What is a share house?
A share house is a style of rental housing where multiple tenants share common spaces. While each has their own room, they share the kitchen, living room, bathroom, etc., allowing them to enjoy communication with other tenants while keeping rent and utility costs down.
This style of housing originally became popular in Europe and the United States, but has also become popular in Japan, especially in urban areas, and is popular among single people, foreigners, young working people, and students.
Share house features and general facilities
The characteristics of a share house are economic benefits and many opportunities for interaction. The following general facilities are provided:
- Private room: Generally equipped with a bed, desk, and closet
- Shared living room: Equipped with a TV and sofa, it serves as a place for residents to socialize.
- Shared kitchen: Cooking utensils and tableware are provided and residents can use them freely.
- Bathrooms and shower rooms: There are often multiple bathrooms and shower rooms, and they may be separated by gender.
- Laundry facilities: Washing machines and dryers are available for free or for a fee.
- Internet environment: Wi-Fi is generally available
Some properties even come with extensive facilities like fitness rooms, workspaces and rooftop terraces.
The difference between a "share house" and a "room share"
A "share house" is often confused with a "room share." The differences between the two are as follows:
| item | Share House | Room Share |
| Property contract | Individual contracts with management companies and operating companies | Joint contract with roommates |
| Availability of private rooms | Available (private room or dormitory) | None (multiple people sharing one room) |
| Facility Management | Managed by the operating company | Managed by residents themselves |
| Furniture and appliances | Often equipped | Basically, prepare it yourself |
With a shared house, the management company takes care of the facilities and rules, so signing a lease and moving out is smooth, whereas with room sharing, tenants must decide on the rent and living rules among themselves, which makes it more prone to problems.
The difference between a "share house" and a "guest house"
On the other hand, there is also a "guest house" which is a similar concept to a share house. The differences are as follows:
| item | Share House | guest house |
| Length of stay | Long-term stay is assumed (several months to several years) | Short-term stays possible (a few days to a few months) |
| Rent type | Monthly rent | Daily and weekly payments also available |
| Move-in procedure | Rental agreement required | Easy procedure to move in immediately |
| Tenant demographics | Mostly single people living long term | Many tourists and working holiday makers |
The main difference between them is that a shared house is for long-term stays and requires a rental contract, while a guest house is more like accommodation for short-term stays.
The history and origins of share houses
Share houses originated as a style of communal living that became popular in Europe and the United States, and have evolved over time. In recent years, they have attracted attention not only as a way to reduce costs, but also as a way to form communities and realize diverse lifestyles. This chapter explains their history and development.
The origins and development of share houses
The concept of a share house is said to have originated from the communal living culture that spread in Western countries. In particular, in the early 20th century in America and Europe, it was common for university students and young people to share housing to reduce their financial burden.
Additionally, in the 1960s and 1970s, hippie culture and the commune (community) movement spread, and a style of communal living was born, in which friends who shared the same values lived together. This is said to be the prototype of today's shared houses.
Furthermore, in the 1990s, as housing prices in urban areas soared, shared houses once again attracted attention as a cheap housing option, and they became established not just for economic reasons but also as a way of living that emphasized social connections.
Share house trends overseas
Currently, share houses are developing in various forms around the world. Let's take a look at the characteristics of each country.
America
In the United States, a new style of shared house called "co-living" has appeared. This is not just a shared living space, but a community-type residence that has workspaces and event spaces and allows residents to actively interact with each other. It is especially popular in Silicon Valley and New York, where startups gather.
Europe
In Europe, there is a lot of "collective housing" and eco-friendly shared houses are on the rise, especially in Sweden and Germany. In urban areas such as London and Paris, many young people are choosing to live in shared houses due to the rising cost of housing.
Asia
In Asia, shared houses are becoming popular in urban areas such as Hong Kong and Singapore as a way to make efficient use of limited living space. In particular, there has been an increase in fully furnished shared houses that allow short-term occupancy for foreign students and young business people.
The prevalence and current status of share houses in Japan
The emergence of share houses in Japan
It is said that shared houses started to become widespread in Japan after the 2000s. Before that, there were shared housing provided by the landlord, such as "boarding houses" and "dormitories," but the community-style shared houses of today were not common.
Expansion of the share house market
After the Lehman Shock in 2008, the demand for shared houses rapidly increased in Japan due to the decline in income among young people and the rise in housing costs in urban areas. In addition, the Great East Japan Earthquake (2011) accelerated the movement to seek connections with people, and "community-style shared houses" began to attract attention.
The current share house market
Today's share houses in Japan are no longer simply "low-rent housing" - they offer a variety of options to suit different lifestyles and purposes.
- Concept-based share houses (e.g. for creators, with fitness facilities, for single mothers only)
- International exchange share house (enjoying communal living with foreigners)
- Telework-compatible share house (a residence with a shared workspace)
- Shared houses for seniors (housing aimed at forming a community among the elderly)
In particular, since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in shared houses that accommodate remote work and shared residences that support relocation to rural areas.
