One of the most practically confusing parts of renting in Phuket is working out what "furnished" actually means — because it means wildly different things to different landlords. I've moved into properties advertised as "fully furnished" that had a rickety plastic chair and a fridge from the 1990s, and properties advertised as "partly furnished" that had excellent beds and a working kitchen.
Here's what you actually need to know before you sign anything.
What "Furnished" Actually Means in Phuket
The term "furnished" in Phuket's rental market covers a wide spectrum. Here's what's typically included — and what's not:
✓ Almost always included
- Beds (usually basic frames + thin mattress)
- Wardrobe or clothes storage
- Sofa or seating area
- Dining table and chairs
- Refrigerator (size varies)
- Washing machine (most properties)
- Air conditioning units (all rooms)
- Hot water heater
✗ Often missing or poor quality
- Oven or full hob (many kitchens are minimal)
- Good quality mattress (usually very basic)
- TV or entertainment setup
- Blackout blinds or curtains
- Working desk or office setup
- Sufficient kitchen utensils and cookware
- Adequate lighting (Thai lighting is minimal)
- Iron and ironing board
The Price Premium for Furnished Rentals
Furnished properties command a premium over unfurnished equivalents. In 2026, this premium averages 15–30% depending on the quality of furnishings and the area:
| Property Type | Unfurnished | Basic Furnished | Fully Furnished | Furnished Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio, Rawai/Nai Harn | ฿8,000–12,000 | ฿10,000–15,000 | ฿13,000–20,000 | +15–35% |
| 1-bed apartment, Rawai | ฿12,000–18,000 | ฿15,000–22,000 | ฿18,000–28,000 | +20–30% |
| 2-bed house, Chalong | ฿15,000–25,000 | ฿18,000–30,000 | ฿22,000–38,000 | +20–30% |
| 1-bed condo, Bang Tao | ฿18,000–30,000 | ฿22,000–38,000 | ฿28,000–48,000 | +20–35% |
| 3-bed villa, Kamala/Surin | ฿40,000–80,000 | ฿50,000–95,000 | ฿60,000–120,000 | +20–30% |
Should You Buy Your Own Furniture?
The financial case for renting unfurnished and buying your own furniture is strong for stays of 6 months or more. Here's the basic cost of fitting out a modest 1-bed apartment from scratch:
| Item | Budget (HomePro) | Mid-Range (Index LM) | Premium (IKEA Delivery) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed frame + mattress | ฿4,000–8,000 | ฿8,000–18,000 | ฿15,000–28,000 |
| Sofa (2-seater) | ฿5,000–9,000 | ฿9,000–18,000 | ฿12,000–22,000 |
| Dining table + 2 chairs | ฿3,000–5,000 | ฿5,000–10,000 | ฿8,000–15,000 |
| Wardrobe | ฿3,000–5,000 | ฿5,000–10,000 | ฿8,000–16,000 |
| Desk + chair | ฿2,500–5,000 | ฿5,000–10,000 | ฿8,000–15,000 |
| Basic kitchen items | ฿3,000–6,000 | ฿6,000–12,000 | ฿10,000–18,000 |
| 1-bed total | ฿20,500–38,000 | ฿38,000–78,000 | ฿61,000–114,000 |
At a furnished premium of ฿4,000/month, the budget furniture set (฿25,000) pays for itself in 6 months. At a ฿6,000/month premium, the mid-range set pays for itself in about a year. The key is factoring in resale value.
Where to Buy Furniture in Phuket
HomePro (Chao Fa Road, Chalong and Central Phuket) — The best all-round option. Wide range of furniture, kitchen appliances, bedding and home goods at reasonable prices. Air-conditioned, English-speaking staff available. Delivery available for ฿500–฿1,500 depending on distance. Quality is good for the price — not premium, but not Ikea-cheap either.
Index Living Mall (Central Festival Phuket, 2nd floor) — More design-focused, Scandinavian-influenced aesthetic. Higher prices but better quality. Good mattress selection. Delivery included for larger items.
IKEA (delivery from Bangkok) — IKEA delivers to Phuket via their website. Delivery time is 5–7 working days and costs ฿500–฿1,500 depending on order size. You assemble yourself. Very familiar to European expats and excellent value for the quality.
Secondhand via Facebook groups — The Phuket Expats Buy/Sell/Swap group and Kaidee.com are the best sources. You can find near-new furniture from departing expats at 30–60% off retail. Look for posts from people "clearing out before leaving" — they often price items to go quickly.
The Practical Decision Guide
Based on your stay length and situation, here's what makes most sense:
- Under 3 months: Choose furnished (ideally via Airbnb or serviced apartment). The premium is worth the convenience.
- 3–6 months: Furnished rental makes sense unless there's a significant price gap. Don't buy furniture for this duration unless you plan to sell it easily.
- 6–12 months: Consider unfurnished + budget furniture buy. Your net furniture cost after resale will typically be lower than paying a furnished premium all year.
- 12+ months (or permanent base): Unfurnished + buy quality furniture. Your home becomes genuinely comfortable and personalised. Resale value largely covers your furniture cost at the end.
