What are the benefits of renting an apartment with furniture and appliances?

"Furnished rental properties" where furniture and appliances are already installed have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Because it reduces the hassle of moving and initial costs, it is widely supported by students, new graduates, and people who are moving away from home. In areas and wards such as Tokyo, where choosing a home is costly and time-consuming, there is a particularly high demand for properties with furniture and appliances that you can start living in right away. Recently, there has been an increase in types of properties with furniture and appliances included, even in newly built properties that are not many years old and renovated rental properties built less than 10 years ago.

In this chapter, we will introduce the main attractions of renting furnished apartments and tips for choosing a room that suits your lifestyle.

The appeal of properties with attached furnishings that you can move into immediately

The biggest appeal of a rental property that comes fully furnished with appliances is the convenience of being able to start living there from the day you move in.

Since appliances and furniture such as refrigerators, washing machines, beds, lighting, and microwaves are already installed in the private areas, there is no need to prepare a large amount of luggage or purchase large appliances before moving. These types of "property with appliances" can significantly reduce the cost and effort involved in moving.

In particular, properties with furniture and appliances handled by real estate companies such as minimini come equipped with all the basic amenities, making them safe for people living alone for the first time. In Tokyo, when moving season is concentrated in spring and autumn, vacant rooms on the second floor or higher and corner rooms with good conditions fill up quickly, so it is important to start looking early. Some properties have campaigns offering the first month's rent free, which may allow you to move in at a lower cost.

You can choose a room that suits your lifestyle

The appeal of renting a property with furniture and appliances is not just that you can move in right away. Another reason why many people choose it is that they can flexibly choose a home that suits their lifestyle. For example, students who move to Tokyo to attend university, or new members of the workforce who move to Tokyo for work and are transferred to work, find it difficult to take the time to choose a home in an unfamiliar environment. Even in such cases, if the property comes with furniture and appliances from the start, it can greatly narrow down the options when searching for a room.

They are also perfect for temporary housing while job hunting or short-term stays for a project that will last a few months. The appeal of fully furnished properties is that you can choose the "just right home" that has just what you need depending on your life stage.

There are a wide variety of floor plans, including 1LDK, 2LDK, 3K, and 3LDK, catering to a wide range of people from singles to families. Furthermore, the comfort and rent vary greatly depending on the structure, such as terraced houses, high-rises, and co-ops. There are also properties with parking spaces and properties that allow pets, so you can choose according to your specific requirements.

In recent years, not only apartments and condominiums, but also share houses and monthly rental properties are increasingly equipped with furniture and appliances, and the types of properties are becoming more diverse. It is effective to use multiple real estate websites, including minimini, to compare and consider homes that meet your requirements.

Furnished rental properties in Tokyo

More and more people are looking for furnished rental properties in Tokyo every year. While there are many properties available, and transportation and living infrastructure are well-developed, the high rent and initial costs are often a problem. In this situation, "furnished properties" that come with refrigerators, washing machines, beds, etc. installed from the start are a very attractive option for those who want to keep costs and hassle down. Recently, there has been an increase in newly built rental properties and rental homes that allow pets in each ward and area of Tokyo, expanding the range of options to suit your lifestyle.

In this chapter, we will explain popular areas and property trends in Tokyo, as well as the differences between apartments and condominiums.

Trends in popular areas and properties near stations

When searching for furnished rental properties in Tokyo, the most popular areas are those near train stations with good transport access. Areas around major stations such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno, and Shibuya are popular with a wide range of people, from students to working adults. In particular, areas around stations with multiple train lines tend to have a wide selection of furnished rental properties, making them easy to find.

Additionally, there are plenty of supermarkets and convenience stores within a 5-10 minute walk from the station, making it extremely convenient for everyday life. Properties offered by real estate companies of major groups with directly managed stores often come with on-site parking and delivery boxes, making them popular with families.

In addition to being able to move into a property with furniture and appliances as it is, another key point to consider when choosing a property is whether or not the route to your daily life is comfortable. Recently, by using real estate search sites such as minimini, you can narrow down your search for properties with furniture and appliances by specifying the station name, train line, or area.

The minimini website has a function to search for properties by current location, prefecture, and conditions, and is well-known for its convenience. In a city with many options like Tokyo, it is important to use these search functions to efficiently find a room that suits you.

Which is better, an apartment or a condo?

Furnished rental properties come in both apartment and condominium types. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose one that suits your lifestyle and desired conditions.

