Nagoya

1. Costs

Furnished Housing

• Rent: Furnished apartments in Nagoya are generally more expensive than unfurnished ones. Monthly rent for a furnished studio or 1-bedroom apartment can range from ¥80,000 to ¥150,000, depending on the location, size, and amenities.
• Utilities: Utilities (electricity, water, gas, and internet) may be included in the rent or charged separately. If included, expect a higher base rent.
• Initial Costs: Furnished apartments often have lower upfront costs because they may not require key money (礼金, reikin) or deposits, especially for short-term rentals. However, some may charge a cleaning fee or a service fee.
• Other Costs: No need to purchase furniture or appliances, which can save you significant money upfront.

Unfurnished Housing

• Rent: Unfurnished apartments are more affordable, with monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment ranging from ¥50,000 to ¥100,000, depending on the location and size.
• Utilities: Utilities are typically not included in the rent and must be set up and paid separately.
• Initial Costs: Renting an unfurnished apartment in Japan often involves significant upfront costs, including:
  • Key Money (礼金): A non-refundable "thank you" payment to the landlord, usually 1-2 months' rent.
  • Deposit (敷金, shikikin): Refundable, typically 1-2 months' rent.
  • Agency Fee (仲介手数料): A non-refundable fee paid to the real estate agent, usually 1 month’s rent.
  • First Month’s Rent: Paid upfront.
  • Guarantor Fee (保証会社費用): If you don’t have a Japanese guarantor, you may need to pay a guarantor company fee, which is typically 50-100% of one month’s rent.

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2. Availability

Furnished Housing

• Short-Term Rentals: Furnished apartments are more common for short-term stays (1-12 months) and are often marketed to expatriates, students, and business travelers.
• Platforms: These are typically listed on websites like Airbnb, Sakura House, or GaijinPot Apartments. Some companies specialize in foreigner-friendly rentals.
• Limited Options: Furnished apartments are less common than unfurnished ones, so your choices may be limited, especially in suburban areas.

Unfurnished Housing

• Long-Term Rentals: Unfurnished apartments dominate the rental market in Nagoya and are the standard for long-term residents.
• Wide Availability: You’ll find a much larger selection of unfurnished apartments, especially in residential neighborhoods.
• Local Real Estate Agents: Most listings are handled by local real estate agencies, and you’ll need to visit their offices to view available properties.

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3. Rental Procedures

Furnished Housing

• Simplified Process: Renting a furnished apartment is often more straightforward, especially for foreigners. Many companies cater to non-Japanese speakers and do not require a guarantor.
• Documents Needed: Typically, you’ll need:
  • Passport
  • Visa or residence card (zairyū card)
  • Proof of income or employment (sometimes waived for short-term rentals)
• Lease Terms: Flexible lease terms are common, with options for monthly or short-term contracts.

Unfurnished Housing

• Complex Process: Renting an unfurnished apartment involves more paperwork and formalities. You’ll likely need:
  • Passport
  • Residence card (zairyū card)
  • Proof of income or employment (e.g., a certificate of employment or tax documents)
  • A Japanese guarantor or guarantor company
• Language Barrier: Most real estate agents and landlords speak only Japanese, so you may need a translator or a Japanese-speaking friend to assist you.
• Lease Terms: Standard leases are for 2 years, with automatic renewal (and a renewal fee of 1 month’s rent).

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4. Typical Differences

| Aspect | Furnished Housing | Unfurnished Housing | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Furniture/Appliances | Fully equipped (bed, sofa, table, fridge, etc.) | Empty; you must purchase everything yourself. | | Flexibility | Ideal for short-term stays | Better for long-term commitments | | Customization | Limited; you must use the provided furniture | Full freedom to furnish and decorate | | Move-In Time | Immediate; ready to live in | May take time to set up utilities and furnish | | Target Audience | Expats, students, business travelers | Long-term residents, families, locals |

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5. Cultural and Local Considerations

Furnished Housing

• Foreign-Friendly: Furnished apartments are often marketed to foreigners, so landlords are more accustomed to dealing with non-Japanese tenants.
• Short-Term Norms: These apartments are designed for convenience, but they may lack the "homey" feel of a personalized space.
• Higher Turnover: Furnished apartments often have higher tenant turnover, which may mean less community integration.

Unfurnished Housing

• Cultural Norms: In Japan, it’s common for tenants to bring their own furniture and appliances. This is seen as a way to make the space your own.
• Tatami Rooms: Many traditional Japanese apartments feature tatami mat flooring, which requires specific care (e.g., no heavy furniture).
• Community Integration: Renting an unfurnished apartment in a residential area may help you integrate into the local community and experience Japanese daily life more authentically.
• Garbage Disposal Rules: Be prepared to follow strict garbage sorting and disposal rules, which vary by neighborhood.

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6. Recommendations

Choose Furnished Housing If:

• You’re staying in Nagoya for less than a year.
• You want a hassle-free move-in process.
• You don’t want to deal with buying and later disposing of furniture and appliances.
• You’re not fluent in Japanese and prefer foreigner-friendly rental options.

Choose Unfurnished Housing If:

• You’re planning to stay in Nagoya for more than a year.
• You want to save on monthly rent and are willing to pay higher upfront costs.
• You prefer to customize your living space.
• You’re comfortable navigating the Japanese rental system or have local support.

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7. Tips for Renting in Nagoya

• Location Matters: Central areas like Sakae, Nagoya Station, and Fushimi are more expensive but convenient. Suburban areas like Meito or Tempaku offer more affordable options.
• Transportation: Ensure your apartment is near a subway or train station, as public transport is the primary mode of commuting in Nagoya.
• Real Estate Agents: For unfurnished apartments, visit local real estate agencies (fudōsan) near your desired area. For furnished apartments, use online platforms.
• Negotiate: While rare, some landlords may waive key money or reduce deposits if you negotiate through your agent.
• Understand Lease Terms: Read the lease carefully, especially regarding renewal fees, cleaning fees, and penalties for early termination.

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By weighing the pros and cons of furnished and unfurnished housing, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and lifestyle in Nagoya. Let me know if you need further assistance!