{"id":962,"date":"2019-05-10T15:38:08","date_gmt":"2019-05-10T06:38:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tokyo-apartments.jp\/en\/?p=962"},"modified":"2019-05-10T15:38:08","modified_gmt":"2019-05-10T06:38:08","slug":"navigating-property-viewings-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tokyo-apartments.jp\/en\/navigating-property-viewings-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating Property Viewings In Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Property viewings: an ubiquitous part of the housing search process in any country, and in most cases the major deciding point in whether or not to apply for a potential home.<\/p>\n

Japan is no exception to viewings, but there are a number of qualities besides a housing unit\u2019s interior and immediate exterior that may not have as much weight in many other countries and therefore be easily overlooked.<\/p>\n

Below, we\u2019ve broken down aspects of viewing and property consideration into several key categories\u2014consider this guide an informal checklist when attending your viewings in Japan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The Property (Part 1): Unit Interior<\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. The Property (Part 2): Building Features & Shared Areas<\/strong><\/li>\n
  3. The Neighborhood<\/strong><\/li>\n
  4. The Transportation Access Levels<\/strong><\/li>\n
  5. Balancing Expectations & Priorities<\/strong><\/li>\n
  6. Knowing When To \u201cSettle\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

      \n
    1. \n

      The Property (Part 1): Unit Interior<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The first and most straightforward step, of course, is to check the unit interior.\u00a0 Is the unit clean? How does the layout feel?\u00a0 Different units of similar floor space measurements can ultimately feel very different based on how efficiently the space was organized.<\/p>\n

        \n
      • How is the sound insulation?<\/strong> <\/em>If you are sensitive to noise, be especially mindful of if there are any large roadways or train tracks\/crossings nearby.<\/li>\n
      • Check for any closets<\/strong><\/em> and other available storage areas<\/strong><\/em>\u2014are doors easy to open and does this seem like adequate storage for you? If closet space is meager (or in some cases, there is no closet at all) you can always purchase additional clothing racks and storage dressers, but you will need the floor space to accommodate these.<\/li>\n
      • Where is the designated washing machine spot<\/strong><\/em> located? And if there is no balcony<\/strong><\/em>, is there a designated indoors area to hang laundry?<\/li>\n
      • Are there large windows or external sliding doors?<\/strong><\/em> Natural lighting is fantastic, but also keep in mind that large windows\/doors can be common culprits for leaking your heating\/cooling (this is more pronounced with old buildings).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

         <\/p>\n

        In some cases, the electricity may not be available at the viewing, but if it is, always remember to check the following details.<\/p>\n

          \n
        • A\/C Unit<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Is it working?<\/em> Are there any strange sounds or smells coming from the unit when turned on?<\/li>\n
        • If there is a video intercom<\/em><\/strong> installed, run a quick check for the audio\/video features<\/li>\n
        • Check the ventilation fan in the shower room<\/em><\/strong> if one is available<\/li>\n
        • Check that all lights currently work<\/strong><\/em> (if installed\u2014if a property doesn\u2019t already have ceiling lights included note that you will be expected to provide your own, but these are fairly inexpensive)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Gas will always be shut off for unoccupied properties, so you will not be able to test out gas stoves during a viewing.<\/p>\n

          \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. \n

            The Property (Part 2): Building Features & Shared Areas<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
              \n
            • Entryway & Hallways<\/strong><\/em>\u2014are they clean, well-maintained and free of items from other tenants obstructing paths? Also take note of any advertised security features, such as a building autolock or monitoring cameras.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

               <\/p>\n

                \n
              • Trash Disposal Area<\/strong><\/em>\u2014if there is a designated room or bin, is it clean\/organized? Some older buildings will only have a street disposal area, which means you would be more restricted in the times you can leave out garbage out for collection. (The official regulations usually state \u201cbetween 6:00-8:00 the morning of collection\u201d but you might see garbage begin to appear in street collection areas starting from the night before.)\u00a0 The trash area is very easy to forget but is an unavoidable major factor in your daily life once you move in!<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                 <\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Bicycle and\/or Car Parking Spaces<\/strong><\/em>\u2014not all properties include this, and if you already own a bike\/car or actively plan to acquire one this will be an important detail for you. Take note of if bicycle parking spaces are covered or uncovered, and if there appear to be enough spaces to accommodate all tenants in a building.\u00a0 Parking spaces (including for bicycles) are not always free, so always request full details on parking availability for properties you are interested in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. \n

                    The Neighborhood<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    This step technically starts as soon as you arrive at your nearby train station or bus stop and begin walking towards the housing property.\u00a0 At FREA we try to give some background ahead of time about the atmosphere of different areas, but the feel of an area is always best judged by experiencing it in person.<\/p>\n

                    Try to take note of if there are any supermarkets, shopping plazas and other stores such as convenience stores, drugstores and the like nearby.\u00a0 If you\u2019ve already opened a bank account, it\u2019s a good idea to do a quick search for your nearest branch.\u00a0 Don\u2019t disregard checking around for local restaurants and cafes too\u2014it\u2019s always nice to have some go-to food options within walking distance of home for your evenings and weekends.<\/p>\n

                    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. \n

                      The Transportation Access Levels<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      In contrast to young Japanese nationals who tend to enter the workforce while still residing at home, incoming foreigners have the luxury of (and therefore should take full advantage of)<\/em> basing their housing location around their workplace or school commutes.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n