Purchasing a shell & core property in Dubai is an exciting opportunity — whether you're an overseas investor, a landlord, or a homeowner. But after the handover, there’s one big challenge: transforming that empty concrete box into a fully styled, rent-ready space.
From exposed floors to unfinished ceilings, shell & core units require a complete interior fit-out. But once the essentials are installed, that’s when the real transformation begins — turning your space into a beautiful, functional home that attracts tenants and delivers strong returns.
This guide walks you through how to furnish your Dubai property from scratch and create a stylish, liveable interior that maximises ROI.
What Is a shell & core property?
In Dubai, a shell & core property is delivered in its most basic form. You’ll typically receive:
- Structural walls and windows
- No flooring or ceilings
- No fitted kitchen or bathrooms
- No lighting or MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) installations
This "blank canvas" gives you full control over the interior — but it also means you're starting from zero.
Step-by-step: How to furnish a Dubai property from scratch
1. Start with the floor plan
Before you furnish anything, define your space layout. Decide how you’ll use each room and map out zones for living, dining, sleeping, and storage. Consider tenant needs, daylight access, traffic flow, and where built-ins will go.
Tip: Think in terms of lifestyle — not just square footage.
2. Decide on your style early
A cohesive interior style sets the tone for the whole space. In the Dubai market, neutral palettes, contemporary finishes, and minimalist design tend to perform well.
Popular styles for furnished rentals include:
- Modern coastal
- Urban luxe
- Soft minimalist
Choosing your design direction up front helps ensure consistency in everything from flooring to lighting to furniture selection.
3. Complete the base fit-out
To move from shell to liveable, your property will first need a full fit-out, including:
- Flooring (tiles, LVT, engineered wood)
- Ceilings and lighting points
- Wall paint or cladding
- Bathrooms and sanitary ware
- Fitted kitchen with appliances
- Built-in wardrobes or storage
Once these essentials are installed — either through your contractor or a fit-out specialist — your space is ready for furnishing and styling.
4. Select high-impact furniture pieces
When furnishing for rentals or resale, focus on quality over quantity. Your core furniture should be both attractive and durable:
- A stylish, comfortable sofa
- A functional dining area
- A well-styled bedroom with ample storage
- Multifunctional items like ottomans and console tables
Choose furniture that enhances the space without cluttering it. Proportion and layout are key.
5. Style it with tenant appeal in mind
Renters in Dubai want more than just furniture — they want a home that feels welcoming, practical, and move-in ready.
Key styling elements to include:
- Window dressings (curtains or blinds)
- Artwork, mirrors, and wall decor
- Lamps and layered lighting
- Textiles like rugs, throws, and cushions
- Greenery for softness and balance
These finishing touches help your property photograph beautifully and stand out in listings — especially in the competitive Dubai rental market.
Why Dubai landlords choose Designhaus Collection
Once your property has been fully fitted out, Designhaus Collection steps in to furnish and style it — transforming your blank canvas into a tenant-ready home.
We offer:
✔ Furniture packages starting from AED 30K
✔ Fully managed delivery, installation, and styling
✔ Custom layouts tailored to your floor plan
✔ Expert advice backed by local rental insights
Whether you’re overseas or based in the UAE, we make it easy to furnish smarter and rent faster — without the stress.
Client Testimonials
“The transformation was incredible — quick, professional, and completely stress-free. I was able to list my apartment at a higher rate and secure a tenant within days.”
“Designhaus Collection made the entire process seamless. I trusted them to furnish my short-term rental and the results exceeded my expectations.”
Furnish smarter with Designhaus Collection
From shell & core to fully styled, we bring your Dubai property to life with stylish, functional furniture packages designed for landlords and investors.
✔ Packages from AED 30K
✔ Fast delivery & installation
✔ Hassle-free, tenant-ready styling
Explore packages now or book your free consultation today to get started.