What is a share house? Basic structure and features
A share house is a residential style in which multiple residents have their own private rooms in one building, but share common spaces such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. It is characterized by its economic benefits and emphasis on interaction between residents, and is especially popular among young people and foreign residents in urban areas.
Common types of share houses
There are various types of share houses depending on the needs and lifestyles of the residents. They can be mainly divided into three types: "coliving type," "community-oriented type," and "low-cost type."
The "coliving" type is equipped with workspaces and event spaces to support remote working and entrepreneurship, and is especially popular with freelancers and startups.
"Community-oriented" apartments place great importance on interaction between residents, and events are frequently held in the spacious living rooms and shared spaces.
The "low-cost" type offers simple accommodation with minimal facilities and low rent, and is particularly suitable for students and short-term residents.
By choosing a share house that suits your lifestyle and purpose, you can enjoy a comfortable communal life.
Characteristics of people who live in share houses
Share houses are chosen by people with a variety of lifestyles and goals. Here we will introduce the main characteristics of people who live in share houses and explain the benefits that suit each person's needs.
1. People who choose for economic reasons
Share houses are the perfect choice for people who want to keep rent and initial costs down. Many properties do not require a deposit or key money, which reduces the burden of moving in compared to regular rental properties. Also, many properties come with furniture and appliances, which means you can save a lot on moving expenses.
In addition, since utility bills and living expenses can be shared, it is possible to live a comfortable life while keeping monthly expenses down. Especially in urban areas, shared houses are often more cost-effective than living in a one-room apartment, making them popular among people who are very thrift-conscious.
②People who value a good location
Share houses are also an attractive option for people who want to live in convenient urban areas. Even in areas near train stations or popular areas where regular rental housing tends to have high rents, share houses offer relatively reasonable rents.
In addition, share houses with good access to work or school are ideal for people who want to make the most of their time. For example, for people working in the city center or students attending university, choosing a property with smooth access to their workplace or school can reduce travel time and improve the quality of life.
3) People looking for ease of moving in
Share houses are an easy choice for people who are worried about the screening process or who don't have a guarantor. A typical rental contract requires proof of income and securing a guarantor, but many share houses have relaxed these requirements, making it easy for people who are living alone for the first time or who have just changed jobs or been transferred to a new place to move in.
In addition, there are many share houses where you can move in on the same day because the contract procedures are simple. This provides a safe and secure environment for freelancers and foreigners who may have difficulty passing the screening process of a guarantor company.
4. People looking for short-term housing
Share houses are also suitable for people looking for a place to stay temporarily for studying abroad, transferring, changing jobs, etc. While most rental properties have a long minimum contract period of 1-2 years, there are plenty of share houses where you can sign a contract for a short period of time.
Share house contracts are also attractive to people who want flexible housing. For example, for people who want to stay for only a few months or who are worried that their living environment may change due to a job change or transfer, a share house with its flexible contract options is the perfect choice.
⑤ People who want to enjoy interacting with others
Share houses are the perfect environment for people who love to communicate and make new friends and networks. In particular, properties with ample common spaces make it easy for residents to naturally interact with each other and expand their network of contacts.
Another attraction of a share house is the parties and events that residents regularly hold. People with diverse backgrounds, such as travel lovers, entrepreneurs, and creators, gather here, so you can expect stimulating encounters and exchanges that broaden your perspective.
Attribute data of people living in share houses
Share houses are a popular housing option for people looking for a specific lifestyle. Here we take a closer look at the age groups, employment status, gender ratio, and foreign resident trends of people living in share houses.
Age group: Mostly in their 20s and 30s, with many working adults and students
Most of the residents of share houses are young people in their 20s and 30s, and they are especially popular with working adults and students.
- Working adults: Especially in urban areas, many people want to live in a convenient area while keeping rent low, so they tend to choose shared houses.
- Students: Many students attending universities and vocational schools choose to live in a share house to reduce the cost of living alone. There is also a high proportion of international students, making it a good choice for those looking for intercultural exchange.
Employment status: Many full-time employees and freelancers, as well as many creative and IT-related positions
A notable feature of people living in share houses is that many of them are not only full-time employees, but also freelancers and remote workers.
- Full-time employees: The reason why working adults choose to live in a share house is because of the economic benefits, such as "I want to live in the city center but want to keep rent low" and "I can share the cost of living."
- Freelancers and remote workers: Recently, the number of share houses with coworking spaces has increased, and many people who work in IT or creative professions live there. Share houses are ideal residences for people who are looking for a property with a good internet connection and an environment where they can easily balance their work and private life.
Male to female ratio
The gender ratio in share houses varies greatly depending on the property, but in general, there are an increasing number of properties that are women-only or have a majority of female residents.
- Mixed-gender: In typical share houses, the ratio of men to women tends to be equal or slightly more female.
- Women-only share houses: Especially in urban areas, properties for women who value security and privacy are gaining popularity. Women-only share houses are often equipped with autolocks and security cameras, providing a safe and secure living environment.
Foreign residents
Share houses have many foreign residents, providing an environment conducive to international exchange. They are especially popular with people who meet the following characteristics:
- International students: In order to get used to life in Japan, more and more people are choosing to live in share houses, which offer many opportunities for cultural exchange.
- Working holiday makers: For those looking for a short-term stay, shared houses offer low upfront costs and flexible contract lengths, making them very attractive.
- Japanese people seeking international exchange: For Japanese people who are interested in overseas countries or who want to learn foreign languages, the ability to interact with residents from various countries is a major attraction of share houses.
