The Tokyo Real Estate Market is constantly in a state of fluctuation. The high population density and the scarcity of land makes puts Tokyo Real Estate at a premium. Though the housing situation in Tokyo Real Estate , with respect to living space has improved over the years, it is still difficult to find appropriate and affordable housing in Tokyo and the nearby suburbs. Most homes or apartments are built compactly, effecting maximum utilization of available space and resources.
In Tokyo, information about Apartments are generally availed through Tokyo Real Estate Agents . Tokyo Real Estate Agencies are located in almost every neighborhood and their offices can be identified through the sheets of available apartments listings in their show windows.
Tokyo Real Estate generally consists of small apato or apartments or larger manshon or mansions for rent. In Tokyo Real Estate parlance, an LDK stands for Living, Dining and Kitchen areas. A furnished Tokyo Apartment for rent or an LDK would typically be a single bedroom flat with a bathroom, kitchen and a compact sitting area. with minimal furniture and either wooden floors or floors covered in traditional tatami matting. The number of bedrooms might vary. The size of rooms is measured by tatami mats, roughly 180 X 90 cms.
Foreigners need to be aware of the following terms and conditions when renting Tokyo Apartments -
- The Rent or yachin is to be paid at the beginning of every month. Rent is determined by the size and location and neighborhood of the apartment. Most apartments are leased for a minimum of two years.
- Apartments come with a Maintenance fee or kanrihi. The expense can be shared by the tenants and paid to the building supervisor.
- Utilities like water, gas and electricity are chargeable and are usually not included in the monthly rent.
- In case of conventional apartments, the cost for utilities such as gas and electricity is not included in the rent. The opposite is sometimes true in case of companies that specifically target foreigners.
- For long term rentals, landlords would also ask tenants to insure apartments from natural disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis as well as hazards like fire.
Tokyo also has a number of
Real Estate Agencies which deal with only foreigners. They offer apartments for private and shared accommodation in the large metropolitan areas. These
Tokyo Real Estate Agents also offer foreigners the benefit of leasing apartments for short time periods and charge lower deposit and maintenance fees. Many
Tokyo Real Estate Agencies also offer Gaijin Houses, specifically targeted at foreigners on a budget.
