Furnished vs Unfurnished Rentals: What Do Tenants in Pune Prefer Today?

The rental housing market in Pune is evolving fast — and so are tenant preferences. From IT professionals moving to Hinjewadi or Baner for work to families seeking homes in Kothrud, Wakad, or Viman Nagar, renters today are more selective than ever.
For property owners, understanding whether to offer a furnished or unfurnished home can make a big difference in rental income, occupancy rate, and maintenance costs.

In this blog, we’ll explore what tenants in Pune really prefer in 2025 and what owners should consider before listing their property.

Understanding the Two Rental Types

Furnished Rentals

A furnished flat typically includes furniture, appliances, and basic utilities — sofa, beds, wardrobes, air-conditioners, washing machines, and even kitchen appliances.

Pros for Owners:

• Can demand higher rent (15–30% more than unfurnished flats)
• Attracts working professionals, expats, and corporate tenants
• Often results in shorter vacancy periods

Cons:

• Higher initial investment in furniture and setup
• Regular maintenance and replacement costs
• Possible wear and tear with short-term tenants

Unfurnished Rentals

Unfurnished flats usually come with just the basic fixtures — electrical fittings, fans, and sometimes modular kitchens.

Pros for Owners:

• Lower setup and maintenance costs
• Longer tenant stay, especially with families who bring their own furniture
• Lesser risk of damage or misuse of items

Cons:

• Lower monthly rent compared to furnished units
• Longer time to find tenants, as new movers often prefer ready homes

What Pune’s Tenants Prefer in 2025

Pune’s rental audience is highly diverse — professionals, students, corporate relocations, and families all have different preferences.

1. IT and Corporate Professionals

Areas like Hinjewadi, Baner, Balewadi, and Kharadi see strong demand for fully furnished or semi-furnished flats.
These tenants usually relocate for short durations (1–3 years) and prefer move-in-ready homes.

➡️ Tip for Owners: If your property is near an IT park or business hub, furnishing it can improve occupancy and rent potential.

2. Families and Long-Term Tenants

In localities such as Wakad, Bavdhan, Pashan, and Kothrud, most tenants prefer unfurnished or semi-furnished apartments.
Families often bring their own furniture and prefer personalizing the home for longer stays.

➡️ Tip for Owners: Offer semi-furnished options — basic kitchen fittings, wardrobes, and geysers can help attract family tenants.

3. Students and Co-Living Tenants

Pune’s strong student population around Viman Nagar, Kalyani Nagar, and Aundh drives demand for furnished studio apartments and shared flats.
They value convenience and short leases over long-term customization.

➡️ Tip for Owners: A fully furnished 1BHK or studio setup can yield better returns and faster occupancy in student-centric areas.

What Works Best for Pune Property Owners

Smart Middle Ground: Go Semi-Furnished

Many successful landlords in Pune today are choosing the semi-furnished route — offering essential fittings (wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, lights, fans) without going for complete furnishing.
This approach keeps setup costs moderate while still appealing to both families and professionals.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the furnished vs unfurnished question.
The key is to align your property setup with tenant demand in your area and your investment goals.

If you own a property near Pune’s IT or commercial hubs, furnishing it may bring better returns.
For residential areas dominated by families, keeping it semi-furnished or unfurnished ensures long-term stability.

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