Cost Of Apartments In Japan

The Cost For Apartments In Japan

The cost of renting an apartment in Japan depends on which city you are planning to live in. For example, Osaka or Yokohama is usually much cheaper than Tokyo. When people complain about the cost of apartments in Tokyo, Osaka, or Yokohama. They are usually referring to the upfront cost. Here we are going to explain all of this and more.

Cost Of Rent

the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Osaka will be around ¥50,000 or $500 a month. The size for that price will be anywhere from 20 to 30 m². For that same type of apartment in Tokyo however, that price will go up. The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Tokyo is around ¥80,000 a month. There are cheaper apartments out there of course however the price will affect the quality, size, and location. Usually, there is also a maintenance fee charged to your monthly payments. The maintenance cost usually starts at ¥3,000 a month and can go up from there depending on the apartment.

Upfront Cost

Japan is one of the most expensive countries for land per square meter. Landscaping is rare but lawns of green grass don't exist in the cities. Most people understand the limited amount of space and expect Japanese apartments to be smaller. What people do not expect however is the expensive initial cost that comes with renting an apartment in Japan. Although the rent for apartments in Japan is about 30% less expensive on average than in the United States. The initial cost however can be much more expensive.

The average upfront payment in Japan is usually five times the rent. This is including the rent itself. A good deal is considered to be around four to three times the rent. However larger apartments for example a three-bedroom or 3LDK also if you have a pet will result in a higher upfront cost. Below we will explain the reason for the upfront cost. Also, give you some tips on how to avoid some of these fees and what to look out for.

Examples Of An Apartments Upfront Cost

Here are some examples of the upfront cost in Japan. In some cases, it’s possible to have an apartment with fewer fees than what is listed below. However, these fees are what you should expect in most cases. Also what you should plan for to have a reasonable selection in quality, size, and location.

A Good Deal

Selection will be limited.

  • 1st month’s rent = ¥60,000
  • Realtor Fee = ¥60,000
  • Guarantor Fee = ¥39,000
  • Insurance Fee = ¥20,000
  • Cleaning Fee = ¥40,000
  • Total = ¥219,000
An average Deal

For a good selection.

  • 1st month’s rent= ¥60,000
  • Maintenance fee= ¥3,000
  • Realtor Fee= ¥60,000
  • Key money= ¥60,000
  • Guarantor Fee= ¥30,000
  • Insurance Fee= ¥25,000
  • Cleaning Fee= ¥35,000
  • Lock Change Fee= ¥18,000
  • Total = ¥291,000
Desirable, Large layout or with Pets
  • 1st month’s rent= ¥60,000
  • Maintenance fee= ¥3,000
  • Realtor Fee= ¥60,000
  • Key money= ¥60,000
  • Pet Deposit= ¥60,000
  • Guarantor Fee= ¥30,000
  • Insurance Fee= ¥20,000
  • Cleaning Fee= ¥30,000
  • Change Lock Fee= ¥15,000
  • Pest Control= ¥20,000
  • Total = ¥358,000

Most Common Fees

Guarantor Fee

To learn more about this you can take a look on our article about guarantors. This initial fee usually ranges from 50% to even 100% of the rent.

Realtor Fee

About 99.9% of the time you will need a real estate agent to receive an apartment in Japan. The realtor's cost is usually 100% of the rent.

Insurance Fee

The insurance for the apartment usually covers any water or fire damage. Usually starts at ¥20,000 and can go up from there depending on the apartment.

Cleaning Fee

This is for them to clean the apartment after you leave. Usually starts at ¥20,000 and in some rare cases can even go up to 100% of the rent.

 

Additional Initial Fees

These initial fees can be optional in some cases. If the initial cost is high or the apartment is not highly desirable. Then these fees are the most likely that you can negotiate off your bill. Again it’s possible that you might see only one or none of these fees at all. However, watch out for hidden fees.

Key Money

Key money is usually considered the most hated. To learn more about this fee you can take a look on our article about key money. The cost usually will be 100% of the rent.

Changing Lock Fee

This is to change all the locks to feel comfortable knowing that you have the only key. Usually starts at ¥20,000 and can go up from there depending on the apartment.

Deposits

Deposits can be involved for example if you have a pet. Be aware that not all deposits are refundable. Again the cost usually will be 100% of the rent.

Pest Control Fee

This is for them to fog the room so you won’t have any problems with insects. The cost starts at about ¥15,000 or much higher depending on the apartment.

Hidden Fees

Hidden fees are extremely common with most apartment listings in Japan. Usually, the listing will not show the total initial cost. Instead will only show a few of the fees or just list the fees that are not involved. It’s very common to see an apartment advertised with no key money for example. The only way to fully find out the total cost is to either give the realtor a call/message or go to the realtors in person.

 

Tricky Tactics

There are many different tactics that realtors use to either get you to see the apartment or to lure you into their shops. Before I mention these tactics to you please understand that there are many good realtors out there. These tactics are only used by a few and give the industry a bad name. It’s simply something that you should watch out for.

One tactic is that they post fake apartments. The reason for this is to lure you into their shops. If the apartment is fake the realtor can come up with all sorts of excuses why the apartment is no longer available. Then they will try to push other more expensive apartments on to you. Fake apartments are pretty hard to spot but we have found a few posts that are a bit too obvious. This problem is only getting worse. Some realtors are actually going as far as to advertise that they do not take part in this.

Another tactic is to advertise an apartment with no key money. Because this fee is the most hated and well-known realtors will sometimes use this against you. An apartment with no key money will not necessarily mean it will be a better deal or less expensive. There can be many other fees involved that can drive up the cost.

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