Hello! This is Willow Inc., here to fully support your new life in Japan from a housing perspective.
When you start looking for a room for your new life in Japan, you will likely come across the option of a “Furnished Apartment” (家具家電付きアパート). The idea of having a bed, refrigerator, washing machine, and more from the very beginning sounds very appealing, doesn’t it?
But at the same time, you probably have questions like, “Isn’t the rent more expensive than a regular apartment?” or “Can I choose the design?”
That’s why this time, we at Willow, as specialists in real estate for foreigners, will provide a fair and thorough explanation of the real advantages and the must-know disadvantages of furnished apartments!
[The Pros] Why Do People Choose Furnished Apartments?
There are clear reasons why furnished apartments are especially popular with foreigners who have just arrived in Japan.
① Drastically Save on Initial Costs
This is the biggest advantage. Normally, when starting a life in Japan, in addition to contract fees like the security deposit and key money, you need to purchase all the necessary furniture and appliances (bed, desk, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, TV, etc.). It’s not uncommon for this to cost upwards of 100,000 to 200,000 yen, even on a budget. A furnished apartment allows you to save this entire expense.
② Save a Huge Amount of Time and Effort
The appeal of a furnished apartment is that you can “start a comfortable life from day one with just a single suitcase.” It completely eliminates the immense hassle of visiting multiple furniture and electronic stores, coordinating delivery dates, and setting everything up in an unfamiliar environment right after you arrive. This is a significant time advantage, especially for those who want to start their studies or work immediately.
③ Less Hassle When Moving Out
Think about when it’s time to leave Japan or move to another city. Furniture and appliances you bought yourself must be disposed of as oversized garbage (for a fee) or sold to a recycle shop or friends. With a furnished apartment, you just need to clean the room and you’re good to go. You can move on to your next step with ease. This is a particularly big merit for those planning a short-term stay of 1-2 years.
[The Cons] What to Know Before You Sign
Of course, it’s not all good news. To avoid regretting your decision after signing the contract, be sure to understand these points as well.
① Higher Monthly Rent Than Unfurnished Properties
This is the most straightforward disadvantage. Because the rental fee for the furniture and appliances is included, the monthly rent is often set 5,000 to 15,000 yen higher compared to a similar unfurnished apartment in the same area and of the same size. If you plan to live there for a long time (e.g., more than two years), it may end up being cheaper to buy everything yourself.
② No Choice in Design or Models
Naturally, you cannot choose the furniture or appliances that come with the room. For those who “want to be particular about interior design” or “want to use the latest high-performance electronics,” it might feel a bit lacking. While the landlord is responsible for repairing or replacing items if they break, you cannot dispose of them on your own.
③ Limited Number of Properties
Compared to standard apartments, the number of furnished apartments available is still relatively small. Therefore, finding an ideal furnished property in your desired area and layout may require a bit of patience.
[Conclusion] Is a Furnished Apartment Right for You?
Based on the pros and cons, who are furnished apartments best suited for?
【We recommend them if you…】
- Want to keep initial costs as low as possible.
- Are an international student or on a working holiday planning a short-term stay (1-2 years).
- Are a professional who wants to save time on choosing furniture and focus on your new life right away.
- Are not particularly concerned with interior design.
We at Willow are also experts in furnished apartments. We will carefully listen to your planned length of stay and lifestyle to help you determine “which option is truly better for you.” We support you in finding the best room by comparing both standard and furnished apartments, so please feel free to consult with us first.
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