What is a furnished apartment? How is it different from a regular rental property?

A furnished apartment is a rental property that comes equipped with the necessary furniture and appliances for daily life from the time you move in. It comes equipped with a bed, table, air conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine, etc., and is characterized by the fact that it can significantly reduce the hassle of moving and initial costs.

Furnished rental properties are in high demand especially in big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, and are gaining attention as a form of housing that supports flexible lifestyles.

In a typical rental apartment, you have to purchase and bring in all of these amenities yourself, which means a large cost when you move in. On the other hand, with a furnished apartment, the necessities of life are provided right from the start, so you can start living there right away.

What are the typical amenities found in a furnished apartment?

Below are some examples of amenities that may be found in a furnished rental apartment:

• Bed and bedding
• Air conditioning
• Refrigerator and microwave
• washing machine
• Tables, chairs, curtains
• Wi-Fi environment (internet compatible) *Depends on the property

These properties, which come with appliances and furniture, are especially popular with young people staying for a short period of time, working away from home, or starting to live alone.

Furnished properties include not only condominium-type properties, but also wooden apartment-type properties. The rent and facilities vary depending on the property structure and location, so choose a home that suits your lifestyle.

Who is it suitable for? Benefits for different usage scenarios

Furnished apartments are ideal for the following people:

• People moving to a new place for further education or work
• People who are living alone for the first time and can't afford to buy furniture
• People who need temporary housing or housing while renovating
• Freelancers and those living in two locations seeking a flexible lifestyle

The flexibility and ease of furnished rentals meets these needs.

Benefits of choosing a furnished apartment in Osaka

Furnished rentals are also popular among people who are moving or transferring from other prefectures, such as Hyogo, Fukuoka, and Aichi, to start a new life in Osaka. They are popular with a wide range of people, from students to working adults and foreign residents, because they offer the convenience and flexibility that only a big city can offer. In this chapter, we will introduce the benefits of choosing a furnished apartment in Osaka.

You can start living right away with minimal initial costs

If the property comes with furniture and appliances, you won't need to purchase new furniture or arrange for delivery when you move. In addition, many furnished rental properties have conditions that keep initial costs down, such as no security deposit or key money, and no agency fees, and in some cases you can move in for less than 50,000 yen. This is a very cost-effective option, especially for those planning to live alone or for a short stay.

Flexible living options in the city center and popular areas

Osaka is dotted with popular areas such as Umeda (Kita), Namba/Shinsaibashi (Minami), and Tennoji. Regular rental properties in these areas tend to be expensive, but furnished rental properties can be relatively affordable by taking advantage of short-term contracts and compact floor plans. There are also many properties close to stations or within a 5-minute walk, making them convenient for commuting to work, school, and shopping.

Flexible to accommodate relocations and lifestyle changes

Furnished apartments often have a minimum contract period of one month, making it easy to move. For example, they can be used by people who are frequently transferred or who want to stay in Osaka temporarily for remote work, or as a temporary residence while preparing to study abroad. The fact that you can "live in them when you need them, for as long as you need them" can be said to be a new form of housing that is suited to the coming era.

Comparison of rent prices and conditions for furnished apartments [Osaka Edition]

When looking for a furnished apartment in Osaka City, you will want to consider the average rent and conditions. It may seem more expensive than a regular rental, but when you consider the reduced initial costs and the full range of facilities such as furniture and appliances, it may end up being cost-effective.

Estimated average rent in Osaka city

As a guideline by area, the following trends can be seen for furnished rental properties ranging from one room to one bedroom, one dining room, and one dining room.

• Umeda/Nakatsu area (Kita Ward): 70,000 to 90,000 yen
• Namba/Shinsaibashi area (Chuo Ward/Naniwa Ward): 65,000 to 85,000 yen
• Tennoji/Abeno area: 55,000 to 70,000 yen
• Kyobashi/Morinomiya area (Joto Ward, etc.): 50,000 to 65,000 yen
• Towards Tsuruhashi, Imazato and Higashi Osaka: 45,000 to 60,000 yen

The better the conditions, such as being within a 4-8 minute walk from the station (5 minutes if possible), being new and recently built, and having an auto-lock, the higher the rent will be. On the other hand, there are also properties that are reasonably priced and fully equipped even if the building is a little older, and properties that are recently built and have new facilities even if it is a few minutes walk from the station. When comparing rent and facility information, be sure to check the search results and latest information on each company's official website or real estate portal site.

