Real Estate Japan | Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya Properties For Rent & Sale

Andrew Bossi . WikiMedia

The following was put together by Plaza Homes in order to help folks looking to:

- Choose a neighborhood to move into – Decide which type of housing best suits your needs – Work with your realtor to quickly locate and secure a quality property.

Type of Housing

Apartment in Japanese English is pronounced Apa-to, or for more upscale properties, Mansion. Most urban Japanese are apartment dwellers. The size of the typical Japanese apartment decreased to “rabbit hutch” proportions in the post-war development period. Fortunately, many apartments were and are being developed to accommodate the taste and lifestyle of expatriate residents. These include large living and dining rooms, spacious master bedrooms (children’s bedrooms may be on the small side); Western appliances; ample storage, and, in most cases, parking.

Apartments are available in any area of Tokyo. Apartments may be located in small, intimate compounds of just a few units clustered around a central garden; mid-sized buildings containing 10-30 units with and a common recreation area; or, the ultra-modern, mammoth high-rise structures now dotting the Tokyo skyline.

Single-family Homes

There are difficult to find in Central Tokyo due to space limitations. The single-family homes that do exist in Central Tokyo are often cramped, old and pricey. The suburban areas of Meguro, Setagaya, and Shibuya offer many more options: homes that are larger, newer and well priced comparatively. Most single-family homes in Tokyo contain some semblance of a yard or garden but you should not envision your Golden Retriever bounding across the yard to you. Houses offered in Tokyo are generally two stories high, have three to four bedrooms, and may run between 120 sq.m to nearly 300 sq.m. The larger properties may include a maid’s room.

Compound

Generally, a cluster of single-family homes, duplexes or four-plexes sharing common grounds and recreational facilities. Usually enclosed, excellent for families with children and the security conscious.

Furnished Housing

Many options are available ranging from “weekly economy mansions” to spacious, fully serviced executive grade residences. “Furnished” housing generally includes basic furniture pieces, TV, VCR, and Internet connection, dishes, white goods and weekly cleaning. Amenities such as front desk service, health club facilities and business centers, may also be included. Furnished Housing has generally not been a cost-effective solution for long-term residents.

Unfurnished Housing

The vast majority of expatriate housing in Tokyo is “unfurnished”. Unfurnished expatriate housing generally include major appliances: stove, oven, refrigerator, washer/dryer, dishwasher and air con/heating. Some fixtures: blinds or curtains, light fixture, may also be included or may be negotiated into your rent.

Locating Pet-friendly Housing

Until recently, the intent to keep a cat or dog, greatly reduced one’s access to available properties. Those landlords who did allows pets would invariably do so under limited conditions and then would require that a special damage clause be attached to the housing lease that holds the lessee liable for any and all pet related damage. Landlords may also require that an additional deposit be advanced to cover the expense of sanitation and restoration when the tenant vacates. The good news is that many owners have recently relaxed pet restrictions and pet owners have a wide variety of options, providing they are willing to compensate the owner for any damage at the tail end of lease.

Plaza Homes helps people find a place to live in Tokyo.  Their full-service solution includes finding a property,  arranging viewings, finalizing paperwork and organizing furniture.  To find out more, click here.

Tokyo Apartments For Sale | Tokyo Apartments For Rent | Real Estate Japan