Air conditioning, doors, parquet and underfloor heating already built into a new villa? Then do not buy them twice. Ask for a written specification.
The standard rate in Romania since August 2025, applying to furniture and appliances. Make sure the price includes VAT.
Under Emergency Ordinance 140/2021, the seller is liable for a lack of conformity appearing within two years of delivery: repair or replacement free.
Under Emergency Ordinance 34/2014, with no reason needed. But not for a kitchen or wardrobe made to measure.
Those moving to Romania from outside the EU can get duty relief on goods used for at least 6 months, if they enter within 12 months.
Furnishing a villa in Romania: the short answer
Furnishing a villa in Romania starts once you know what the house already includes, and is measured in the house itself, not on the plan. In Romania furniture carries 21% VAT, every product sold to a consumer comes with a 2-year legal guarantee of conformity, and online purchases can usually be cancelled within 14 days, but not items made to measure. Those moving their residence to Romania from outside the EU can sometimes bring their household goods in without customs duty.
The question that comes after choosing the type
Once investors choose a villa, the next question is almost always the same: "And now, how do we furnish it from abroad?"
I understand the worry. A new house, a different country, a different language. But furnishing a villa in Romania is simpler than it seems, provided you do it in the right order. The most expensive mistake is buying before measuring.
Step one: what the villa already includes
Before buying anything, list what the house already has. In our villas in Balotești, for example, underfloor heating, full air conditioning, REHAU windows, PORTA interior doors and Barlinek parquet are included. So you do not buy air conditioners, replace doors or plan flooring.
The rule: what is already built, you do not buy twice. Ask the developer for a full written specification, and start from it.
Step two: measure in the house itself
The plan shows walls. It does not show the position of sockets, air conditioning outlets, which way the windows open or the height of the sills. So:
- Wait for handover, or a site visit at an advanced stage. Our handovers are planned from December 2027.
- Measure every wall where you plan a large piece of furniture.
- Photograph each room with a folding ruler in the shot. It saves a flight.
- Check access routes: door and stair widths, so the sofa fits.
Underfloor heating and parquet: what it means for furniture
In a house with underfloor heating the heat rises from the floor. Very thick rugs and heavy furniture sitting flat on the floor, without legs, make it harder for the heat to rise. It is better to choose furniture on legs and rugs suitable for underfloor heating, following the manufacturer's instructions.
And on parquet, put felt pads under chair and table legs. It is a small thing, and it saves scratches.
Where to buy in Romania
Bucharest has every option: large chains, furniture shops, made-to-order kitchens and online shopping with delivery. Two IKEA stores operate in the city: Băneasa, on the road from Bucharest towards Ploiești, and Pallady. Alongside them are local and international home and DIY chains, and large e-commerce sites with home delivery.
The most expensive mistake in furnishing a villa is buying before measuring.
My tip: buy the basics locally, and bring from home only what is truly personal. Shipping from abroad costs money and time, and rarely pays off for standard furniture.
VAT, guarantees and returns: your rights
| Topic | What the law says |
|---|---|
| VAT on furniture | 21%, the standard rate since August 2025 |
| Legal guarantee of conformity | 2 years from delivery, on every product sold to a consumer |
| Cancelling an online purchase | 14 days, no reason needed |
| Made-to-measure item | usually no 14-day withdrawal right |
- VAT: the standard rate rose to 21% in August 2025, and it applies to furniture and appliances. Make sure the price you are shown includes VAT.
- Guarantee: under Emergency Ordinance 140/2021, the seller is liable for any lack of conformity that exists at delivery and appears within two years. You can demand repair or replacement free of charge.
- Online returns: under Emergency Ordinance 34/2014, distance purchases can be cancelled within 14 days without giving a reason. The important exception: goods made to your specifications, such as a made-to-measure kitchen. For your rights, see the consumer protection authority (ANPC).
So order a made-to-measure kitchen and fitted wardrobes only after final measurements in the house.
Household goods from abroad: when there is no duty
Anyone moving their normal residence to Romania from a country outside the EU can obtain relief from customs duty on their personal belongings. Under EU Regulation 1186/2009, the main conditions are:
- Residence outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months before the move.
- The goods were owned and used by you for at least 6 months before the move.
- Entry into Romania within 12 months of the move.
This applies to those moving to live in Romania, not to those buying a holiday home. Check the details and forms with the Romanian Customs Authority. We wrote about the move itself in our guide to relocating to Romania.
How to pay from abroad
Most shops accept credit cards. For large orders, such as a kitchen, payment is usually by bank transfer, sometimes with a deposit. Plan in advance how you will move money and in which currency. See our guide to transferring money to Romania. And for the costs that come after furnishing, our guide to upkeep costs.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start furnishing a new villa?
You can start planning right away, but measurements and made-to-measure orders are done in the house itself, after handover or on a visit at an advanced stage of construction. That avoids sizing mistakes.
How much VAT is paid on furniture in Romania?
21%, the standard rate since August 2025. Make sure the price you are shown includes VAT.
What is the guarantee on furniture and appliances in Romania?
Under Emergency Ordinance 140/2021, there is a 2-year legal guarantee of conformity from delivery. During that period you can demand repair or replacement from the seller free of charge. Manufacturers may add a commercial guarantee on top.
Can furniture bought online be returned?
Usually yes, within 14 days and without giving a reason, under Emergency Ordinance 34/2014. The exception is a product made to your specifications, such as a made-to-measure kitchen or wardrobe.
Can I bring my household goods from abroad without customs duty?
If you are moving your normal residence to Romania, have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months, and the goods have been in your use for at least 6 months, relief may apply under Regulation 1186/2009. Check the conditions with the Romanian Customs Authority.
The bottom line
Furnishing a villa in Romania is a matter of sequence: what is included, measuring, buying locally, and only then what is truly worth bringing from home.
If you are planning to furnish a villa, with us or anywhere else, book a 30-minute call with me. We will go through the specification and the timeline, and you will leave with an organised list.
Moti Azulay, Compass Group Romania
Sources and data: Romanian tax authority (ANAF) · Romanian legislation portal (Emergency Ordinance 140/2021; Emergency Ordinance 34/2014) · National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC) · Romanian Customs Authority (Council Regulation (EC) 1186/2009) · IKEA Romania.
This article is for general information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Consumer and customs law and tax rates may change, and the data is correct for 2026. Before deciding, check with the authorities and qualified professionals.
Now you know more.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Consult local professionals before any transaction.