Comparison points with regular rental properties

When comparing a furnished apartment to a regular rental property, pay attention to the following differences:

• Initial costs: Furnished properties often require no deposit or key money. Regular rental properties may require 2-3 months' rent.
• Furniture and appliances: If the property is furnished, you can start living there the day you move in. For regular rentals, you will need to purchase and bring in your own furniture.
• Contract period: Furnished apartments can be purchased from as little as one month. Regular rental contracts are generally two years.
• Convenience: Furnished properties are suitable for immediate move-in or short-term use. Regular rental properties are for long-term living.

As such, renting furnished accommodation can be a very cost-effective choice depending on your lifestyle and needs.

Popular furnished apartment areas in Osaka

Osaka has many popular areas for furnished apartments, chosen by many people for their convenient transportation access and lifestyle. There are many properties available to meet a variety of needs, from single people to short-term stays and foreign residents.

Umeda/Nakatsu area (Kita-ku, Osaka City)

The Umeda area, located in the center of Osaka, is known as a transportation hub where subways, JR, and private railways converge, making it a convenient location for commuting to work or school. Department stores, office buildings, cafes, restaurants, and other facilities are concentrated here, making it a popular base for living alone or for short-term stays. There are also a relatively large number of furnished apartments, and it is easy to find a home with high standards of facilities, especially in recently built properties close to stations. The neighboring Nakatsu area is within walking distance of Umeda, but has a calm atmosphere, making it suitable for those who want a quiet life or who want to keep rents slightly lower. As an area that combines urban functions with ease of living, it is popular with a wide range of people.

Namba/Shinsaibashi area (Chuo Ward/Naniwa Ward)

The Namba/Shinsaibashi area is one of Osaka's most popular downtown areas, attracting a wide range of people from tourists to young locals. With famous spots such as Dotonbori and Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street, you will never be short of places to eat out or shop. The area also has a well-developed infrastructure, making it suitable for short-term stays, people moving away from home, and students living alone. There are also plenty of furnished apartments, many of which are renovated business hotels and weekly apartments, and some of them are ready to move in immediately with no initial costs. With access to multiple lines, including the Midosuji subway line, Nankai Electric Railway, and Kintetsu, the area offers great freedom of movement. As an area that combines convenience and entertainment, it fits a variety of lifestyles.

Tennoji/Abeno area

The Tennoji/Abeno area is the gateway to southern Osaka and is an area with excellent transportation convenience. The area is a popular base for commuting to work or school, with three lines intersecting: JR, subway, and Kintetsu. Large commercial facilities such as Abeno Harukas and Tennoji Mio stand in front of the station, and everything from daily shopping to eating out and medical facilities is within walking distance. The area is attractive for its high level of convenience. There are many furnished apartments, and even though they are close to the station, the average rent is relatively low, making it ideal for those who value cost-performance. There are also many one-room apartments for students and new graduates, and some properties are available with a variety of contract types, from short-term to medium- to long-term. It is chosen by many tenants as an area that combines a calm living environment with the convenience of the city.

Shin-Osaka/Higashi-Mikuni area (Yodogawa Ward)

The Shin-Osaka and Higashi-Mikuni area is a popular area for business travelers and short-term visitors, with Shin-Osaka Station at its center. With good access to the airport and other prefectures, the area is in high demand not only for business use, but also as a temporary residence for those moving to higher education or for work transfers, and there is a plentiful supply of furnished apartments. The area around the station has been redeveloped, and there are restaurants, supermarkets, and drugstores, making it an easy area to live in even if you are living alone. Higashi-Mikuni in particular is a well-balanced town where quiet residential areas coexist with convenience, and is attractive for its relatively reasonable rent prices. Many properties are equipped with Wi-Fi and auto-locks, allowing for a safe and comfortable life. It is located within walking distance of Shin-Osaka Station, but is also suitable for those looking for a calm lifestyle.

