstand tenant use
- Consider modular options: Furniture that can be reconfigured offers flexibility
Pricing Strategy
Determining the optimal rental price requires balancing several factors:
- Calculate furnishing costs: Amortize your investment over 5-7 years
- Research comparable properties: Use Propertybook's comprehensive listings to benchmark
- Consider target tenant budgets: Corporate tenants often have fixed accommodation allowances
- Factor in seasonal fluctuations: Harare's rental market shows predictable seasonal patterns
- Build in maintenance reserves: Set aside 10% of rental income for furniture maintenance
Marketing Strategy
Effectively marketing your furnished property is crucial to attracting quality tenants:
- Professional photography: Showcase furnishings to their best advantage
- Detailed inventories: Clearly document all items included
- Highlight key amenities: Emphasize features that appeal to target tenants
- Virtual tours: Particularly valuable for expatriate tenants
- Leverage Propertybook's platform: Reach our network of 30,000+ potential tenants through our specialized Harare Rentals Group
The Bottom Line: Is Furnishing Worth It?
Based on Propertybook's comprehensive market data and years of experience in Zimbabwe's property market, we can offer this conclusion: furnished properties represent an excellent investment opportunity in specific market segments and locations.
The calculations favor furnished properties when:
- You're targeting corporate, expatriate, or diplomatic tenants
- Your property is in an upscale area like Borrowdale or Highlands
- You can invest in quality, durable furnishings
- You have systems to manage maintenance efficiently
However, unfurnished may be better when:
- Your property is in a mid-market area
- You're targeting long-term family tenants
- You lack capacity to manage furniture maintenance
- Your capital could generate better returns elsewhere
The decision ultimately depends on your investment goals, capital availability, and management capacity.
Browse Propertybook's extensive range of properties for sale in Harare CBD to find your next investment opportunity.
Want to explore more options? Check out our properties for sale in Harare South to find emerging opportunities in growing neighbourhoods.
Data sourced from Propertybook's database of 7,000+ properties and insights from our network of 2,000+ professional agents across Zimbabwe. Market statistics last updated April 2025.