For example, apartments tend to have relatively low rents, making them popular with people living alone or with students. Many of these buildings are made of wood or lightweight steel, and the layout is compact, but the appeal is that you can make good use of your furniture and appliances to live comfortably. Some properties are of the "heights" or "co-op" types, and many of the rooms, especially those with two stories or less, have excellent lighting and ventilation.

On the other hand, apartments are mainly made of reinforced concrete and are characterized by their soundproofing and security. Many properties are equipped with auto-locks and delivery boxes, making them suitable for working adults and women living alone. Some condominiums have been renovated and come with furniture and appliances, so although they are old, they are often fully equipped.

For any type of property, you can search for a combination of conditions such as "furnished," "apartment," or "rental condominium" on a comprehensive real estate website such as minimini. Find the perfect home for you by comparing rent, facilities, location, and more.

Main providers of furnished rental properties and their features

Furnished rental properties are handled by multiple real estate companies and management brands. Each company has different property features and service contents, so it is important to compare and find a room that suits you.

Here, we will introduce the furnished properties offered by major real estate companies such as minimini, and the features of Cross House, which is currently attracting attention. In addition to how to search for property information, we will also compare the services offered, whether or not there are free benefits, and how to guide the customers.

Examples of properties handled by minimini

minimini is a major rental property brand operated by minimini corporation, a comprehensive real estate group company with directly managed and affiliated stores nationwide. They also focus on handling furnished rental properties, and have a comprehensive search function. minimini's rental properties are characterized by the ability to search in detail by area, rent, facilities, etc., and by using the official website, you can efficiently search by narrowing down to your desired area within Tokyo. The furnished properties handled by minimini are mainly 1LDK and 2LDK, making them easy to choose for singles and couples.

In addition, there are many highly convenient properties, mainly located near supermarkets and stations, making it ideal for those who want to start living immediately after moving. There are also many properties that allow pets and recently built rental homes, so you can choose a home that suits your lifestyle. The property page is flexible in providing detailed information and requests for on-site visits, and inquiries can be made smoothly by phone or online. We also focus on providing information to help you sign a contract with peace of mind, such as recruitment information and company overviews.

However, there are many other companies besides minimini that offer properties with furniture and appliances. Cross House, which we will introduce next, is particularly attracting attention for its low initial costs and online contract style.

Why Cross House's furnished properties are so popular

Cross House is a real estate brand that offers many "zero-cost properties" that do not require a deposit, key money, or brokerage fee. They operate mainly in Tokyo, and their private rental properties that come fully furnished with furniture and appliances are gaining in popularity. The properties come equipped with refrigerators, washing machines, beds, desks, chairs, curtains, and more. Not only can you reduce the initial costs of moving in to almost zero, but all contracts can be completed online, making it easy to deal with moving from far away or sudden transfers.

Furthermore, Cross House offers a wide range of property types to meet your needs, such as women-only properties, rooms on the second floor or higher for greater safety, and homes that allow pets. There are also many properties in areas close to supermarkets and convenience stores, making it a great choice for those who prioritize convenience in their daily lives.

Compared to minimini, Cross House is ideal for those who want to keep initial costs to a minimum and those who want to immediately secure an environment with furniture and appliances. If you want both convenience and cost-effectiveness, it's worth checking out Cross House properties.

Cost considerations and differences in initial costs

Another thing you should not overlook when choosing a rental property with furniture and appliances is the "cost structure." Even if the rent seems cheap at first glance, the total cost can vary greatly depending on the actual initial costs and monthly payments. Conditions vary depending on the type of property, such as a "rental condominium," "apartment," or "rental house," so it is important to carefully compare each cost item.

In this chapter, we will explain the appeal of "properties with zero initial costs," which have been increasing in number in recent years, and the points to note regarding the different cost items that vary depending on the property.

The appeal of "zero properties" that reduce initial costs

The initial costs incurred when moving include the security deposit, key money, brokerage fee, security deposit, advance rent, etc. In Tokyo, you may need to pay four to five months' rent, which may give many people the impression that renting is expensive. That's why "zero-cost properties" that require almost no initial costs are gaining attention.

If you choose a property that does not require a deposit, key money, or brokerage fee, you can keep your initial costs to under 100,000 yen. If the furniture and appliances are already installed, you can keep the preparations required for moving to a minimum.

Cross House offers many of these zero-rental properties, and is popular with students and new graduates who find it difficult to come up with a lump sum of money. In particular, because many of the rental properties are new or recently built, the appeal is that you can secure a high-quality home with low initial costs. Major real estate companies such as minimini also handle some zero-rental properties, but Cross House is also a strong choice for those who place importance on initial costs.