Kyobashi area (Joto Ward and Miyakojima Ward)

Kyobashi is a transportation hub in eastern Osaka where the JR Osaka Loop Line, Keihan Main Line, and Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Subway Line intersect, and has good access to Kyoto. It is known as an area with excellent convenience for daily life, with the large commercial facility "Keihan Mall" and a restaurant district. The area around the station is lively, but a little further away there is a quiet residential area, suitable for those who want a calm lifestyle. Furnished apartments are mainly for single people, and the relatively reasonable rent is attractive. It is a very well-balanced choice for those who want to live at a low rent or for short-term stays, despite being located close to the city center.

Points to consider when choosing a furnished apartment

When choosing a furnished apartment, it is dangerous to decide based on appearance and rent alone. It is also important to organize your lifestyle and preferences, and compare properties before making an inquiry, before searching for properties, or on the special feature page. In this chapter, we will explain the points to avoid trouble and inconvenience after moving in.

Check the contents and condition of the facilities in advance

Even if a property is "furnished and equipped," the equipment provided varies from property to property. Before moving in, check the room condition by looking at photos and a list to see if basic furniture and appliances such as a bed, table, refrigerator, and washing machine are provided. Also, if the equipment is old or broken, you will not be able to live comfortably. Also, be sure to check the facilities required for a comfortable life, such as whether the bathroom and toilet are separate, whether there is an elevator, and whether there is a bathroom dryer. It is a good idea to inquire about the maintenance history and years of use before moving in.

Internet environment and security are also important

Furnished properties are often aimed at short-term tenants, so it is especially important to check whether the property has a good internet connection. Some properties offer free Wi-Fi, but be sure to check in advance whether there are any speed or usage restrictions. Also, if you check whether the property has security equipment such as auto-locks and security cameras, you can live there safely, especially if you are a woman living alone.

Understand the terms of the contract and what happens when you move out

The contract terms for furnished properties may differ from those for general rental properties. Be sure to check in advance whether the contract period is flexible (whether it can be as short as one month), whether there is a renewal fee, cleaning fees when moving out, and the extent of restoration work. In some cases, you may be responsible for repair costs for damage to furniture or appliances, so it is important to read the contract carefully.

Be sure to check the location and surroundings

Before moving in, you should also check the distance from the station and the location of supermarkets, convenience stores, hospitals, and other facilities necessary for daily life. Since descriptions such as "within a 10-minute walk" may refer to the straight-line distance on a map, we recommend that you actually go and see the location if possible. It is reassuring to be able to check the security and noise levels at night in advance. Also, depending on the person, you may need to search to see if there are parking lots, motorcycle parking lots, or bicycle parking lots nearby.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) when looking for furnished rental properties

When considering renting a furnished property, there are many differences from a regular rental property, and first-time renters often have questions and concerns. Here, we will explain in detail the frequently asked questions.

How much does it cost to rent a furnished apartment?

Furnished rental properties generally do not require a deposit or key money, making it possible to significantly reduce initial costs. For example, Cross House has properties where you can move in immediately after paying a 30,000 yen deposit (refunded after deducting cleaning fees when you move out) and there are properties where you can do so without any agency fees or key money. In addition, depending on the property, water, utility fees, and common area fees may be included in the rent, making monthly expenses clear.

What is the contract period for a furnished property? Can I rent it for a short period?

Most regular rental properties have a two-year contract, but furnished rental properties often allow for short-term contracts of one month or more, allowing for flexibility in times of transfer, training, exams, moving preparation, etc. Cross House also has a wide range of properties available for short-term contracts, allowing you to change your residence flexibly.

What happens if furniture or appliances break or get damaged?

In the case of a malfunction in the furniture or appliances installed in the property, most management companies will have the landlord repair any malfunctions that occur during normal use. However, damage caused intentionally or accidentally by the tenant may be at the tenant's expense, so it is important to carefully check the warranty details and scope of compensation before signing the contract. At Cross House, the management will handle equipment malfunctions that occur during normal use.

What kind of furniture and appliances are included in furnished properties?

