Free word search
Category
First-Time Living Alone: 4 Key Tips for Choosing the Right Apartment
2025.06.14
Starting a new life by yourself for school or work can be both exciting and overwhelming.
To make your everyday life comfortable and fulfilling, it’s important to choose a home that makes you think, “I’m glad I chose this place.”
In this article, we’ll introduce four essential tips for those preparing to live alone for the first time.
When it comes to finding the right apartment, quick decision-making is key. Be ready to act before good properties get taken.
First Things First: In Apartment Hunting, the Fastest Wins
Even if you find a property you like, it’s not uncommon for someone else to apply before you while you’re still deciding.
In Japan’s rental market, the rule is “first come, first served.” It doesn’t matter who views or inquires first — the person who says “I’ll take it” the fastest gets the place.
Especially between February and April, when many people move in and out for the new school and business year, competition is fierce.
If a property meets your main requirements and gives a good first impression, don’t hesitate — contact the real estate agent within the same day if possible.
Point １:
- “If you don’t want to regret it, decide quickly.”
Compare and Narrow Down Options Efficiently
Unlike properties for sale, rental listings vary from agency to agency.
This means you may need to visit multiple real estate agencies to find a property that meets all your requirements.
When visiting a second agency, bring the best property information you found at the first one and ask:
“Do you have anything better than this?” This saves time and helps you find better deals more effectively.
If you repeat your preferences and review new suggestions from scratch each time, you’ll waste valuable time.
Instead, compare and narrow down your choices efficiently.
We also recommend searching for properties online in advance and reserving viewings for specific units — these speeds up the process and helps you focus.
Point 2:
- “Visit real estate agencies with time efficiency in mind.”
.png)
Consider Living Within Walking or Biking Distance from School or Work
Many people look for apartments that allow them to commute with a single train ride.
While avoiding transfers is convenient, there’s an even better option: live close enough to walk or bike.
Surprisingly, not many people think this way — but if you live within walking or biking distance, you can avoid packed trains and delays.
Most importantly, it gives you extra time in the morning.
For students especially, commuting costs can be significant. If you can redirect your transportation budget toward rent, it may be smarter to choose a slightly more expensive apartment near your school.
Point 3:
- “Live close to school or work and enjoy a more relaxed daily routine.”
Choose Based on What Living There Will Actually Feel Like
You may have a list of “non-negotiables” such as a separate bathroom and toilet, a reheat-capable bath, or a monitor-equipped intercom.
Due to budget limitations, some compromises might be necessary.
However, when living alone for the first time, you might only realize what truly matters after moving in.
For example, you may want to cook, only to find your kitchen lacks a two-burner stove or induction cooktop.
Or you thought you'd be fine without a balcony — until indoor drying takes up too much space and becomes a hassle.
Always consider what day-to-day life would be like in a unit.
Think about your comfort and habits before making a final decision.
Point 4:
- “Imagine yourself living there before deciding on a property.”
Use these four tips to guide your apartment search, and you’ll be on the right track to starting a great new chapter in your life.
Looking for a place to live in Japan? