Archive for the ‘Apartment’ Category

postheadericon How to rent an apartment in Tokyo

Apartments are usually rented through real estate agents rather than landlords. Real estate offices can be recognized by listings of available apartments in their show windows. They also advertise on signs in the neighborhood and in various publications.


Not at last, entering a rental contract with a conventional real estate company is very expensive. A number of refundable and non refundable fees have to be paid, often totaling three to ten months’ rent, depending on the company and apartment:

  • Reservation fee (tetsukekin)
  • The tetsukekin is paid when you apply for an apartment, and before the actual rental contract is signed. It serves as a guarantee for you that the apartment is not given to somebody else, and for the agent that you do not change your mind. It is refunded after the actual contract is signed and is usually equivalent to about one month’s rent.
  • Deposit (shikikin)
  • The deposit is used to cover eventual future damage to the apartment. The deposit minus the cost for repairs is refunded when you move out. The deposit is usually equivalent to several months’ rent.
  • Key money (reikin)
  • This is a non refundable payment to the landlord in the amount of up to several months’ rent.
  • Service fee (chukai tesuryo)
  • This is a non refundable payment to the real estate agent in the amount of at most one month’s rent.

In most cases, apartments come unfurnished, utilities are not included in the rent, and pets are not allowed.

 

Reference: Tokyo Guest House at http://www.share-style.net/

postheadericon Real-estate agency for foreigners in Tokyo

Conventional real estate companies
The rental system of many conventional real estate companies is not very foreigner friendly.
Apartments are usually rented for a minimum of two years, which conflicts with the fact that many foreigners stay in Japan for less than two years.


Furthermore, most landlords are naturally reluctant to rent their apartments to foreigners who are not able to communicate in Japanese. Some of them will even categorically refuse their service to non permanent residents out of fear of frictions.
Many agents also require you to provide them with information about your financial background and to have a guarantor co-sign the rental contract as another security measure. Certain conditions apply as who can serve as your guarantor. It must usually be a Japanese national with a stable financial background.

Real estate companies for foreigners
Real estate companies, which specifically target Japan’s foreign community, exist mainly in Tokyo and other large metropolitan areas. They offer private and shared apartments for conditions that are much more suitable to the needs of foreigners, and often have staff trained in foreign languages.
For example, they offer rental contracts for much shorter time periods and lower and fewer initial fees than conventional companies. In addition, their apartments are often already furnished, and the cost for utilities may be included in the monthly rent.
Many real estate companies for foreigners operate so called gaijin houses (“foreigner houses”), a very inexpensive type of accommodation, while others target individuals and businesses on larger budgets and with higher requirements.

 

postheadericon Understand the terms before committing!

For anybody wishing to understand the real estate in Japan one has to understand rent terminologies used.  Without being able to understand the technologies it would be difficult to understand how they do their business.  Some of the terminologies always used are LDK (living, dining and kitchen).  These are extra utilities found in a house, if it has 3LDK that would mean that there are 3 rooms plus the above three.  Japanese kitchens are usually assessed from a different entrance from the main entrance.

The other terminology used is the Designated Private space. This term refers to the user’s private space including where the house stands.  This is one of the terms you will find when signing a rent agreement.  For those in unit dwellings, this refers to the individual’s house space and is not common to other people in the same unit. Wood frame structure – This is self explanatory; the frame is made of wood. We need to consider that most houses in Japan are built by wood and do not go beyond two stories.

Not all houses are made of wood other terms used Steel construction and Reinforced concrete. Owners of houses apart from the rent and deposit fees usually gets what is called Reikin.  Reikin is a gratuity fee given to the owner as a thank you.  This is not refundable. Japanese always list their room space separately.  By this I mean you can find the term CL which in essence refers to Closet and WC for a washroom or toilet as they prefer to call it.

 

postheadericon Good Access to the Center of Tokyo

Tokyo, the second largest expensive city in the world is a shopping hub of its own kind in the 21st century. Its centre is dotted by some of the luxurious residential complexes. Some of the expat housing Tokyo found in the central business district includes Meguro Tower Apartments, Omotesando Court Apartments and the Blossom Terrace amongst others. Expat housing Tokyo has been built with the attention they deserve. They are within all access modes of transport within the town centre.

