Share houses are generally fully furnished and equipped with 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
• desk
• Chair
• tv set
• kitchenware

Cooking utensils such as pots, frying pans, cutting boards, and knives are all provided, so you can live there without having to prepare your own.

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. You will pay the rent every month, so first you need to 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 66,000 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 use the train almost every day to get somewhere, ease of access is important. If you walk to the station, it's best to choose a place within 20 minutes. If the area doesn't have many hills, you can expand your 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 for you.

Facilities

It is also important to check what facilities are available in the shared house or apartment. In addition to the basic plumbing such as a kitchen, bath, toilet, and sink, there will also be a table, air conditioner, refrigerator, and other amenities. The quality of the facilities varies, but they are usually coordinated with consideration for the balance between ease of use and the interior.

Some properties also have recreational facilities such as a gym in the shared space. However, depending on the site that lists the property, they often only use images for illustration purposes. We recommend that you actually see what facilities are available.

cleaning

In fully furnished apartments, the tenant is responsible for cleaning the room themselves. Shared areas such as hallways, stairs, and elevators are cleaned by the manager or a cleaning company.

On the other hand, in the case of shared houses, there are three types of cleaning: "tenant," "manager," and "cleaning company." Regardless of the cleaning method, it is common for tenants to clean their own rooms. If the manager or cleaning company cleans, they will help clean the shared spaces such as the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and toilet about once a week.

However, it is generally assumed that tenants will clean up after themselves after use, so even in a shared house where cleaning support is provided, be sure to follow the cleaning rules when using the space.

Are there rules?

Most properties have their own rules. For example, in the case of shared houses, some properties have a trash disposal system. In some cases, the management company sets the rules in advance, while in other cases, the rules are created to prevent problems between residents.

The rules of each property are rarely listed on the website, so be sure to ask about them when viewing the property. It is also important to check whether all tenants are following the rules properly. If they do not seem to be following the rules properly, there is a risk of problems after moving in.

Alignment with lifestyle and goals

Shared houses and furnished apartments have different lifestyles. Most shared houses involve interaction with others, while apartments are for single people. First, consider which lifestyle suits you best. If you choose a shared house, then think about how often you will be interacting with others.

If you want to make more friends and be exposed to different values, a share house is recommended, as it has a common space where it's easy to gather and where the residents are talkative. You also need to be mindful of the lifestyle balance with the other residents. If there are people with different lifestyles than you, you may not be able to sleep well and you may feel stressed.

The atmosphere of the house and its residents

In the case of a shared house, you should check not only the house but also the atmosphere of the residents. Be sure to check the size, cleanliness, and design of the shared spaces and bathroom facilities. If there are personal belongings scattered in the shared spaces when you view the house, you can assume that most of the residents are tolerant. On the other hand, if things are neatly organized and there is not much hair or dust on the ground, it is likely that they clean the house properly on a daily basis.

In the case of a furnished apartment, all you need to do is check the layout, interior, and grade of the facilities. 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 suits you.

Location of water facilities

When looking at the layout and interior of a property, be sure to check the location of the plumbing equipment in relation to the private rooms. For example, if the toilet is next to the private room, you may be able to hear the toilet flushing while relaxing in the private room. This may not be a big deal when you are not in the 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. In particular, if you live in an apartment with furniture and appliances, the kitchen and bed are close to each other in a one-room apartment, 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 down initial costs such as security deposits, key money, and the cost of purchasing furniture and appliances, we recommend moving into a shared house, which is much cheaper than renting a property. Previously, you had to pay security deposits and key money for shared houses, but in recent years this has been gradually eliminated. As a result, you can now move in with a low initial cost. Furthermore, if you choose a shared house that comes with furniture and appliances, you can save on purchasing and moving costs. If you've just moved to Tokyo and can't afford to spend money, or if you're a freelancer with an unstable income, consider a shared house, which can keep your initial costs down.

I want to stay for a short period of time

If you are planning to live for a short period of time, such as 1 to 3 months, a share house is recommended. Since there is no set contract period like with a rental apartment, there is no penalty even if you move out after a few months. The minimum contract period for a share house is 1 month, so it is easy to move in.

However, with Cross House, you can move in for as little as one month, whether it's a shared house or an apartment with furniture and appliances. Many people use it for work, whether they are on a business trip for a few months, or as a stopgap until they find a permanent place to live, so please consider it.

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 choice. If you live alone, when you get home, all you do is eat dinner and watch TV by yourself. Some people may feel lonely or feel like they are not making the most of their time. However, in a shared house, you can easily interact with other residents in the shared spaces, and you can meet people with inspiring values. Not only is it fun, but the unique appeal of a shared house is that it can also be a learning opportunity.

I want to live in a good location

Share houses are also recommended for those who prioritize location when looking for a room. Share houses have become a popular style of living in recent years, so the number of management companies and operators that own share house properties around train stations has increased. Therefore, you can live in a house that is more affordable and in a good location than a regular rental property.

However, in the case of Cross House, there are many share houses and fully furnished apartments within 30 minutes of Tokyo Station, Shibuya Station, Shinjuku Station, etc. One of the 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 worrying about others around you. You can leave your personal belongings in the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and living room without worrying about them being used or stolen. Since you can live completely independently, you can expect to improve your cooking and cleaning skills. Another attraction of a furnished apartment is the freedom to live freely, placing rugs and accessories as you like and using the facilities at your own pace.

I want to save money on moving expenses

Since the home is already fully equipped with furniture and appliances, there is no need to bring them from your parents' home or previous residence. This can significantly reduce moving costs. It costs more to bring furniture and appliances than to dispose of them. If you plan to live there 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 moving, you will be able to start your new life with a clear mind.

I don't care about the interior

Furnished apartments are suitable for people who are not particular about the interior. The furnished furniture and appliances are reused and cannot be changed. If the furniture and appliances are not to your liking, you will be stressed, but if you are not particular about the interior, you will not have to worry too much. However, there are many properties nowadays that are particular about the interior. Even if the details are not to your taste, try looking for a property that includes the interior.

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, as you have to consider the size and design that will fit your room. However, if the appliances are already provided, you don't need to buy new ones. You will need to prepare things like hair irons and cushions for personal use, but you can rest assured that the necessary equipment for daily life is available.

The period of residence is short

Furnished apartments are also recommended if you know from the start that you will be staying for a short period of time. Also, the more you move, the more you will feel the benefits of furnished apartments. Unlike regular rental apartments, furnished apartments have contract periods starting from one month, so short-term use is not an issue. Of course, stays over several months are also possible. For people who travel or transfer frequently, 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 a suitcase. All the necessary furniture and appliances are provided, so you can start your new life with just your clothes and small daily necessities. If you have suddenly had to move due to various circumstances, or you have been transferred suddenly and don't have the time to prepare for the move and find a property, then this is definitely worth considering. However, please note that cleaning may not have been completed after the tenant has moved out, so once you find a property you are 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 come with furniture and appliances, the lifestyles are very different. In a share house, multiple people live together, while in an apartment, although you may have contact with your neighbors, you basically live alone. First, decide the lifestyle you envision, 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.