What is the share house situation in Kobe?

Kobe is a city where fashionable streets and diverse cultures blend together, and the demand for shared houses is increasing year by year. The city is dotted with shared houses to suit a variety of lifestyles, from central areas such as Motomachi and Sannomiya to areas rich in nature such as Tarumi and Suma. There is a wide range of property types available, including renovated Kyoto townhouses, international exchange properties, and women-only properties. The low initial costs and ease of living with furniture and appliances included mean that you can move in right away is also a reason for their popularity.

Living in a share house in Kobe is characterized by the fact that you can choose a home that is not only cost-effective, but also one that values ​​connections with the local area and community.

Here we will explain the situation regarding shared houses in Kobe.

Why are share houses so popular in Kobe now?

These are some of the reasons why shared houses are gaining attention in Kobe.

• "Rising rents"
• "Reduction in initial costs"
• "Accommodating diverse lifestyles"

In particular, many properties come with furniture and appliances, and in some cases no deposit or key money is required, making it extremely attractive for people moving to Tokyo or those transferring or changing jobs. Furthermore, Kobe is also attractive as an international city, and the multinational residents it attracts provide ample opportunities for interaction. Each area has its own unique characteristics, such as the highly convenient Sannomiya area, or Tarumizu and Suma, where you can live close to nature, making it easy to choose a home that suits your lifestyle, which is another reason for its popularity.

Reasons why students, working adults, and foreigners choose us

Kobe's share houses are characterized by their ability to meet a variety of needs. In the Nada and Higashinada areas, where universities are dotted, there are many properties aimed at students, with appealing perks such as Wi-Fi and student discounts. For working adults, the excellent transport access around Sannomiya Station and the presence of a community where they can socialize after work are popular.

Furthermore, share houses, where international exchange is active, are a great environment for foreigners to naturally come into contact with Japanese language and culture. Many properties have English-speaking management systems and signs that welcome foreigners, so you can move in with peace of mind.

Differences between average rent and general rental

A major advantage of shared houses in Kobe is that rent and initial costs are significantly lower than in regular rental properties.

For example, the average rent for a one-room apartment in Kobe City is about 60,000 to 80,000 yen, but in a share house, you can often find a private room for 30,000 to 50,000 yen per month, including maintenance fees. In addition, in most cases, no deposit or key money is required, and furniture, home appliances, and Wi-Fi are all provided, making it ideal for those who want to reduce the hassle and cost of moving. Utility bills are also shared, so you can achieve a comfortable life while keeping monthly living expenses low.

Recommended share houses in Kobe by area

There are many different types of share houses in Kobe, and their characteristics vary greatly depending on the area. The key to choosing a share house in Kobe is to choose an area that suits your lifestyle and budget.

Here we will introduce the characteristics of each area.

Sannomiya/Motomachi area | Popular with those who prioritize accessibility

The Sannomiya/Motomachi area, the center of Kobe City, is home to terminal stations served by multiple lines, including JR, Hankyu, and Hanshin, making it extremely convenient for commuting to work or school.

The share house is also conveniently located near the station, and there are cafes, commercial facilities, and government offices in the surrounding area, making it an extremely easy place to live. It is popular not only with working adults, but also with students attending Kobe University and medical colleges. Rent is a little high for the city, but there are many properties with good security and facilities, making it a safe and secure place to live.

This is a recommended area for those who want to live an urban lifestyle while still being part of a community.

Tarumi/Suma area | A relaxing environment surrounded by nature

The Tarumi and Suma area is close to the sea and mountains within Kobe city, making it a popular area for those who want to live a peaceful life surrounded by nature.

It is especially popular with families, people working remotely, and nature-oriented young people, and is appealing for its environment where you can enjoy seaside walks and outdoor activities on a daily basis. The average rent is also relatively low, and it is easy to find spacious private rooms and properties with gardens.

In addition, access to Sannomiya is good from Tarumi Station and Suma Station, making it an ideal area for those who value a balance between convenience and living environment. It is also suitable for those who want to live a quiet and peaceful life.

Nada/Higashinada area | Recommended for students and single people

Nada-ku and Higashinada-ku are educational areas where Kobe University, Konan University, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, and other universities are located, and there are many share houses for students and single people. There are many supermarkets and restaurants around the station, making it an attractive place to live. The properties are relatively new and have all the conditions for a comfortable life, such as Wi-Fi and private rooms with furniture and appliances. Access to Umeda and Sannomiya is also good, making it convenient for part-time work and commuting to school.