The pros and cons of living in a shared house
Shared houses are chosen by many people as a style of housing that allows them to keep costs down while still being highly convenient. However, they also come with issues such as maintaining privacy and potential conflicts between residents. Here we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of shared houses in detail, and use this as a reference for choosing the right housing for you.
In addition, in the article "A thorough explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of share houses! How to choose the right one and tips for a comfortable life," in addition to detailed information on the specific advantages and disadvantages, we also introduce tips on how to live a comfortable life in a share house and how to choose a property. If you are interested in a share house, be sure to check it out!
Benefits of a share house
A share house is a housing style that allows you to live a convenient life while keeping costs down. There are many reasons why many people choose to live in a share house, especially in urban areas. Here we will introduce the main benefits of a share house.
1. Reduce rent and initial costs
The biggest attraction of a share house is that the rent is cheaper than regular rental properties. Many properties do not require a deposit or key money, and most come with furniture and appliances, so you can significantly reduce moving expenses.
2. You can share utility bills and living expenses
Many properties include utility fees such as water, electricity, gas, and internet in the rent, which is a major benefit as it helps keep monthly fixed costs down. Residents can also share food ingredients, which can help save on living expenses.
3. Live in a convenient location
Even in city centers and popular areas where regular rentals are expensive, you can often live in a share house at a reasonable price. You can shorten your commute time and improve the convenience of your life.
4. Increased opportunities for interaction and new connections
Share houses are an environment where communication is active, so it is easy to meet people who share the same values and expand your circle of friends. In particular, in properties with many foreign residents, the increased opportunities for international exchange are one of the attractions.
5. It can reduce anxiety about living alone
Since there are multiple residents in a share house, there is a sense of security in terms of crime prevention. Another reassuring point is that you can get help from those around you if you get sick or in an emergency.
Disadvantages of a share house
While share houses have the advantages of cost and interaction, they also have some disadvantages that come with communal living. In order to live comfortably, it is important to understand the disadvantages of share houses and think about ways to deal with them.
1. Privacy is difficult to maintain
Although there are private rooms, the living room, kitchen, and bathroom are shared, so it can be difficult to secure a completely private space. This may not be suitable for people who want to spend some quiet time alone.
2. Stress due to differences in daily routines
If residents have different lifestyles, you may hear them talking late into the night or be bothered by noises in the early morning. In particular, people who work shifts or remotely need to be aware of the difference in lifestyle rhythms between other residents.
3. Rules for using shared spaces are necessary
Since the kitchen and bathroom are used by multiple people, problems can arise if someone does not follow the rules for cleaning or taking out the trash. It is important to check in advance how to use the shared spaces.
4. Possibility of interpersonal problems arising
In a shared house, differences in values and lifestyles can cause trouble between residents. Noise issues and issues regarding the use of shared spaces are particularly common. In order to build smooth relationships, it is important to maintain an appropriate level of distance and communication.
5. Contract period and moving-out rules are different from renting
Share house contracts are different from regular rental contracts. Some properties allow short-term contracts, but some have strict rules when moving out. Be sure to check the contract details in advance to avoid any trouble when moving out.
Who is suitable for a share house and who isn't?
While share houses have many benefits, they are a style of housing that is suitable for some people and not others. Understand the characteristics of "people who can live comfortably in a share house" and "people for whom share house life is stressful" and choose the housing that suits you.
In particular, the article "What are the characteristics of people who are not suited to living in a shared house? Key points for choosing the right housing for you" provides a detailed explanation of the specific characteristics of people who find living in a shared house difficult and what kind of housing would be suitable instead. If you are interested in a shared house but have concerns, please refer to this article.
Who is suitable for a share house?
1. People who enjoy communication
In a share house, there are many opportunities to use shared spaces such as the living room and kitchen, which naturally leads to interaction between residents. For people who enjoy conversation and interaction with others, a share house is an attractive environment. In particular, if there are foreign residents, there are many opportunities for intercultural exchange and you can be exposed to new values.
2. People who can cooperate with others
In a share house, you will have to do communal chores such as cleaning and taking out the trash. For people who can cooperate with others to maintain a comfortable living environment, a share house is a very comfortable place to live. On the other hand, if you like to live your life thinking only of yourself, it may not be suitable for you.
3. People who want to keep living expenses down
One of the great attractions of a share house is that you can share the cost of rent and utilities. Especially in urban areas, a share house often costs less than renting a one-room apartment, making it the perfect place to live for those who are thrift-conscious. In addition, many properties come with furniture and appliances, so it is also recommended for those who want to keep initial costs down.
People who are not suitable for living in a share house
1. People who value alone time
In a share house, it can be difficult to find time completely alone because you share common spaces such as the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. For people who value quiet time alone, it may be difficult to find privacy in this environment.
2. People who are sensitive to noise and privacy
In a shared house, you may be bothered by noises from neighboring rooms and conversations in the common areas. This can be stressful for people who want a quiet environment or are sensitive to noise. Also, for those who are reluctant to use a shared kitchen or bathroom, living alone with individual facilities may be more suitable.
3. People who are bad at following the rules
Share houses have rules to make communal living smoother, such as rules for taking out the trash, cleaning duties, no noise at night, etc. If you're not good at following these rules or if you want to live freely at your own pace, a share house may not be for you.
summary
Share houses are ideal for people who want economic benefits and interaction with other residents. In particular, there are many advantages for people who want to keep rent low, who value the convenience of urban areas, and who wish to stay for a short period of time. On the other hand, there may be many stressful situations for people who value privacy, are sensitive to noise, and have difficulty following rules.
It is important to determine whether a share house is right for you and choose a comfortable living environment. Choose a home that suits your lifestyle and values and realize your ideal life!
