03/12/2023
5 TIPS FOR SAVING ON APARTMENT RENT IN JAPAN 🏠🇯🇵
#1. Move in the off-season, when there’s lower demand.
In Japan, the peak season for renting is January to March due to the April 1st start of the fiscal and academic year. Landlords prefer this time for higher demand and stable income with a two-year lease. Yet, some properties go unleased in the off-season (June to August) when it's less favorable to move. Landlords facing vacancies then often lower rent, offer a free month, or waive fees to attract tenants. As a renter, utilizing the off-season allows negotiating better deals on apartments.
#2. Look for older properties🏚️
Rent levels are highly dependent on the age of the property. Everything else being equal, such as distance from the station or size of the property, there are many more older apartments available for rent. They are considered less desirable, but you will have more properties to choose from. The difference in supply and demand also means that monthly rent for these types of properties is lower.
Another thing to keep in mind is that many older properties have been renovated. So the “year built” is not always the best indicator of how the apartment actually looks or the amenities available.
#3. Look for properties further away from the station.🚉
People generally want as short a commute time as possible, so the closer a property is to the station the higher the rent level, everything else being equal.
This holds true for the reverse as well: the further a property is from the station, the lower the rent tends to be. Depending on the station, you will see average rent levels decreasing for properties that are more than a 15-minute walk from the station.
Another tip related to distance from station is that stations with access to multiple train or subway lines also tend to be more expensive because they offer more options for accessibility. If you look for properties that are on local stations, rent levels will also be lower than for large stations with access to multiple lines.
#4. Look for properties with unit baths. 🛁
Apartments where the bathtub/shower, sink, and toilet are pre-fabricated into one unit (called a unit bath) tend to have lower rent than comparable properties.
#5. Be flexible with your desired floor plan. 🏡
Think about how you will be using your apartment not a specific layout or room size . Do you need a separate room for working from home or is it ok for you to sleep, cook and work in a single very large space? How much stuff do you have and do you need a closet to store your things?
You won't need to rent an overly spacious and expensive apartment. Instead, look for a unit that suits your needs, allowing you to save on rental costs.