Future outlook
Japan's share house market is expected to continue to expand in the future, with the following trends in particular predicted to occur:
- Regional revitalization x Shared houses: Shared housing for people moving to rural areas is on the rise
- Subscription-based housing services: Services that allow people to move between share houses across the country without signing a contract are expanding
- SDG-Oriented Share Houses: The Emergence of Eco-Friendly Share Houses
Types of share houses
There are many different types of share houses, which can be broadly divided into two categories: building type and concept type. By choosing a share house that suits your lifestyle and purpose, you can live a more comfortable life. Here we will explain the characteristics of each in detail.
Building Type
Share house buildings vary in terms of comfort and how you use the shared spaces, depending on the type of property. There are three common types:
Single-family home type
These share houses are operated by renovating detached houses, and are characterized by a homely atmosphere. The shared spaces, such as the kitchen and living room, are spacious, making them suitable for people who want to live in a relaxed community with a small number of people. Many properties also have gardens, making it an appealing way to live in a homely environment.
Apartment type
This type of shared house is a room in an apartment building, and is often seen in urban areas. It is often equipped with security features such as auto-locks and security cameras, so it is safe to live there. It is located in an easily accessible area, and is popular with working adults and students.
Dormitory type
This is a shared house where multiple people share one room. The rent is very low, so it is suitable for people who are cost-conscious or who are staying for a short period of time. The atmosphere is similar to that of a guesthouse for backpackers overseas, and it is characterized by many opportunities for international exchange.
Concept-based share house
In recent years, the number of concept-based share houses tailored to different lifestyles and purposes has been increasing. Let's take a look at the features of each.
Social type (emphasis on interaction)
This share house places importance on interaction between residents, and features a wide range of common spaces. The living room and dining room are spacious, and events and parties are regularly held here. This is recommended for people who want to make new connections and those who are community-minded.
Cost-effective (price-focused)
This is a share house for people who want to keep rent and utility costs as low as possible. The appeal is that you can live at a reasonable price while keeping facilities and services to a minimum. It is mainly popular with students, freelancers, and budget-minded working adults.
Purpose-specific (profession, hobby, lifestyle specialization)
These share houses are tailored to suit specific purposes and lifestyles and come in the following types:
- For creators (designers, engineers, artists)
- Emphasis on fitness (gym and yoga studio available)
- For entrepreneurs (Co-working space available)
- Pet-friendly share house (you can live with dogs and cats)
This is the perfect place for people who want to live an exciting life, as they can live in an environment that suits their interests and career.
Women-only share house
These share houses are only available to women, and are characterized by their strict security measures. Many of the properties are equipped with auto-locks and security cameras, and some even have a manager on-site. Women can feel safe living in these shared houses comfortably.
Share house for seniors
This is a shared house for the elderly, providing an environment where the senior generation can live and interact with each other. Some properties also come with nursing care services, so the benefit is that you can live in peace without feeling lonely. In the coming super-aging society, this is one of the share houses that is gaining attention.
The pros and cons of living in a shared house
Shared houses are a type of housing that has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in urban areas. They are attractive because they allow you to enjoy comprehensive facilities and a community while keeping costs down, but they also come with challenges such as maintaining privacy and living together. In this chapter, we will explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of shared houses, so that you can decide whether they are the right type of housing for you.
If you would like to know more about the advantages and disadvantages of a shared house, please also take a look at "A thorough explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of a shared house! How to choose the right one and tips for a comfortable life ."
Benefits of a share house
1. Rent and initial costs are kept low
The biggest advantage of a share house is that rent and initial costs can be significantly reduced compared to a regular rental property. Normally, when living alone, you have to pay initial costs such as a deposit, key money, agency fees, and furniture purchase costs, but in a share house, you can reduce the following costs:
- Many properties do not require a deposit or key money
- Furniture and appliances are included, so no purchase costs are required
- In many cases, utility bills and internet fees are included in the rent.
The low financial burden is particularly appealing to people planning a short stay or living alone for the first time.
2. Ample amenities
Unlike regular rental properties, share houses have common spaces, which means you can enjoy a spacious living environment.
- Shared living room and kitchen are well equipped
- Laundry facilities, vacuum cleaners and other household appliances are provided.
- Some properties also have workspaces and fitness rooms
In particular, a major benefit is the access to a spacious living room and high-quality furniture and appliances that would be difficult to afford if living alone.
3. It creates opportunities for interaction with people
One of the best things about living in a share house is being able to build new connections through interactions with other residents. Natural communication occurs especially in the following situations:
- Eating and chatting in the shared living room
- Hosting events and parties
- Exchanging information about hobbies and work
Shared houses for working adults often encourage active interaction with people from different industries, expanding business opportunities. They are the perfect place to live for people who want to make friends in a new environment.
4. Improved security
When living alone, you may be concerned about burglaries while you're away or security measures when you return home, but in a shared house, multiple people live together, so the risk of suspicious people breaking in is lower.
