Dhaka Real Estate & Furnished Apartments: Rent, Investment, & What Really Works

A guide to Dhanmondi, Gulshan/Banani, Uttara, and Bashundhara R/A for corporate and diaspora clients, tenants, and first-time investors.

One straightforward factor keeps Dhaka's rental market active: people are constantly relocating due to new jobs, school shifts, family moves, and business transfers.

Rents remain stable due to this consistent demand, particularly in buildings with dependable elevators, generators, water, security, and good maintenance. Furnished apartments have also become popular because they make moving easier and allow you to quickly settle in without having to buy furniture and appliances right away.

This "real-life" guide will assist tenants, first-time investors, and corporate/diaspora clients in Gulshan/Banani, Dhanmondi, Uttara, and Bashundhara R/A in making cleaner decisions.

Key Takeaways

Location nuances: In Dhaka, the street and building can be just as important as the name of the neighborhood.
Transparency for tenants: Tenants should receive a written copy of the entire monthly cost plus the furnished inventory.
Real numbers for investors: Rather than relying solely on "good-looking rent," investors should consider net rent and clear documentation.
Priorities for corporate/diaspora: Fast maintenance, handover photos, and consistent billing should be given top priority.
What to Anticipate Paying for Furnished Rent
In Dhaka, furnished apartments typically cost between BDT 20,000 and BDT 40,000 for smaller units. Larger units range significantly based on the area.

Indicative Furnished Rent by Area
Area 1BR 2BR 3BR
Gulshan/Banani 30k - 50k 50k - 85k 85k - 300k+
Dhanmondi 28k - 45k 55k - 75k 75k - 160k
Uttara 20k - 35k 45k - 60k 60k - 130k
Bashundhara R/A 25k - 40k 50k - 65k 65k - 140k
Note: Depending on the street, building management, generator coverage, parking, and level of maintenance, two apartments with the same number of bedrooms may cost significantly different amounts.

Tenant Guide: How to Avoid Typical Headaches

The majority of tenant issues are not related to the rent amount. They originate from the "small stuff" that was initially unclear.

1. Ask these three questions before you even go Is the service fee separate or included? Is the cost of the generator fixed, usage-based, or included? What precisely qualifies as "furnished"? (Request a list of inventories.)
2. When you go, check day-to-day livability Take a brief look at:

Utilities: Water pressure plus water backup.
Power: Coverage of generators (flat vs. common areas).
Access: The state of the lift (and how frequently it breaks).
Environment: Noise from neighbors, construction, and the street.
Health: Sunlight and ventilation (mold grows quickly in some apartments).
Appliances: The state of the air conditioner and if it has been serviced.
Safety: Geyser safety and leaks in the bathroom.
Logistics: Parking (is it really designated and functional?) and Internet options.
Security: Visitor entry, CCTV, guards.
Pro Tip: Take pictures during handover if you like the apartment, especially if it's furnished. It prevents disagreements later.

Investor Guide: Keep Things Simple
If you are purchasing your first property, purchasing a one that remains rentable without any problems is typically the best option.

Returns: The "True" Perspective
Rent (monthly cash flow) and appreciation (value growth over time) are your sources of income. However, don't evaluate a property based solely on its headline rent.

Focus on Net Rent:
Rent collected less vacancy, repairs, service fees, and minor replacements (particularly in furnished units). Although furnished apartments can make more money, you must budget for wear and tear.

Typical Annual Deductions (Rule of Thumb)
Type of Property Typical Yearly Deductions (from Gross Rent)
Standard (Semi/Unfurnished) 10% to 15%
Furnished (Higher wear & tear) 15% to 25%
Corporate & Diaspora Clients: Pay for Predictability
If you are moving overseas or renting for employees, what you really want is a seamless routine—stable utilities, quick fixes, and tidy billing.

Verify that the contract contains:

A photo inventory at handover.
Clear guidelines for replacing and repairing appliances (AC and refrigerators are the most important).
Anticipated response time for maintenance.
Consolidated billing option (rent + service charge).
Parking distribution and visitor policies.

Conclusion

Practical decisions are preferred in Dhaka's rental and real estate market. Dependable utilities, competent building management, and the appropriate street are just as important as the neighborhood name.

Investors: Concentrate on tidy paperwork and net rent after expenses.
Tenants: Obtain written clarity on total monthly costs and furnished inventory.
Corporate/Diaspora: Give priority to consistent billing and prompt maintenance.