Cost to Furnish Condo for Airbnb Malaysia - Complete 2025 Breakdown

Thinking about converting your Melaka condo into an Airbnb investment but unsure about furnishing costs? You're right to plan carefully - furnishing is one of the biggest upfront investments, and costs can range from RM10,000 to RM120,000+ depending on quality, size, and style.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down exactly what you need to furnish an Airbnb-ready condo in Melaka, with realistic cost estimates, supplier recommendations, and insider tips to maximize your ROI.

Quick Overview: Furnishing Budget Tiers

Before we dive into details, here's the big picture of what you can expect to spend:

Tier	Budget Range	Style	Best For	Typical ROI Timeline
Budget	RM10,000 - RM20,000	Basic functional	First-time investors, test market	2-3 years
Standard	RM30,000 - RM50,000	Modern practical	Serious investors, good reviews	18-24 months
Premium	RM60,000 - RM80,000	Designer-quality	High-yield properties, luxury guests	12-18 months
Luxury	RM90,000 - RM120,000+	Boutique hotel standard	Prime locations, top-dollar rates	12-15 months

Melaka Market Context: With average Airbnb revenue of RM7,215-9,174/year, a RM30,000 furnishing investment typically breaks even in 18-24 months through additional booking value and better guest reviews.

What Drives Furnishing Costs?

Before budgeting, understand these key cost factors:

1. Condo Size & Layout

Unit Type	Furnishing Budget	Why
Studio (400-500 sqft)	RM10K-30K	Fewer rooms, less furniture needed
1-Bedroom (600-800 sqft)	RM15K-40K	Standard setup, most common size
2-Bedroom (800-1,000 sqft)	RM25K-60K	Second bedroom + additional bathroom
3-Bedroom (1,000-1,200 sqft)	RM40K-80K	Multiple beds, more living space
Penthouse (1,500+ sqft)	RM60K-120K+	Premium location, luxury expectations

2. Furnishing Quality Levels

Budget Quality (RM10K-20K):

Basic furniture from IKEA, MR.DIY, or online marketplaces
Functional but not designed for longevity
3-5 year lifespan before replacement needed
Higher maintenance costs over time

Standard Quality (RM30K-50K):

Mid-range brands (IKEA, Solid Wood, local furniture makers)
Good balance of durability and aesthetics
5-8 year lifespan
Best value for most investors

Premium Quality (RM60K-80K):

Designer or solid wood furniture
Custom-built pieces for unique layouts
8-12 year lifespan
Higher guest satisfaction scores

Luxury Quality (RM90K-120K+):

Boutique hotel-standard furnishings
Premium materials (teak, marble, high-end upholstery)
10-15 year lifespan
Justifies premium nightly rates (RM200-300/night)

3. New vs. Second-Hand Furniture

Cost Savings with Pre-Loved:

30-50% cheaper than new furniture
Good for: Wardrobes, coffee tables, TV consoles, dining sets
Avoid for: Mattresses, sofas, upholstered chairs (hygiene concerns)

Recommended Sources:

Facebook Marketplace (Melaka area)
Carousell Malaysia
Local thrift stores (Melaka has several in Bachang area)
Hotel liquidation sales (when hotels renovate)

Room-by-Room Cost Breakdown

Living Room (RM2,000 - RM25,000)

The living room creates the first impression - it needs to look inviting in photos and feel comfortable for guests.

Essential Items (Budget: RM2K-8K)

Item	Budget Option	Standard Option	Premium Option
Sofa (3-seater)	RM800-1,200 (fabric, basic)	RM1,500-2,500 (IKEA/Solid wood)	RM3,000-6,000 (leather/designer)
Coffee table	RM150-300 (basic)	RM400-800 (wood/glass)	RM1,000-2,000 (marble/design)
TV console	RM200-400 (particle board)	RM600-1,200 (solid wood)	RM1,500-3,000 (custom design)
Smart TV	RM800-1,200 (43", basic)	RM1,500-2,500 (50-55", 4K)	RM3,000-5,000 (65", premium)
Side tables	RM100-200 (basic)	RM300-600 (matching set)	RM800-1,500 (designer pieces)
Floor lamp	RM80-150 (basic)	RM200-400 (design-focused)	RM500-1,000 (statement piece)
Living Room Total	RM2,130-3,450	RM4,500-7,500	RM9,800-18,500

Optional Upgrades (Add RM2K-6K)

Air conditioner (RM1,200-2,500 installed)
Ceiling fan (RM400-800)
Blinds/curtains (RM500-1,500)
Rug/carpet (RM300-800)
Decor pieces (RM200-500)

Pro Tip: Invest in a sofa bed for the living room (RM1,500-3,000). It allows your unit to accommodate 2 additional guests, increasing your booking potential by 40%+.