Additionally, the area is quiet and safe, making it a safe place for people who are new to living alone. There are many students and young people in their 20s and 30s, so it is perfect for those looking for an easy-to-interact environment.

Nagata/Hyogo Area | A hidden gem with great value for money

The Nagata/Hyogo area is a hidden gem of an area where you can find many cost-effective share houses with relatively low average rent prices within Kobe city. It is also easily accessible, just 10 to 15 minutes by train to Sannomiya and Motomachi, making it popular with those who want both convenience and affordability. Share houses with a tranquil atmosphere are dotted throughout the residential area, and many of them have been renovated.

It is especially popular among freelancers, thrift-minded young people, and local-oriented working adults. Although it is not a well-known area, once you live there you will find it surprisingly easy to live in.

The pros and cons of living in a share house in Kobe

While there are many benefits to choosing a share house in Kobe, there are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of beforehand. Attractive elements include the ability to keep housing costs and initial costs low, the convenience of furnished furniture and appliances, and the opportunity to connect with the local community. On the other hand, there are also challenges, such as the rules unique to communal living and ensuring privacy.

In this chapter, we will clearly introduce the key points to consider when living in a share house in Kobe, including reviews and personal experiences about how comfortable it is to live there. Use this as a reference to determine whether it suits your lifestyle and values.

Advantages: Low initial costs, furniture and appliances included, etc.

The biggest appeal of share houses in Kobe is that you can start a new life right away while keeping costs down. Many properties do not require a deposit, key money, or agent fees, and come equipped with furniture, home appliances, and internet, so moving expenses are kept to a minimum.

Another advantage is that utilities and Wi-Fi fees are often included in the common area fee, making monthly costs clear and easy to manage. Furthermore, by utilizing the common areas, residents can easily interact with each other, making it ideal for those who want to connect with local people or have international exchanges. This is a way of living that has many benefits for a wide range of people, including working adults, students, and foreigners.

Disadvantages | Privacy and rules

Since you share your living space with others in a share house, many people feel uneasy about the security of privacy. Some properties have poor soundproofing, and differences in lifestyle can cause stress.

You will also need to follow the property's own rules, such as cleaning duties, trash takeout duties, and visitor restrictions. The manners and communication skills of the residents also affect the comfort of your life, so it is recommended that you check the atmosphere through a viewing or interview in advance. Since it is different from living alone, where you have more freedom, you will need to understand and cooperate with communal living.

Real reviews and experiences from people who have lived there

Reviews from people who have actually lived in share houses in Kobe include many positive comments such as "I made more friends and it was a fulfilling experience" and "The furniture was provided so it was easy to move in." In particular, in areas with good access such as Sannomiya and Higashinada, there are many testimonials about how convenient it was for commuting to work or school and how comfortable daily life was.

On the other hand, there were also comments such as "I was bothered by the noise at night" and "I moved out early because I didn't agree with the rules," which shows the importance of choosing the right property carefully.

By referring to real experiences, you can clearly understand expectations and points to be aware of before moving in, which will lead to a home selection you won't regret.

How to Find and Choose a Share House

To find a share house in Kobe that suits you, it is important to choose from multiple perspectives, such as the location and rent of the property, as well as the living environment, tenant demographics, management system, etc. The most efficient way is to first clarify your lifestyle and desired conditions (distance from the station, rent, women-only, international exchange, etc.) and then narrow down the properties that meet your conditions.

Also, instead of basing your decision solely on the information provided on property introduction sites, the key to making a choice you won't regret is to actually view the property and check out the common areas and atmosphere.

Here, we will explain three key points to keep in mind when choosing a share house to avoid making mistakes.

Points to check when viewing the property

When choosing a share house, it is very important to see the inside of the house. You should actually see the living atmosphere, usability of the common areas, cleaning status, etc., which cannot be seen in photos or floor plans, to make a judgment.

This is the item I would especially like to check.

• Cleanliness of shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, and toilets
• Storage space
• Soundproofing
• Sunlight
• Internet connection
• Distance between residents and house rules (taking out the trash, managing shared property, noise control, etc.)

It is a good idea to ask the staff about these points in detail. It is important to use the viewing checklist and not hesitate to ask about any concerns you may have.