Many furnished properties come equipped with the necessary furniture and appliances for daily life, such as a bed, air conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine, and microwave. Some properties even come equipped with a desk, chair, lighting, curtains, and storage shelves, making the fact that you can move in empty-handed a major attraction. Cross House offers private rooms that come equipped with all the necessary amenities for daily life, so you can start living right away.

Do I need to move furniture and clean up when I move out?

Basically, you will leave all furniture and appliances as they are when you move out. As long as you do not significantly damage the condition of the property from when you moved in, it is often okay to rearrange the furniture, but you must follow the principle of restoring the property to its original condition when you move out. Also, at Cross House, cleaning fees are deducted from the deposit when you move out, so there is no need to make separate arrangements for cleaning. Checking the moving-out conditions and explanation of costs in advance will help prevent any problems.

Can foreigners rent furnished apartments?

Many foreigners visit Osaka for sightseeing, business, and study abroad, and the number of furnished rental properties for foreigners is increasing year by year. Basically, there are many properties that foreigners can rent, and in most cases, you can complete the procedure by submitting your passport and residence card. In particular, properties that come with furniture and appliances installed are a safe choice for foreigners who are worried about language and cultural differences, as they are highly convenient as you can move in empty-handed.

Additionally, the number of management companies and property introduction websites that can provide English support is on the rise, and there are even services that allow you to smoothly complete the entire process from inquiry to contract and moving in online. For example, Cross House has an FAQ page for foreigners and English-speaking staff, so it is possible to complete a contract before coming to Japan.

Can I keep pets in a furnished rental property?

In furnished rental properties, pets are generally prohibited. This is to avoid the risk of damage or dirt to furniture, appliances, and other equipment that are shared and maintained.

Cross House does not allow pets in any of its properties. Therefore, if you want to live with a pet, you will need to consider regular rental properties that allow pets or use a specialized intermediary service. Before signing a contract, it is important to check the terms and conditions regarding whether pets are allowed and to check the contract contents to avoid any misunderstandings.

At Cross House, there is no deposit or key money, and you can move in immediately with furniture and appliances included.

Cross House is a furnished rental service that operates mainly in Tokyo and Osaka. According to the official website, all Cross House properties do not require a deposit, key money, or brokerage fee. In addition, furniture and appliances are installed from the start, so you can start living right away with minimal initial costs.

The move-in process is simple and quick

At Cross House, you can check the availability of properties online, and complete the application, screening, and contract procedures all online. You can even move in on the same day, which is a major advantage of Cross House as it can accommodate sudden transfers or relocations.

Furniture and appliances are provided so you can move in empty-handed

All properties are equipped with the necessities of life, such as a bed, air conditioner, refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, etc., so you can move in with just one suitcase. Some properties also have Wi-Fi, making them useful for a wide range of situations, including teleworking and studying abroad.

Suitable for foreigners and short-term stays

Cross House has a system in place to accommodate foreigners, including support in English, and is able to accommodate short-term contracts as well as long-term stays. Contract plans are available starting from one month, making it suitable for foreigners coming to Japan for the first time or those who want to live for just a few months.

Summary | When looking for a furnished apartment in Osaka, focus on flexibility and value for money

Choosing a furnished apartment in Osaka is a very effective way to keep initial costs down while living flexibly in a highly convenient area. There are also opportunities to live relatively reasonably in popular areas such as Umeda, Namba, and Shin-Osaka, and it fits a variety of lifestyles, such as short-term stays, transfers, studying abroad, and starting to live alone.

When choosing a property, it is important to compare not only the average rent and location, but also the level of facilities and flexibility of the contract terms. In particular, if you place importance on conditions such as "furnished," "home appliances included," "no deposit or key money required," and "immediate occupancy," you can feel at ease even if it is your first time looking for a place to live.

If you are looking to start a comfortable life in Osaka while keeping initial costs down, why not consider Cross House's furnished rental service? With no deposit, key money, or brokerage fees, fully furnished and equipped with appliances, and ready to move in as soon as the same day, Cross House will help you find a home quickly and flexibly. As lifestyles become more diverse, you can have the freedom to choose your home. Start your new life in Osaka in your own way.