Share houses are generally fully furnished with furniture and appliances

Share houses, where multiple people live together in one residence, are basically fully equipped with furniture and appliances, as listed below.

• refrigerator
• Rice cooker
• microwave oven
• Electric kettle
• toaster
• Dining table
• Dining chair
• Sofa
• tv set

In addition, cooking utensils such as pots and pans are also provided, so you can live there without having to prepare your own.

Additionally, since the apartment is used by multiple people, the appliances are replaced regularly, and in most cases, appliances with excellent design and functionality are installed rather than low-priced appliances.

Depending on the size of the share house, residences with a large number of people may have multiple rice cookers and microwaves. This is convenient because even if the kitchen is in use at the same time, you can use it without having to wait too long.

However, the amenities provided vary depending on the property, so we recommend checking in advance.

How to choose between a shared house and a furnished apartment

When choosing a shared house or furnished apartment, check the following 8 points. Creating a checklist will help you compare properties.

• rent
• Ease of access
• Facilities
• cleaning
• Are there rules?
• Alignment with lifestyle and goals
• The atmosphere of the house and its residents
• Location of water facilities

We will explain in detail what you should look out for in each area.

rent

The most important thing to consider when choosing a property is the rent. Since you will be paying it every month, you should first understand the range of rent that will not put a strain on your household budget.

Generally, it is said that the guideline for rent is one-third of your take-home pay. For example, if your take-home pay is 200,000 yen, a rent of 60,000 yen would be ideal.

Besides rent, there are other expenses for living such as utility bills, food, daily necessities, entertainment, etc. Therefore, it is important to work backwards from your total expenses and review how much you can allocate to rent.

Ease of access

Be sure to check the distance from your home to the station and the travel time. If you travel by train almost every day, ease of access is important.

If you can walk to the station, it would be better to live within 20 minutes. If the area is not too hilly, you can expand your property options by considering bicycle access.

When deciding on an area, it is important to narrow down your search to the station or bus stop you want to use. If you focus on the location from the start, you will be able to find a property that is more ideal.

Facilities

It is also essential to check what facilities are available in the shared house or apartment.

In addition to the basic plumbing such as a kitchen, bathroom, toilet, and sink, apartments are also equipped with comfortable facilities such as a table, sofa, air conditioner, and refrigerator.

The quality of the facilities varies, but they are usually coordinated with consideration for the balance between usability and the interior. Some properties also have entertainment facilities such as gyms and theater rooms in the shared spaces.

However, depending on the site that lists the property, there are many cases where images are used as illustrations, so we recommend that you actually see the property to see what kind of facilities are available.

cleaning

In the case of furnished apartments, it is generally expected that tenants clean their own rooms.

Shared areas such as hallways, stairs, and elevators are maintained by a manager or cleaning company. In a share house, on the other hand, there are three types of people who are responsible: the tenant, the manager, and the cleaning company.

Regardless of the cleaning method, it is common for tenants to clean their own rooms. If a manager or cleaning company is in charge of cleaning, they will clean the shared spaces such as the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and toilet once or twice a week.

Cleaning patterns vary depending on the property, so be sure to check in advance.

Are there rules?

Most properties have their own rules. For example, in a shared house, it is not uncommon for residents to take turns taking out the trash or to only be able to use the living room until midnight.

In some cases, the management company will have established rules in advance, while in other cases, the rules will be created to prevent any disputes between tenants.

The rules for each property are rarely listed on the property's website, so be sure to ask about the rules when you view the property.

It is also necessary to check whether all tenants are following the rules properly. If they do not follow the rules properly, there is a risk of problems arising after they move in.

Alignment with lifestyle and goals

A shared house and a furnished apartment offer different lifestyles.

Most share houses involve interacting with others, while apartments are for single people. First, consider which lifestyle suits you best.

If you choose a share house, think about how often you will be interacting with others. If you want to make more friends and be exposed to different values, we recommend a share house with an environment that makes it easy to gather in shared spaces and with residents who are very conversational.

You also need to be mindful of maintaining a balance in life with the other residents. If there are people with different lifestyles than you, it can cause stress, such as not being able to sleep well.

The atmosphere of the house and its residents

When it comes to shared houses, you should check not only the house but also the atmosphere of the residents. Make sure to check the size, cleanliness, and design of the shared spaces and bathroom facilities.

If you see personal belongings scattered in the shared spaces when you view the property, you can assume that most tenants will be tolerant.

On the other hand, if things are neatly organized and there isn't much hair or dust on the ground, it suggests that you clean properly on a regular basis.

In the case of an apartment that comes with furniture and appliances, all you need to do is check the layout, interior, and grade of the equipment.

However, in the case of a shared house, you will be joining a circle of people who already live there, so you need to determine whether the atmosphere there suits you.

Location of water facilities

When looking at the layout and interior of the property, be sure to also check the location of the plumbing fixtures in relation to the private rooms.

For example, if there is a toilet next to your private room, you may be able to hear the toilet flush while you are relaxing in your private room. This may not be a big deal when you are not in your private room, but if someone uses the toilet in the middle of the night or early in the morning, it could disturb your sleep.

Also, if the kitchen is close to the private room, the smell of cooking and food waste may drift into the private room.

