What type of shared houses are available?
There are many differences among "shared houses," not only in terms of location and rent.
In this article, we will introduce some typical examples of what type of shared houses are available.
If you can imagine exactly what kind of shared house you would like to live in, you will have a clearer picture of the conditions you are looking for, which will make your search easier.
Let's take a look at the different types of shared houses and room types.
Various types of shared houses
Some properties and management companies have a clear concept for their shared houses, so we will introduce a few typical examples.
Interaction-oriented shared houses
This type of shared house offers many opportunities for interaction, with the living room designed to make it easy for people to gather together, and the manager and management company organizing a variety of events.
As tenants become closer through interactions, they may be able to live "as if they were sharing rooms with friends.”
Depending on the property, some shared houses have so many tenants that it would not be an exaggeration to say that they have created a "small village.”
Shared houses with an emphasis on privacy
This is a type of shared house where all the rooms in the property are private rooms.
The kitchen and bathrooms are shared, and there are also lounges where you can socialize with other tenants, but if you want to spend more time on your own, you can do so in your own private room.
Cost-effective shared houses
This type of shared house is operated under the motto of "Just inexpensive!”
In this type, dormitory rooms are more common than private rooms, and individual space is limited, but the rent is lower.
This type is especially recommended for people who are busy with work and feel that they would be OK as long as they have a place to sleep for now.
High-class shared houses
For those who would like to live in a property in a location that is difficult to live alone, or in a stylish house furnished with carefully selected high-end interior design, we recommend a high-class shared house.
If you're looking for a shared house in a "town you've always dreamed of living in," you may be unexpectedly able to make your dream come true soon.
Shared houses with a concept
Shared houses for people with common goals and hobbies, people of the same gender and generation, etc.
Although the concept varies from property to property, it is easy to become friends with other share mates if you have the same goals and hobbies or similar circumstances.
There are also various shared houses that have the concept of allowing people to live with the purpose of "living plus extra."
For entrepreneurs and those who want to start a business
This type of shared house is for people who have started a business or want to start a business. The emphasis is on placing students in an environment where they can be stimulated by the exchange of ideas and advice on a daily basis.
Some properties regularly hold seminars and opinion-exchange meetings, so those who are interested should check not only the properties but also the events held.
For engineers and freelancers
Some shared houses are equipped with co-working spaces or dedicated work rooms.
Most of the properties are not only for those who are currently working as engineers or freelancers, but also for those who "want to be."
Regular study sessions may be held, work groups may be organized with other tenants, and connections may be made that lead to jobs.
It is also recommended for people who basically work in their own room but want to change the environment depending on their mood.
Some properties are equipped with Wi-Fi, printers, etc., and some are decorated like a café, so you can look for an environment where you can work comfortably.
Shared houses with fitness facilities
This type of shared house is equipped with a gym, yoga studio, sauna, and other facilities.
Instructors may also live in the same house, and some properties offer lessons on a regular basis.
For international exchange and language study
Some properties focus mainly on interaction with foreigners, while others are designed to encourage residents to learn a language together.
In some properties I visited in the past, English was the only language spoken in the house, regardless of whether you are talking to a Japanese or a foreigner!
Movies and music can be enjoyed
Some properties have a theater room in the shared house where regular screenings are held, while others are equipped with a completely soundproof studio.
It's an environment where you can easily find people with the same interests.
Women-only and men-only shared houses
For those who find it difficult to live with the eyes of the opposite sex, it may be easier to live in a women-only or men-only shared house.
Some properties also limit the people who come in to manage and clean the shared house to only those of the same sex as the residents of the property.
Shared house for single mothers
It is especially recommended for single mothers who want to keep housing costs down but avoid unsafe locations or inconvenient rentals.
Shared houses are also recommended due to the fact that rents are lower than those of ordinary rental properties.
In many cases, people of about the same age live in the shared house, so there are advantages such as mothers being able to take some time for themselves if the children play with each other.
Some properties are built on rules of mutual assistance, such as meals being served on a rotating basis, so check house rules carefully.
Shared houses for seniors
They are similar to "serviced housing for the elderly," but are more economically friendly as there are no nursing care services or one-time move-in fees.
Since they see each other in the common areas, they can check on each other's safety on a daily basis and interact with each other by cooking meals together, etc.
Recently, there has been an increase in the number of shared houses that accommodate not only seniors but also everyone from small children to the elderly, where everyone lives together while supporting each other.
Shared houses where pets are allowed.
The type of pet varies from property to property, but you can live in this shared house with the animal of your choice.
If you have a pet yourself, or even if you do not, you can enjoy "living with your favorite animal in the shared house" if another tenant has one.
There are other shared houses with various concepts. Some shared house has a hot spring bath, a shared farm next to the shared house, a well-equipped internet environment and power outlet area for playing games, and so on. There are so many different types of shared houses. You may think your hobbies and goals "might be minor?", but if you search on the Internet, you may be surprised to find a shared house where you can live with others who have the same interests as you.
Check the room type carefully!
Shared houses vary not only in their concept but also in their room type.
Consider which type of room would be comfortable for you as well as the rent.
| Room type | Guideline for rent | Number of people per room |
|---|---|---|
| Private room | ¥54,000 | 1 person |
| Dormitory | ¥40,000 | depends on the property |
| Room-sharing | ¥47,900 | 2 persons |
Private room
In this room type, you share the kitchen, bathroom, living room, etc., but you can have your own room.
Rooms for one person are furnished with a bed, air conditioner, and in some properties, rooms are furnished with a table or compact desk.
It is especially recommended for people who want to spend time on their own and who have a lot of luggage.
Dormitory
Bunk beds are lined up in the room, and basically the only space you have for yourself is on the bed.
The number of people per room also varies from property to property. Since several people will be sharing a room together, the rent will be lower.
This type is recommended for people who just want to live inexpensively and have little luggage.
Room-sharing
This type is recommended for those who want as much privacy as possible but at a lower rent than a private-room type. Rooms are often separated by curtains or partitions to ensure privacy.
"Shared houses" are different not only in terms of location and rent but also in terms of room types and concepts.
Since it is the place where you actually live, you will have less time to make a decision if you start your search with a clear idea of what conditions are important to you.
Another advantage of a shared house is that you can move out more easily than in a regular rental apartment, in case you decide that "it's not what you expected" or "it might not be right for you" after living in the house.
If you find a property you are interested in, you should first take a look at it and see if it matches your imagination.