Tips for gauging the management system and resident atmosphere

The ease of living in a share house depends largely on the management system and the atmosphere of the residents. In properties that are not well managed, the common areas may be in disrepair and problems may be left unattended. Make sure that the management company or manager makes regular patrols and responds promptly to inquiries from residents.

In addition, the age group, nationality, and occupation balance of the residents are also important factors in determining whether the apartment will suit your lifestyle. If possible, try to talk to the other residents for a bit to get a sense of the atmosphere and compatibility.

List of recommended portal sites and intermediaries

When searching for a shared house in Kobe, it is efficient to use a reliable portal site or intermediary.

The representative portal sites are as follows:

• Hitsuji Real Estate
• TOKYO SHAREHOUSE
• SHARE HOUSE 180°
• Borderless House etc.

We recommend using multiple sites at the same time, as each site has different properties and concepts. Also, be sure to check out local real estate companies based in Kobe and management companies that specialize in shared houses. If you contact them directly, they may be able to tell you about recommended properties and campaign information.

Introducing popular share houses in Kobe

Kobe has a wide variety of attractive share houses that meet various needs, such as location, design, and emphasis on community. There are various styles, from suburban houses where you can enjoy coexistence with nature, to properties near stations that are convenient for commuting to work or school, multinational share houses with thriving international exchange, and safe properties for women only.

In this chapter, we will pick out four particularly popular properties in Kobe City and introduce in detail their features and recommended points. Be sure to check them out as a reference when choosing a property.

Warai: Living in harmony with nature

Warai is a community-based share house brand based in Tarumi Ward, Kobe, offering a lifestyle themed on coexistence with nature. It's an ideal environment for those interested in home gardening, raising chickens, and organic living.

There are plenty of options, including private rooms, women-only floors, and international exchange-oriented buildings where many foreign residents live. Regularly held events and workshops are also popular, making it ideal for community-oriented people. This property is recommended for those who want to live a peaceful life surrounded by nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

BORDERLESS HOUSE Kobe Motomachi | International environment

" BORDERLESS HOUSE Kobe Motomachi " is gaining attention as an international exchange-type share house where foreigners and Japanese people live together. It is located a 4-minute walk from JR Kobe Line/Hanshin Kobe Line "Motomachi Station" and a 3-minute walk from Kobe Subway "Kencho-mae Station". For those who are interested in English and other cultures, it is an ideal co-ed living environment where you can have intercultural exchange on a daily basis. Located in Motomachi, the center of Kobe, it is also within walking distance of Sannomiya and Nankinmachi, making it extremely accessible.

With private rooms equipped with furniture and appliances and fully-equipped shared spaces, it is perfect for those who want to learn a language or are planning to study abroad. It is the perfect choice for those who want to experience "living connected to the world."

The Maison Studio Kobe Sumiyoshi | A designer property popular with women

" The Maison Studio Kobe Sumiyoshi " is a share house that is exclusively for women and has an appealingly stylish space. With its stylish white interior and hotel-like shared spaces, it has been highly popular with young women looking for a living space that will look good on social media.

The location is within a 3-minute walk from JR Sumiyoshi Station, making it convenient for commuting to work or school. Security measures and well-cleaned facilities are also key points, providing a safe and secure living environment. Rent is around 43,000 to 45,000 yen.

This is an ideal residence for women who value cleanliness, safety, and style.

Kobe Stockers Kitano | Ideal for those who value location and value for money

Kobe Stockers Kitano is a share house located in Kitano, a popular tourist area lined with historical buildings such as foreign-style houses, yet with relatively reasonable rent. It has good access to the center of Kobe, and is a well-balanced property that combines a calm living environment with convenience. This property is available in both private rooms and dormitory (shared room) types.

In addition, the private rooms are equipped with basic furniture such as a bed and desk, so initial costs are kept to a minimum. The area is quiet and has good public safety, making it suitable for long-term stays, which is why it is so popular. Recommended for those looking for a cost-effective property in the center of Kobe.

summary

Kobe's share houses vary greatly in terms of lifestyle and atmosphere depending on the area, allowing residents to choose a property that suits their needs. The fact that it offers a lifestyle that emphasizes convenience, security, and community while keeping costs down is a big attraction for students, working adults, and foreigners alike. This is an especially recommended way of living for those who want to keep initial costs down and those who want to make new connections in Kobe.

However, you will need to follow rules and observe etiquette in shared spaces, so it is important to check the atmosphere and management system of each property in advance. Use this article as a reference to find the share house in Kobe that is right for you.

Search for properties here