 

expat housing Tokyo

 

Tokyo has one of the most efficient transportation networks in the world. It runs various transportation systems making residential within its centre worthwhile. Tokyo’s infrastructure network includes airports, express-subways, taxis, ferries (used to ferry passengers within the islands), trail (the most dominating transportation factor), trams and finally subways (which run across the whole city centre). Most of these residential apartments are situated a few minutes from the most important amenities.

Those considering staying in the luxuries apartments have no cause to worry. This is due to the fact that nearly all the amenities are within walking distance. These apartments have been built in accordance with international standards requirements making them some of the most sought apartments in Tokyo’s central business district. They are tastefully decorated and boast of highest degree of professionalism, taking into consideration their customers requirements. The apartments are fully furnished, with ample parking, and a very tight security network amongst other facilities.

Visitors or expatriates intending to stay in Tokyo for a period of time, have the advantage of choosing between the various residential areas what appeals to them. This is best done through a realtor or the real estate agents who handle most of the residential properties in Tokyo. The apartments size differ, depending on the family requirement, one cannot miss accommodation in Tokyo. It is advisable to ascertain one’s family needs before seeking the services of a realtor. This will make it easy for both of you to decide on the best accommodation set-up. Facilities like schools, place of work, hospitals and park or recreational centre should top the list as these are the deciding factor when it comes to choosing residential apartments within a given area.

postheadericon Best Areas to Find an Apartment in Tokyo

While you move from one place to another, it is better to get adjusted with dwelling place within short time. You may be moving from your home town to a new town in search of a new job. If you are not able to adapt with the new surroundings, you may not get enough time for concentrating on the work you have received. It is this time where you can find serviced apartments. In fact, serviced apartments are available in major cities. However, serviced apartments in Tokyo are the best Tokyo apartments. Tokyo apartments provide several options for people.

Tokyo apartment

The concept of service apartments has reached all over the world. But, Tokyo apartments can bring the homely atmosphere. Their service is the best, since they concern user requirements well. You can afford better comfort with serviced apartments in Tokyo. You will not get a single chance to complaint about their services. Serviced apartments attract more travelers to places.

You will get everything, almost like in a dream. Tokyo serviced apartments can bring you much comfort to your lifestyle.  They will take care of all small and big matters. A fully furnished kitchen along with better equipped living room will bring much more comfort and happiness in your mind. It will always keep your mind entertained and active. Those who prefer to cook by their own can make use of all features available in the kitchen. These features will make your dreams come true.

Location of these apartments plays an important role. Almost all of these apartments are constructed where people can easily reach. These apartments are located in places where symmetry lies between nature and buildings. Location of these apartments will be in places where people love to live for. Because of large availability of apartments, you can have places that resemble in your dreams.

Tokyo apartments can provide you all comfort. There will have maids all around the building to help you in cooking food and other jobs. There will have resident associations to hear your complaints and take actions. You will not feel discomfort if you select Tokyo apartments. Why are you waiting for? Have your dream house in Tokyo.

postheadericon Where to Find Tokyo Furnished Apartments

Furnished apartments are an economical option as compared to finding a serviced apartment in Tokyo, especially if you plan to stay long in which case you’d want to find a long term apartment in Tokyo that comes furnished. The cost of furnished apartments is less than serviced apartments and they provide all the facilities that are required by somebody to live.

Here are a few districts where you can find furnished apartments in Tokyo easily.

Roppongi District is one place where you can find a number of furnished apartments in Tokyo. Tokyo’s finest restaurants and cuisines can be found here. Also, there are a variety of shops and markets that you can explore. So, all in all, it will be a nice place for you to stay while spending your time in Tokyo. This district has a rich history and tradition. You will surely love it.

Another place to find furnished apartments in Tokyo is Ginza – the entertainment hub of the city. You will find a variety of night clubs, cafes, galleries, shops and restaurants here. This area is well connected to the Tokyo stations, so your travelling will be easier too, connecting you to all the major parts in and around Tokyo.

Marunouchi is also known as the commercial district of Tokyo. It is situated between Imperial Palace and the Tokyo Station. You will find headquarters of many big companies in this area. The offices of the North and South magistrates and the Finance magistrate are also here. Hence, this place is of great economical value. The furnished apartments here are really worthwhile for the businessmen that come to visit this place. Also, the headquarters to the Mitsubishi Company is situated in this area.

