If you are renting or buying an unfurnished home, there are several options available to you here in Malaysia. Read on to find out more.

Fully- and Semi-Furnished Housing
Apartments are generally at least partially furnished; many are furnished and kitted out so that you can move right in. This is particularly true in areas that cater to the international community. Bear in mind that while landlords are often willing to add or remove furniture depending on your requirements, your tastes and standards may be quite different.

Fully-furnished houses are less common, usually being semi-furnished or completely unfurnished. A semi-furnished home will require some furniture to be added here and there, while non-furnished properties are often completely bare, without even air-conditioning units and water heaters.

The monthly rent on a fully-furnished home can be as much as 10% higher than its unfurnished equivalent. However, for short-term rentals or holiday homes it may make sense to pay that little extra rather than spend on furniture that you’ll only use for half the year or will have to get rid of when you leave.

Renting Furniture
Fortunately, rental furniture for homes and offices is increasing in popularity, and there are several companies catering exclusively to the international community. Packages are very reasonable in the long run, and often based on a rent-to-own structure meaning you can consider purchasing your furniture at a reduced rate at the end of the lease period. This is a particularly good option for those here for just a few months at a time.

Buying Furniture
Furniture in Malaysia is very affordable, especially locally manufactured products. Buying locally made furniture will also safeguard you against the climate, as they tend to have a good finish, and are not easily affected by the humid weather in Malaysia. Teak furniture is particularly common and available all across Malaysia. In fact, you can see teak trees - destined for local furniture manufactures - dotted along Malaysia’s highways.

You can find local and imported furniture in all the major shopping malls, and there is even an IKEA in Damansara just outside KL if you like to self-assemble!

Check out our Shopping Guide for some reputable furniture companies.

Second Hand Furniture
Second hand furniture is also available but not particularly common. You can check the local daily newspapers' classifieds pages for garage sales and warehouse sales for good bargains. Check out our classified and garage sales sections as this is where expats tend to advertise their furniture when relocating elsewhere.

Antique Furniture
If you are looking for antiques, take a walk round Bangsar and China Town. Nowadays it’s hard to find antiques at bargain prices, but there are lots of beautiful and very convincing reproductions available.

Taking Care of Furniture
If you’re furnishing a second or holiday home which you’ll only be occupying for part of the year, bear in mind that your furniture will be sitting in a tropical climate unused for long periods of time. With no one to check for termites or mould, you may return to some very sorry-looking furniture. Consider renting furniture for the duration of your stays, rather than buying your own, or put valuable pieces into storage where they will be properly cared for.

+ The Malaysian Property Market [ more info ]
+ To Buy or not to Buy [ more info ]
+ Where to Invest [ more info ]
+ Renting a Property [ more info ]
+ Furniture [ more info ]
+ Second Homes [ more info ]
+ Serviced Accommodation [ more info ]