Bedroom (RM3,000 - RM20,000 per room)

The bedroom is where guests spend 70% of their time - comfort here drives your reviews.

Essential Items (Budget: RM3K-10K per bedroom)

Item	Budget Option	Standard Option	Premium Option
Bed frame (Queen/King)	RM400-800 (metal/basic wood)	RM1,200-2,500 (solid wood/design)	RM3,000-6,000 (teak/platform)
Mattress	RM600-1,000 (basic foam)	RM1,500-3,000 (pocket spring)	RM4,000-7,000 (latex/hybrid)
Mattress protector	RM50-80 (waterproof)	RM100-150 (premium waterproof)	RM200-300 (cooling gel)
Pillows (2-4)	RM80-150 (basic synthetic)	RM200-400 (memory foam)	RM500-800 (premium down/alternative)
Bed linen set	RM100-200 (microfiber)	RM300-600 (Egyptian cotton)	RM800-1,200 (hotel-quality)
Wardrobe	RM400-800 (basic 2-door)	RM1,000-2,000 (3-door, mirror)	RM2,500-4,500 (built-in/custom)
Bedside tables (2)	RM150-300 (basic)	RM400-800 (matching wood)	RM1,000-2,000 (designer)
Blackout curtains	RM150-300 (ready-made)	RM400-800 (custom-sized)	RM1,000-1,500 (motorized)
Dressing table	RM200-400 (basic)	RM600-1,200 (with mirror)	RM1,500-3,000 (solid wood)
Full-length mirror	RM80-150 (basic)	RM200-400 (LED-lit)	RM500-800 (premium frame)
Bedroom Total	RM2,210-3,960	RM5,400-11,550	RM13,500-25,900

Mattress: Where to NEVER Cut Costs

Your mattress is the single most important item for guest satisfaction. Reviews mentioning "comfortable bed" directly correlate with higher ratings and repeat bookings.

Budget: RM800-2,000 for Queen, RM1,000-2,500 for King Recommended brands: Simmons, Sealy, Serta (mid-range), or local brands like Dreamland or Slumberland Guest reality: A bad mattress = negative review = 10% lower future bookings. It's worth spending RM2,000 instead of RM800 to protect your RM8,000+ annual revenue.

Kitchen (RM1,500 - RM12,000)

Even if guests don't cook full meals, they expect basic kitchen functionality for breakfast, snacks, and drinks.

Essential Items (Budget: RM1.5K-5K)

Item	Budget Option	Standard Option	Premium Option
Refrigerator	RM800-1,200 (single door, 7L)	RM1,500-2,500 (double door, 10L)	RM3,000-5,000 (smart fridge)
Microwave	RM200-400 (basic)	RM500-800 (convection)	RM1,000-1,500 (built-in)
Rice cooker	RM60-100 (basic 1L)	RM150-250 (digital 1.8L)	RM300-500 (premium smart)
Water kettle	RM40-80 (basic)	RM100-150 (temperature control)	RM200-300 (premium brand)
Cooking basics set	RM100-200 (pots + pans)	RM300-500 (non-stick set)	RM800-1,500 (stainless steel)
Cutlery set (4-6 ppl)	RM80-150 (basic stainless)	RM200-400 (branded set)	RM500-800 (premium design)
Dinnerware set	RM100-200 (basic)	RM300-500 (microwave-safe)	RM600-1,000 (bone china)
Kitchen utensils	RM50-100 (basic set)	RM150-250 (comprehensive)	RM300-500 (professional grade)
Kitchen Total	RM1,430-2,430	RM3,200-5,450	RM6,700-11,300

Optional Upgrades (Add RM1K-5K)

Dishwasher (RM1,200-2,500)
Oven (RM800-2,000)
Blender/food processor (RM200-600)
Coffee machine (RM300-1,500)
Toaster (RM100-300)

Pro Tip: A well-stocked kitchen allows you to market to families and longer-term guests (7+ days), increasing your average stay length by 30%+.

Bathroom (RM800 - RM5,000 per bathroom)

Bathroom cleanliness and amenities are top review drivers. Stock quality items.

