What is a share house?
A share house is a type of rental housing where multiple people share common spaces (such as a living room, kitchen, and bathroom) within a single building, while each resident has their own private bedroom.
Because it ensures privacy while keeping initial costs down, it is popular among younger generations and single people.
One of the attractions of living in a share house is the opportunity to meet various people and to have new interactions and learning experiences.
The management company is responsible for finding tenants, managing the property, and overseeing its maintenance. There are also properties exclusively for women and men.
The difference between room sharing and shared housing
Room sharing is a type of housing arrangement where friends or couples live together in an apartment or condominium, provided the owner allows it.Room sharing typically involves 2 to 5 people sharing a single room in an apartment or condominium. Share houses, on the other hand, range from small groups of 3 to 5 people to large-scale properties housing over 100 people.
Both room sharing and shared housing are attractive because the initial costs are lower compared to living alone. Room sharing can cost around 250,000 to 400,000 yen, while shared housing, including the first month's rent, is significantly cheaper at around 100,000 yen.
In a shared living situation, if problems arise, the individuals involved must discuss and resolve them themselves. On the other hand, in the case of a shared house, a specialized management company is in place, and if problems occur, the management company may intervene and issue warnings on your behalf, providing peace of mind.
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Four reasons why living together in a shared house is recommended
There are many advantages to living together in a shared house. Next, we'll introduce four reasons why shared housing is recommended for couples.Reason 1: There are plenty of shared spaces and facilities.
Share houses typically come furnished with furniture and appliances. Therefore, when starting to live together as a couple, you don't need to buy all the necessary household items from scratch.Furthermore, if for any reason you decide to end your cohabitation, you won't have to worry about disputes over the disposal of furniture and appliances you purchased together, or who will take them.
Examples of furniture, appliances, and daily necessities provided in the share house are as follows:
Examples of furniture and home appliances found in a shared house
- washing machine
- refrigerator
- air conditioner
- bed
- Tables, chairs, and desks (for private rooms)
- Microwave oven, kettle, rice cooker
- dryer
Examples of everyday items found in a shared house
- Soap and detergent
- toilet paper
- Cooking utensils such as pots and pans
- garbage bags
- Cleaning supplies
For details regarding the furniture, appliances, and other amenities provided in the property, be sure to check directly when viewing the share house or inquire with the management company in advance.
Reason ② Costs can be kept low.
One of the advantages of living in a shared house is that you can save on initial move-in costs, as well as monthly rent and living expenses.Share houses do not require the security deposit, key money, brokerage fees, or guarantee company fees that are necessary for regular rental properties such as apartments and condominiums.
As mentioned above, furniture and appliances are already provided, so there are no initial costs or need to buy essential items when you start living together as a couple.
Furthermore, rent for shared housing is often cheaper than the average rent for regular rental properties, and utilities such as water, electricity, and internet access are included in the common area fees.
Therefore, monthly living expenses can be kept lower compared to living in a typical rental property.
Reason ③: It's easier to find properties.
Finding a room for roommates can be difficult because there are few regular rental properties that offer rooms specifically for that purpose. Furthermore, the limitations on floor plans mean that starting a shared living arrangement can be surprisingly challenging.
However, with shared housing that allows two people to live together, if you can find a property that suits your needs, all you have to do is check for vacancies and complete the necessary move-in procedures, and you can start living together as a couple.
Reason ④: Lower risk of problems
Ending a cohabitation arrangement presents various challenges, but a shared house significantly reduces risks such as coordinating move-out timings.In a shared apartment, if one person falls behind on rent payments, the burden on the other increases. Similarly, if one person suddenly moves out, the remaining person has to handle the paperwork, which can put a heavy burden on one individual.
Also, while roommates often end up in a tense atmosphere when they argue, in a shared house, there are third parties around to help you talk things through calmly, thus reducing the risk of trouble.
Tips for a harmonious life together as a couple and things to keep in mind when living in a shared house
Before starting your new life together, make sure you understand the tips for living as a couple.To ensure a smooth life together as a couple, it's important to establish rules and hold regular discussions.
If you don't set rules beforehand, it can lead to problems such as "Who will do the housework?" or "How will we handle the monthly food expenses?"
Establishing clear rules can prevent these kinds of problems from occurring.
Unlike room sharing, a share house involves other residents. Actively communicating with other residents is also key to a successful cohabitation experience for two people.
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Learn the tricks to enjoy a fun life together in a shared house
In this article, we discussed the reasons why living together in a shared house is recommended for two people, as well as some points to keep in mind.Living together in a shared house has the advantage of saving money and eliminating the need to purchase furniture and appliances. To ensure a comfortable living experience for two, it's important to establish rules for living together and be mindful not to disturb other residents.
Cross House offers a wide variety of affordable shared houses, primarily in the Tokyo metropolitan area. If you're considering living together as a couple, please feel free to contact us.
