Buying a home in the Philippines is a major investment, and one of the most important decisions is whether to purchase a bare unit or a fully furnished home. While fully furnished homes offer convenience, they often come with higher costs and limited customization options. On the other hand, a bare unit home allows homeowners to save money upfront and invest in quality materials and designs that match their needs.
To help you make an informed decision, here’s a detailed cost comparison between bare unit vs. fully furnished homes in the Philippines, considering purchase price, renovation costs, maintenance, and long-term financial impact.
1. Initial Purchase Price: Bare Unit is More Affordable 💰
One of the biggest differences between a bare unit home and a fully furnished home is the initial purchase price.
Home Type | Average Price in PHP | Why? |
Bare Unit Home | ₱3,000,000 – ₱4,500,000 | Lower price because it does not include interior finishes, built-in cabinets, or furniture. |
Fully Furnished Home | ₱4,500,000 – ₱6,000,000+ | Higher price due to developer-installed flooring, cabinetry, appliances, and furniture. |
🔹 Savings with a Bare Unit: Purchasing a bare unit home can save you ₱1,500,000 or more upfront.
🔹 What You’re Paying for in a Fully Furnished Home: The price includes builder-grade materials, standard furniture, and installation fees, often marked up by developers.
✅ Winner: Bare Unit – It offers a lower upfront cost and flexibility in budgeting for renovations.
2. Renovation & Customization Costs 🎨
A bare unit home requires finishing, but this allows homeowners to control costs, choose materials, and design according to their style and budget.
Expense Category | Bare Unit Home (PHP) | Fully Furnished Home (PHP) |
Flooring | ₱50,000 – ₱100,000 | Included (but may be low quality) |
Wall Paint/Wallpaper | ₱30,000 – ₱80,000 | Included (basic choices only) |
Kitchen Cabinets & Countertops | ₱100,000 – ₱250,000 | Included (standard designs only) |
Bathroom Fixtures | ₱50,000 – ₱120,000 | Included (may require upgrades) |
Lighting | ₱30,000 – ₱80,000 | Included (basic lighting only) |
Furniture & Appliances | ₱300,000 – ₱700,000 | Included (limited selection) |
TOTAL COST | ₱560,000 – ₱1,330,000 | Already included in purchase price |
🔹 Fully Furnished Home Costs More: Since everything is pre-installed, you pay for what the developer provides, even if you don’t like the materials.
🔹 Bare Unit Gives You More Control: Buyers can prioritize quality, shop for better deals, and upgrade over time.
✅ Winner: Bare Unit – You control where your money goes and get better value for your investment.
3. Maintenance & Repair Costs 🔧
Many fully furnished homes come with standard-grade materials that may wear out quickly, leading to higher maintenance expenses in the long run.
Maintenance Factor | Bare Unit Home (PHP) | Fully Furnished Home (PHP) |
Flooring Replacement | Low (Choose high-quality materials upfront) | High (Cheap tiles may need replacing in 5–7 years) |
Kitchen Repairs | Lower (Select durable materials) | Higher (Built-in cabinets may be low quality) |
Furniture Lifespan | Long (Buy sturdy, long-lasting furniture) | Short (Standard furniture may need replacement sooner) |
Bathroom Fixtures | Low (Invest in quality brands) | Higher (Standard fixtures may leak or corrode) |
Lighting Upgrades | Low (Energy-efficient LED options) | Higher (Basic lighting may require upgrades) |
🔹 Bare Unit Advantage: Buyers can invest in high-quality materials upfront, avoiding frequent repairs and replacements.
🔹 Fully Furnished Downside: Developers may use cheaper materials to cut costs, which results in higher long-term expenses.
✅ Winner: Bare Unit – Better long-term savings on repairs and maintenance.
4. Property Taxes & Loan Interest 🏦
A fully furnished home is valued higher due to built-in features, which means higher property taxes and loan interest payments.
Cost Factor | Bare Unit Home (PHP) | Fully Furnished Home (PHP) |
Property Tax (Annual) | ₱15,000 – ₱25,000 | ₱25,000 – ₱40,000 |
Loan Interest Over 20 Years | Lower (Smaller loan amount) | Higher (Larger loan amount) |
🔹 Bare Unit Saves on Taxes: Since it has a lower assessed value, the annual property tax is lower.
🔹 Lower Loan Interest Payments: A ₱1,500,000+ difference in home price means less interest paid over time.
✅ Winner: Bare Unit – Lower ongoing financial obligations.
5. Resale & Investment Potential 📈
A home’s resale value depends on its customization, quality, and buyer preferences. A bare unit home allows for better resale value because buyers can invest in premium materials and modern designs.
Investment Factor | Bare Unit Home | Fully Furnished Home |
Customization Flexibility | High – Buyers can modify according to taste | Low – Limited by developer’s design |
Resale Value Over 10 Years | High – If upgraded with premium materials | Moderate – Standard materials may depreciate |
Market Demand | High – Buyers prefer homes they can personalize | Moderate – Some buyers may want changes |
🔹 Bare Unit Advantage: A home with custom, high-quality finishes attracts higher resale value.
🔹 Fully Furnished Downside: Buyers may have to renovate or replace outdated materials, reducing appeal.
✅ Winner: Bare Unit – More customization potential and higher resale value.
Final Verdict: Which is the Better Investment? 🏡
Category | Bare Unit Home ✅ | Fully Furnished Home ❌ |
Purchase Price | Lower | Higher |
Renovation Costs | Customizable | Fixed, may require future changes |
Maintenance Costs | Lower (Quality materials last longer) | Higher (May need frequent repairs) |
Property Taxes | Lower | Higher |
Resale Value | Higher (If well-designed) | Moderate (May require upgrades) |
🏆 Winner: Bare Unit Home
✔ More affordable upfront
✔ Full control over design and materials
✔ Lower maintenance and repair costs
✔ Higher resale and rental income potential
If you want affordable homeownership, customization freedom, and long-term investment value, a bare unit home is the best choice.
🏡 Thinking about buying a bare unit? Contact us today for expert advice!
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