For those looking for a home with furniture and appliances that can be moved into immediately while keeping initial costs down, these zero-rental properties are a very attractive option.

Cost structures and points to note vary by property

Properties that come with furniture and appliances have the advantage of lower initial costs, but you should be careful about the monthly payments and contract terms. For example, if "management fees" and "common area fees" are set separately from the rent, your actual monthly burden may be higher.

Also, whether utility costs such as electricity, gas, and water are included in the rent will vary depending on the property. Furthermore, cleaning fees and penalties may be incurred when you move out, so it is important to carefully read the terms of use and important information explanation document before signing the contract.

Depending on the property, you may need to make a lump sum payment called a "security deposit" or there may be a "minimum occupancy period" required. If the property is older, you should also check the condition of the facilities and the repair history.

Especially in Tokyo, properties in good locations tend to have more detailed conditions. Real estate sites such as minimini and Cross House provide detailed cost information on each property page. By using the filter search function by age and structure, you can efficiently narrow down the conditions that suit you.

By comparing the cost structure before viewing the property, you can prevent any problems that may arise after moving in.

Tips for successful apartment hunting in Tokyo

When searching for furnished rental properties in Tokyo, there are many options, so you may be confused and not know which one to choose. In order to succeed in your room search, it is essential to consider not only the rent and location, but also various conditions such as initial costs, facilities, move-in date, age of the building, and structure in a balanced manner. In addition, since the living environment differs depending on the "ward" or "area" where the property is located, it is important to organize your conditions.

Here we will introduce you to ways to efficiently search for properties that meet your requirements, as well as checkpoints to ensure you don't miss out on the latest information.

How to efficiently search for properties that meet your criteria

Furnished rental properties have the appeal of being able to move in immediately and keeping costs down, but the layout, facilities, and management system vary depending on the property. Therefore, it is important to first clarify your desired conditions.

For example, you should list out the minimum requirements, such as "rent up to XXX million yen," "within 10 minutes' walk from the station," "refrigerator and washing machine included," "internet access available," "2nd floor or higher," "built within 5 years," "pets allowed," etc. Recently, it has become easier to search for homes that fit your desired lifestyle, with floor plans such as "1LDK," "2LDK," and "3K" now available.

By organizing your search criteria in advance, you can avoid wasting time when searching. Official websites of minimini and Cross House have search functions that allow you to narrow down the list to show only rooms with furniture and appliances. There are also search functions for individual stores and directly managed stores, which is useful when you want to narrow down your search by area.

In addition, by using the map search and display functions for surrounding facilities, you can easily understand the distance to stations, supermarkets, schools, and parking lots, making it easier to find a property that is more convenient to live in. If you are unsure of your conditions, you can also consult with minimini store staff.

Check points to ensure you don't miss the latest information

Furnished properties in Tokyo are very popular, and rooms with good conditions tend to fill up quickly.

For this reason, it is extremely important to frequently check the latest property information. First, check the "New Information" and "Vacancy Update Date" on each real estate company's website. Cross House and minimini often state current vacancies and upcoming move-in dates, so you can get information close to real time. Also, if you use the "Favorites" and "Save Conditions" functions, you may be automatically notified by email of new properties that meet your desired conditions. This allows you to quickly catch deals that you might otherwise miss.

Another key to a successful apartment search is to act early by booking a viewing appointment or requesting information. If you find a property that interests you, it's a good idea to inquire as soon as possible and confirm the dates when you can view it.

Summary | Living a comfortable new life in a fully furnished rental property

Furnished rentals, where furniture and appliances are already installed, are a very convenient option for those who are living alone or starting a new life in Tokyo. Since the apartment comes with all the amenities such as a refrigerator, washing machine, and bed, there is no need to purchase mattresses or appliances, making it perfect for those who are short on money or preparing to move.

Real estate companies such as minimini have a wide range of properties with furniture and appliances, and the property list page has a wide range of functions that allow you to narrow down your search criteria. More and more people are checking the company's stance from the recruitment information and company overview pages, and the brand's credibility is also increasing. In addition, there is a support system in place at directly managed and affiliated stores, so you can feel at ease even if it is your first time renting.

Furthermore, properties like Cross House, which do not require a deposit, key money, or brokerage fee and can be completed online, are also very attractive in terms of cost. Especially for students and new graduates who have come to Tokyo, the fact that the property is "easy to consult" and "ready to move in" is a major source of reassurance.

When searching for a room in Tokyo, there is a lot of information and a large number of properties, so the key to success is to clarify your requirements and search efficiently. Using the points introduced here as a reference, find the perfect new life for you from among the rental properties with furniture and appliances.