Aoyama is one of the most famous areas of Tokyo. It is the home to many of the celebrities in Japan. This place is famous for its fashion houses, restaurants and the shopping complexes. If you are a shopping buff, then you have to visit this place. Again, this is a good choice for business travelers, since finding furnished apartments here will hold commercial importance.

Hamamatsucho is the pace from where you can enjoy the full view of the Bay of Tokyo. There are many high rise buildings in this area, so you can see the little vehicles moving on the roads as “toy vehicles”. If you choose this area for finding an accommodation, then you will enjoy the scenic view of the city and the life otherwise in Tokyo.

Sugamo is a quiet place if you want to spend your time here. It is also a good place shop for the older generation. The place has a lot to offer to, in matters of tradition and culture. Also, it’s well connected to the Yamanote railway line, which connects this place to the rest of the areas in Tokyo.

Also, if you’re looking for apartments on weekly basis, then you should go for furnished apartments if you manage to take care of the other activities like washing clothes, utensils, cleaning the room , etc. They prove to be more economical if you are planning to stay in a group. However, they are still lighter on the pocket, if compared to the serviced apartments.

postheadericon How to Find an Apartment Rental in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the most visited cities all around the world as the city itself attracts a large number of people commonly called as foreigners or expatriates each and every year for all sort of purposes. On the other hand, staying in the city can turn out to be problematic if you being a foreigner do not know about where to and how to find out necessary amenities. This is one of the gravest issues that are being faced by foreigners as they are unable to find themselves with proper and suitable accommodation. In this article, you will be able to find useful information via which you will be able to find an Apartment Rental in Tokyo.

If you are visiting Tokyo being a foreigner, you certainly need to find yourself a suitable accommodation in a neighborhood that is extremely well connected. As Tokyo is a metropolitan city, it is highly expensive and this truly makes the property heavily priced as well. If you are considering getting an apartment rental in the heart of the city then you will apparently have to pay a huge amount and this can be burning a hole in to your pocket. One of the most viable techniques is to figure out a balanced place between affordability and connectivity. While you are considering several neighborhoods in the city, you could perhaps try to find an affordable housing in the neighborhoods such as Asakusa and Ueno.

While you are looking out for apartment rental in Tokyo as a foreigner, it is extremely imperative that you plan your budget first. You should be deciding on how much you can stretch your budget; nevertheless, you need to ensure that you are not exceeding more than 30% of your monthly income. This would be extremely helpful in making sure that you are left with sufficient amount to take care of your other imperative needs and requirements while you are living in such a posh city like Tokyo. You need to make sure that you are able to provide the lease amount, the initial advances and various other non-refundable deposits before you are signing an agreement for apartment rental.

You also need to decide on the kind of accommodation you are looking for. Over the past few years, the city has come to various kinds of accommodation mainly including single-household structures, apartments and Mansions are some of the examples. The suitable type of accommodation will be helpful in deciding the budget. On the other hand, an ideal approach to find proper accommodation is by contacting an independent real estate agent or agency overall.

postheadericon Advantages of Short Stay Apartments in Tokyo

No doubt, Tokyo is a great place to visit and explore. If you observe the tour guide and tips over the internet then you would come to know that there are numerous places to visit in Tokyo. You would find the attractive and interesting culture of Tokyo if you visit its several places. The entertainment and diversity of Tokyo make a large number of tourists to come and visit various places in Tokyo. If you are one of those people who love to tour and explore new places then you should visit Tokyo. You should also take suitable measures before you departure for your visit to Tokyo because there are certain important things to consider. You will have to observe your budget so that you can make proper arrangements and plans of your visit. One of the most important factors is the accommodation or your stay at Tokyo.

If you are taking a short tour of Tokyo then it would be wiser for you to choose short stay apartments for your stay. Short stay apartment Tokyo would give you numerous benefits for sure. It is very obvious that visiting Tokyo would not let you stay or rest at one place because there are many interesting places like theaters, museums, bars, sports centers and clubs in Tokyo. These places along with many other would not let you stay at one place for too long. That is why it is important and beneficial for you to choose short stay apartment Tokyo for your accommodation. Short stay apartments Tokyo would save your precious budget because you can undergo spending a huge sum of money if you choose any other accommodation.

These apartments are fully furnished apartments with nice and soothing services. You would feel relaxed and comfortable after making a wonderful tour of many places in Tokyo.