Essential Items (Budget: RM800-2K per bathroom)

Item	Budget Option	Standard Option	Premium Option
Shower set	RM150-250 (basic)	RM400-800 (rain shower head)	RM1,000-2,000 (digital shower)
Toilet seat	RM150-250 (standard)	RM400-700 (soft-close)	RM900-1,500 (smart bidet)
Bathroom vanity	RM300-500 (basic)	RM800-1,500 (solid wood)	RM2,000-3,500 (marble top)
Mirror	RM80-150 (basic)	RM200-400 (LED-lit)	RM500-800 (anti-fog premium)
Towels (2-3 sets)	RM100-150 (basic cotton)	RM250-400 (Egyptian cotton)	RM500-700 (hotel-quality)
Bath mat	RM30-50 (basic)	RM80-120 (premium microfiber)	RM150-250 (luxury cotton)
Toiletries starter set	RM50-100 (basic)	RM150-250 (branded)	RM300-500 (luxury set)
Toilet brush holder	RM20-40 (basic)	RM60-100 (design-focused)	RM150-250 (premium set)
Trash bin	RM30-50 (basic)	RM80-120 (pedal bin)	RM200-300 (motion sensor)
Bathroom Total	RM910-1,590	RM2,360-3,990	RM5,700-9,700

Toiletries: The Little Details That Matter

Starter Set (RM100-300):

Body wash (2 bottles)
Shampoo & conditioner (2 sets)
Hand soap (1 pump bottle)
Toothbrush holders (2)
Toilet paper (4-6 rolls)

Pro Tip: Buy toiletries in bulk from wholesale suppliers (AEON BiG, Tesco). RM500 of bulk supplies lasts 6-12 months and reduces your per-guest cost to RM8-15/stay.

Essential Airbnb Amenities (RM1,000 - RM5,000)

These aren't "optional" - they're mandatory for 5-star reviews in Melaka's competitive market.

Tech & Security (RM500-2,500)

Item	Budget	Standard	Why It Matters
Smart lock	RM500-800 (basic)	RM1,000-1,500 (fingerprint + PIN)	No key handoff, responsive check-in
High-speed WiFi	RM100-150/month (standard)	RM200-300/month (business)	Guests demand streaming quality
Netflix/Streaming	RM45-55/month	RM55-100/month (multi-platform)	Competitive necessity
Portable charger	RM50-80 (basic)	RM150-250 (power bank station)	Guest convenience feature

Comfort Items (RM500-2,500)

Item	Budget	Standard	Why It Matters
Iron & ironing board	RM80-150	RM200-350 (premium steamer)	Business travelers expect this
Hair dryer	RM50-100 (basic)	RM200-400 (ionic/professional)	4.8+ rating requirement
Universal adapter	RM20-30	RM50-80 (multi-port charging station)	International guest need
Laundry basket	RM30-50	RM80-150 (designer)	Practical + aesthetic
Safe box	RM200-400 (digital)	RM500-800 (fireproof)	Guest security expectation

Welcome Kit (RM200-500)

Local snacks (kuih, nuts) - RM50-100
Bottled water (6-pack) - RM10-15
Welcome guide (printed) - RM30-50
Melaka tourism map - RM10-20
Fruit basket (optional) - RM50-100

Total Furnishing Cost by Condo Size

Studio Unit (400-500 sqft)

Tier	Living	Bedroom	Kitchen	Bathroom	Amenities	TOTAL
Budget	RM2,500	RM3,000	RM1,500	RM900	RM1,000	RM8,900
Standard	RM5,500	RM7,000	RM3,500	RM2,500	RM2,500	RM21,000
Premium	RM12,000	RM16,000	RM7,000	RM6,000	RM4,000	RM45,000

1-Bedroom (600-800 sqft)

Tier	Living	Bedroom	Kitchen	Bathroom	Amenities	TOTAL
Budget	RM3,000	RM3,500	RM2,000	RM1,000	RM1,500	RM11,000
Standard	RM6,500	RM8,000	RM4,000	RM2,800	RM3,000	RM24,300
Premium	RM14,000	RM18,000	RM8,000	RM6,500	RM4,500	RM51,000

2-Bedroom (800-1,000 sqft)

Tier	Living	Bedroom	Kitchen	Bathroom	Amenities	TOTAL
Budget	RM3,500	RM6,000	RM2,500	RM1,800	RM2,000	RM15,800
Standard	RM7,500	RM14,000	RM4,500	RM4,500	RM3,500	RM34,000
Premium	RM16,000	RM32,000	RM9,000	RM10,000	RM5,000	RM72,000