Especially if you are living in an apartment with furniture and appliances, if it is a one-room type, the kitchen and bed will be close to each other, so you will need to take measures such as washing dishes immediately after use and throwing out food waste every night.

Who is a share house recommended for?

Here we will introduce the characteristics of people who are suited to living in a shared house.

Want to reduce initial costs

If you want to keep initial costs such as the deposit, key money, and the cost of purchasing furniture and appliances down, we recommend moving into a shared house, which is much cheaper than a rental property.

In the past, you had to pay a deposit and key money even for shared houses, but in recent years this is becoming less common.

Therefore, it is now possible to move in with a very low initial cost. Furthermore, if you choose a share house that comes with furniture and appliances, you can save on purchasing and moving costs.

If you've just moved to Tokyo and don't have much money to spend, or if you're a freelancer with an unstable income, you should consider a shared house, which will keep your initial costs down.

I want to stay for a short period of time

If you are planning to stay for a short period of time, such as 1 to 3 months, a shared house is recommended.

Unlike rental apartments, there is no set contract period, so there is no penalty even if you move out after a few months. The minimum contract period for a share house is one month, so it is easy to move in.

Many people use it while they are away on business for several months, or as a stopgap until they find a permanent place to live.

I want to interact with people

If you want to freely interact with people outside of work, living in a shared house is a good option.

If you live alone, you basically just eat dinner or watch TV when you get home. Some people may feel lonely or think that they are not making the most of their time.

However, in a shared house, you can easily interact with other residents by going to the common space, and you can meet people with inspiring values.

The unique appeal of a shared house is that it's not just fun, but also a place to learn.

I want to live in a good location

A share house is also recommended for those who prioritize location when looking for a room.

Share houses have become a popular style of living in recent years, and the number of management and operation companies that own properties for these types of houses around train stations has increased. This means that you can live in a house that is more affordable and conveniently located than a regular rental property.

In fact, many of the share houses managed by Cross House are located within 30 minutes of Tokyo Station or Shibuya Station. One of their attractions is that they are easily accessible, as the nearest station is within walking distance.

Who should choose a furnished apartment?

Here we will introduce the characteristics of people who are suited to living in a furnished apartment.

I want to live alone

Unlike a shared house, the room is fully equipped with plumbing facilities, so you can live alone without having to worry about others around you.

You can leave your personal belongings not only in the bedroom, but also in the kitchen, bathroom, and living room without worrying about them being used or stolen. Because you can live completely independently, you can expect to improve your cooking and cleaning skills.

Another appealing feature of fully furnished apartments is the freedom to live freely, being able to place rugs and accessories as you like and use the facilities at your own pace.

I want to save money on moving expenses

The apartment is already fully furnished, so you don't need to bring anything from your parents' house or previous residence. This can save you a lot on moving costs.

It costs more to take your furniture and appliances with you than to dispose of them. If you plan to live in your home for a while or move to a similar property, you may want to consider selling or disposing of your furniture and appliances.

If you can declutter before you move, you will be able to start your new life with a clear mind.

I don't care about the interior

Furnished apartments are ideal for people who don't care about interior design.

The furniture and appliances provided are reusable and cannot be changed. If they are not to your liking, it can be stressful, but if you are not particular about the interior, you will not have to worry too much about it.

However, nowadays there are many properties that have been carefully designed with an emphasis on interior design. Even if the details may not be to your taste, try looking for a property that includes the interior design.

I want to reduce the hassle of purchasing furniture and appliances

Furnished apartments are also ideal for people who want to avoid the hassle of purchasing furniture and appliances.

Buying furniture and appliances from scratch takes time and money. It takes a lot of effort because you have to consider the size and design that will fit your room.

However, if the equipment is already provided, there is no need to purchase new items. You will need to bring your own hair iron and cushions for personal use, but you can rest assured that the necessary facilities for daily life are available.

The period of residence is short

If you know from the start that you will be staying for a short period of time, a furnished apartment is also recommended.

Also, the more often you move, the more you will appreciate the benefits of furnished apartments. Unlike regular rental apartments, furnished apartments have contract periods starting from one month, so it's no problem to use them for a short period of time.

Of course, you can also stay for several months. For people who travel for work or move frequently, fully furnished apartments are a great option.

I want to move in immediately

Furnished apartments are also recommended for those who want to move in immediately with just one suitcase.

The apartment is fully equipped with all the furniture and appliances you need to live, so all you need to do is bring your clothes and small daily necessities to start your new life.

If you have suddenly had to move due to various circumstances, or if you have been suddenly transferred and don't have the time to prepare for the move and find a property, please consider this option.

However, cleaning may not be completed after tenants move out, so once you find a property you're interested in, be sure to check when you can move in.

Choose a share house or furnished apartment to suit your lifestyle

Although both share houses and apartments are fully furnished, the lifestyles are very different.

In a share house, you live together with multiple people, while in an apartment, although you do have contact with your neighbors, you basically live alone. First, decide how you envision your lifestyle, and then start looking for a place to live.

If you are looking for a shared house or a furnished apartment in Tokyo or Osaka, please contact Cross House.

Many of the properties we manage are fully equipped not only with furniture and appliances, but also with Wi-Fi, so you can live comfortably as soon as you move in. We also have properties available for women only, so please check them out on this website.