Image Source

postheadericon Tokyo Apartment Trends

Tokyo is one of the top-rising tourist destinations in the modern times. Several airlines now offer rather cheap flights to Tokyo and it just seems hard to resist all of those great offers. The problem for most travelers, however, comes in the form of lodging. While airlines continue to give discounts and promos to top destinations such as Tokyo, hotels continue to increase their charges as more and more tourists visit the city.

As more and more tourists come to Tokyo, the need for more convenient lodging continues to increase. For the past decade, the need has been supplied by serviced apartments. Whether staying for only a week or extending the stay for a few months, tourists can now live comfortably in short-term or monthly apartments without having to empty their pockets.

Apartments are very convenient and have great contributions to the economy. As apartments provide more affordable lodging, tourists no longer fear over-budgeting during their travels to Tokyo. More tourists mean more income for the businesses in Tokyo, thus, improving the city’s economy.

In the past few years, there has been a noticeable decrease in the rent index in the Tokyo Metropolitan area as well as in the 23 special wards of Tokyo. Rent index measures the changes in rents paid by tenants and received by landlords adjusted for changes in quality. This means that over the past years, there has been a decrease in the price range of apartments in Tokyo. However, this also means that the apartment consumer market is still evolving just enough to keep the landlords interested in pursuing their renting businesses despite having to decrease the rent. Overall, a decrease in the rent index just proves how the economy is starting to stabilize again, a change that would benefit us all.

Japanese Apartment

Japanese Apartment

For many travelers, apartments also become great lodging options not only because of the affordable price, but also because living in an apartment can be a way of lessening home-sickness. Having the comforts of home, such as having a kitchen and dining area, even as you travel can help you settle in Tokyo quickly and ease whatever loneliness you’re feeling. Also, most serviced apartments in Tokyo have several security measures installed in the buildings so tourists can feel safe while traveling.

Most of all, apartments offer tourists privacy that busy hotels in Tokyo can no longer provide. With these advantages in mind, we can continue to expect that the apartment-renting business in Tokyo maintain its evolution through the years – giving tourists more and more reasons to keep on traveling to Tokyo.

Image Source

postheadericon Guesthouses and Apartments in Japan

For visitors and long-time residents alike, finding a place to live within Japan can be a difficult experience. There are several different types of housing available to the expatriate community.  Apartments and houses are available by individual renters as well as agencies.  Unfamiliar residences may include the “guesthouse” and the “short term mansion”.  Let’s explore exactly what these residences mean, and what’s it’s like to live there.


A guesthouse:

The guesthouse, often referred to as a “gaijin house”, or “foreigner house” is larger building with several different private rooms that usually have a bed, desk, and storage space.  Tenants have a room to themselves, and share communal spaces like bathrooms, showers, and kitchens.  There are guesthouses all over Japan, and prices for these rooms can vary widely depending on the age of the building, the location, and utility prices for the area.

Even cheaper still are dorm-style rooms in guest houses – these rooms are large rooms within a guesthouse that are typically filled with several bunk beds.  There may also be some storage space available.  Many tenants share this room – it is essentially used only as a sleeping place. This is one of the cheapest options for people living in Japan, though it may not be preferable for many.

Living in a guesthouse requires sharing many amenities.  Depending on the nature of the people in the house at the time, it may be a fun atmosphere, or it may be noisy.  It is difficult to determine before you arrive, but you are almost guaranteed to come away with good stories, regardless of your experience!

Apartments and Mansions:

Japan’s living spaces are notoriously small.  This doesn’t, however, mean that the quality of the living space may be in any way diminished.  Apartment style living in Japan comes in several different iterations.  Typically, residences listed as “apartments” are buildings made from wood.  The buildings are often older, and may not be as well insulated as other building types.  Recent renovations to apartments have made them very nice places to live, and they are often cheaper than their mansion style counterparts.

Mansion style residences are just like apartments, save for their concrete structure.  These buildings are well insulated against both heat and cold, and they are typically newer.

The sizes of apartments and mansions are usually the same – it’s possible to find very small and very large homes in either type.  Mansions are often slightly more expensive than the apartments in terms of rent, but you may find that what you pay in rent you make up for with utility bills!  It is up to the tenant to decide what style of residence meets his or her needs.

The next time you visit Japan, keep these things in mind – find the place to stay that’s right for you!

Image Source