3-Bedroom (1,000-1,200 sqft)

Tier	Living	Bedroom	Kitchen	Bathroom	Amenities	TOTAL
Budget	RM4,000	RM9,000	RM3,000	RM2,500	RM2,500	RM21,000
Standard	RM9,000	RM20,000	RM5,500	RM6,000	RM4,000	RM44,500
Premium	RM18,000	RM45,000	RM11,000	RM13,000	RM6,000	RM93,000

Where to Buy Furniture in Melaka (2025)

Physical Stores

IKEA Tebrau (Johor) - 2 hours from Melaka

Complete range for budget-standard furnishing
Delivery to Melaka: RM200-500 depending on order size
Website: ikea.com.my

Local Furniture Malls (Melaka)

Pusat Bandar Melaka: Multiple furniture shops, budget options
Mahkota Parade: Home specialty stores, mid-range
The Shore area: Several boutique furniture stores for premium items

Second-Hand Options (Melaka)

Facebook Marketplace: Search "Melaka furniture"
Carousell: Filter by location (Melaka)
Bachang area thrift stores: Visit on weekends for best selection

Online Options

Lazada & Shopee:

Small items (lamps, decor, kitchenware)
Delivery to Melaka: Free shipping for orders > RM100
Read reviews carefully before purchasing

Furniture Direct Malaysia:

Specializes in Airbnb furnishing packages
Delivery to Melaka available
Website: furnituredirect.com.my

Local Melaka Makers:

Custom-built furniture (wardrobes, kitchen cabinets)
Instagram: Search "Melaka carpenter" or "Melaka custom furniture"
30-40% cheaper than KL/Johor, support local business

Money-Saving Tips (Without Sacrificing Quality)

1. Prioritize the "Big Three"

If you have a tight budget, allocate more to:

Mattress (affects 70% of guest experience)
Sofa (first impression in photos + comfort)
Smart lock (eliminates key handoff costs)

These three items drive 80% of guest satisfaction. Everything else can be upgraded later.

2. Buy Second-Hand for These Items (Safe)

Dining tables and chairs
Coffee tables
TV consoles
Bedside tables
Lamps and lighting fixtures
Decor pieces

Never buy second-hand: Mattresses, sofas, upholstered chairs (hygiene/bedbug risk)

3. Time Your Purchases

Best Sales Periods:

Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb): 11.11 mega sales, Mega 11 sales
Mid-Year Sale (June): 6.6 sales on Lazada/Shopee
Year-End (December): 12.12 sales, clearance sales

Potential savings: 15-40% on furniture and appliances

4. Bundle Purchases

Many suppliers offer 10-20% discounts when you:

Buy a full bedroom set (bed + mattress + bedside tables + wardrobe)
Furnish an entire condo with one supplier
Buy in bulk (if furnishing multiple units)

Ask for: "Airbnb owner discount" or "bulk furnishing package"

5. Start Minimal, Upgrade Based on Reviews

Launch with:

Essential furniture only
Basic decor
Minimum kitchen equipment

After 20-30 guest reviews, identify:

What guests compliment (keep/buy more)
What guests complain about (upgrade immediately)
What's never mentioned (optional upgrade later)

Furnishing for Specific Melaka Condos

Different buildings have different guest expectations - and optimal furnishing budgets.

Heritage Area Condos (Silverscape, The Shore)

Target guest: Tourists, couples, weekend getaways Expectation: Modern, Instagrammable, heritage-inspired touches Recommended budget: RM40K-60K for 1-bedroom Must-haves:

Heritage-inspired decor (Peranakan motifs, Melaka-themed art)
High-speed WiFi (remote workers book here)
Netflix-ready entertainment
Balcony furniture (heritage area views)

Suburban Condos (Imperio, Novo 8)

Target guest: Families, longer-term stays (7-14 days) Expectation: Practical, family-friendly, functional Recommended budget: RM30K-45K for 1-bedroom Must-haves:

Full kitchen (families cook meals)
Washing machine (essential for >7 day stays)
Extra bedding (sofa bed for kids)
Family-friendly dining (6-seater table)

Parkland Avenue by the Sea (Pre-Launch August 2025)

Target guest: Premium travelers, investors Expectation: Resort-style, luxury, ocean views Recommended budget: RM60K-90K for 2-bedroom Must-haves:

Ocean-facing balcony furniture
Premium mattresses (Simmons/Sealy)
Resort-style amenities (pool towels, beach equipment)
Smart home features (smart lighting, thermostat)

Special offer: As the official Airbnb manager for Parkland Avenue, iHousing offers complete furnishing packages with flat fee management (RM200-300/month).