- Many properties come with auto-locks and security cameras
- Residents feel safe because they cooperate with each other
- Some properties have a resident manager, so problems can be dealt with smoothly.
In particular, many women-only share houses have strengthened security and provide a safe living environment.
5. More lifestyle options
Another appeal of a share house is that it is more than just a place to live; it allows you to live a life that prioritizes your lifestyle.
- Living with foreigners in an international share house
- Co-living shared houses provide a good remote work environment
- A share house for creators where you can live together with people in the same industry
By choosing a home that matches your interests and career, you can live a more fulfilling life.
Disadvantages of a share house
1. Privacy is difficult to maintain
Since shared houses involve communal living, one of the disadvantages is that it is difficult to secure completely private space.
- Even if there are private rooms, they may not be very soundproof.
- There are always other residents in the shared spaces, so you have to be careful.
- In dormitory-style share houses, there is almost no privacy due to shared rooms.
If you want to concentrate on work or study, or if you are looking for a quiet environment, we recommend choosing a private room-type share house.
2. Problems caused by differences in lifestyle
Differences in lifestyle and values among residents can sometimes cause problems.
- Clash between early-to-bed, early-to-rise and night-owls
- The sounds of music, games, and phone calls are bothersome
- Shared kitchens and bathrooms are used at the same time
Some shared houses have strict living rules, so it is important to check in advance.
3. Cleaning and maintenance issues in shared spaces
In shared houses, cleaning of common spaces and taking out the trash are often managed on a rotation basis, but sometimes residents don't follow the rules.
- Kitchens and bathrooms get dirty easily
- Some people don't follow the rules for taking out the trash.
- Problems can arise with how shared spaces are used
You can easily avoid trouble by choosing a property with good cleaning management or a shared house with a manager.
4. Suitability as a long-term residence
Shared houses are comfortable for short-term living, but in some cases they may not be suitable for long-term living.
- Your lifestyle no longer suits you due to a change in job or life stage
- Not suitable for family living
- Because there are certain rules, you may feel that you have little freedom.
If you are thinking about living in a share house for a long time in the future, it is important to carefully consider whether the share house fits your life plan.
Who is a share house suitable for and who isn't?
Shared houses are a style of housing that allows you to take advantage of comfortable facilities and communities while keeping costs down, but they are not suitable for everyone. Some people can make the most of the benefits, while others may find them inconvenient. Here we will explain in detail the characteristics of people who are suitable for shared houses and those who are not.
Who is a share house suitable for?
1. People who want to keep rent and living costs down
The biggest appeal of a share house is that you can live at a lower cost than living alone. It is especially recommended for the following people:
- I want to keep my rent as low as possible
- Want to reduce initial costs
- I want to pay my utility and internet bills together
Many of the properties come with furniture and appliances, making them ideal for people living alone for the first time or for short-term stays.
2. People who want to enjoy interacting with others
A share house is an environment where residents can easily interact with each other. It is especially suitable for the following types of people:
- I want to make new friends
- I want to have inter-industry exchanges and networking
- I want to enjoy international exchange with people from overseas.
Another attractive feature is the opportunity to build personal connections through events and conversations in shared spaces that you wouldn't be able to make if you were living alone.
3. People who can enjoy a varied life
Unlike living alone where every day tends to be the same, a shared house offers variety through interactions with other residents and events.
- I want to live an exciting life, not a monotonous one.
- I want to learn about new values and lifestyles
- I want to enjoy meals and events with residents
In particular, share houses that are specialized for a particular purpose, such as for creators, entrepreneurs, or international exchange, increase the chances of meeting people with the same aspirations.
People who are not suited to living in a share house
1. People who value privacy
Although shared houses have private rooms, the reality is that complete privacy is difficult to ensure because there are many shared spaces.
- I want to spend time alone in a quiet environment
- I feel stressed about living with other people
- I want to live freely at my own pace
For such people, living completely alone or in a studio apartment with good soundproofing is ideal.
2. People who are bothered by noises and rules
In a shared house, residents have different lifestyles, which can sometimes lead to issues with noise and rules.
- I don't like noisy environments late at night
- I want to strictly follow the rules for cleaning and taking out the trash.
- Feeling stressed by other people's lifestyles
It is highly likely that this place is not suitable for people who are looking for a particularly quiet environment or who are nervous.
3. People looking for a long-term home
Shared houses are ideal for short-term stays, but in some cases they may not be suitable for long-term housing.
- I plan to have a family in the future
- I want to create my own space
- Living in the same environment for a long period of time
Shared houses are difficult to accommodate changes in life stages, so they may not be suitable for people looking for long-term housing.
summary
Share houses are a form of housing where you can take advantage of comprehensive facilities and a community while keeping rent and initial costs down. They are especially ideal for people who enjoy interacting with others and who seek a flexible lifestyle. On the other hand, they may not be suitable for people who value privacy or are concerned about differences in lifestyle. By choosing a share house that suits your lifestyle and values, you can achieve a comfortable communal life. Find the perfect share house and start a new life!