The iHousing Advantage: Furnishing + Management

When you choose iHousing to manage your Airbnb property, furnishing becomes simpler and more cost-effective:

Our Turnkey Furnishing Service

Free Consultation - We assess your unit and recommend optimal furniture layout
Supplier Network - Access to our discounted supplier relationships (10-20% savings)
Project Management - We coordinate delivery, assembly, and installation
Quality Control - We ensure everything meets guest satisfaction standards
Ongoing Replacements - We manage wear-and-tear replacements proactively

What Our Clients Say

"iHousing recommended spending RM35,000 on my 1-bedroom unit instead of the RM60,000 I initially planned. They showed me that the extra RM25K wouldn't generate proportionally higher bookings in my location. Result? My unit achieved 24% occupancy in Month 1, and I stayed within budget." - Sarah, owner at The Shore Residence* "I didn't know where to start with furnishing. iHousing handled everything from supplier selection to final setup. The best part? They negotiated 15% discounts I couldn't get as an individual owner." - Rajan, owner at Silverscape Residence*

ROI Calculator: Is Furnishing Worth It?

Let's break down the return on your furnishing investment.

Example: 1-Bedroom at The Shore Residence

Investment:

Purchase price (example): RM350,000
Furnishing (Standard tier): RM30,000
Total investment: RM380,000

Revenue Potential (Annual):

Without Airbnb (long-term rental): RM12,000-15,000/year
With Airbnb (professionally managed): RM7,215-9,174 (Melaka avg) × 2 units = RM14,430-18,348/year
Airbnb premium: +RM2,430-6,348/year

Break-even Analysis:

Furnishing cost: RM30,000
Additional annual revenue: RM2,430-6,348
Break-even timeline: 4.7-12.3 years (conservative estimate)

Reality check: Our professionally managed units achieve RM15,000-25,000/year in Melaka's top condos (higher occupancy and rates than market average). Revised break-even: 1.2-2 years (much more realistic for well-managed units) 5-Year ROI:

Total additional revenue: RM12,150-31,740 (5 years)
Furnishing cost: RM30,000
Net ROI: 40-105% over 5 years (plus property appreciation)

Common Furnishing Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Over-Furnishing

Problem: Buying too much furniture makes spaces feel cramped and difficult to clean. Solution: Leave 20-30% empty space for movement and visual breathing room. Guests prefer spacious over fully-furnished.

Mistake #2: Buying All White Furniture

Problem: White shows stains, wear, and requires replacement every 2-3 years. Solution: Choose neutral colors (grey, beige, navy) or patterns. 40% longer lifespan, easier maintenance.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Storage Space

Problem: Guests have nowhere to unpack luggage or store belongings. Solution: Wardrobe with hangers, empty drawer space, luggage rack. 4.7+ rating requirement.

Mistake #4: Cheap Mattress, Expensive Decor

Problem: Prioritizing aesthetics over guest comfort kills reviews. Solution: Spend 60% of your bedroom budget on mattress + bedding. 20% on furniture, 20% on decor.

Mistake #5: No Blackout Curtains

Problem: Guests wake up at 6am from sunlight, leave negative reviews. Solution: Blackout curtains in EVERY bedroom (RM400-800). Eliminates the #1 guest complaint globally.

Next Steps: Ready to Furnish Your Airbnb Condo?

Whether you're just starting or looking to upgrade an existing property, smart furnishing decisions directly impact your bottom line.

Your options:

Free Furnishing Consultation - We'll assess your unit, recommend optimal budget, and connect you with our supplier network.

Turnkey Furnishing Package - We handle everything from design to final setup. You show up to a fully furnished, guest-ready unit.

Furnishing + Management Bundle - Complete package including furnishing, listing creation, and ongoing management (starting at RM200-300/month for Parkland Avenue).

Get Your Custom Furnishing Quote

Enter your phone number and we'll WhatsApp you with:

Room-by-room furnishing budget for YOUR specific unit
Supplier recommendations with our negotiated discounts
ROI projection based on your condo location and unit type
Timeline estimate from purchase to first guest booking

[WhatsApp Us for Free Furnishing Assessment]

Last Updated: January 2025 | iHousing Melaka | Official Airbnb Manager for Parkland Avenue by the Sea

Cost to Furnish Condo for Airbnb Malaysia - Complete 2025 Breakdown (RM10K-120K)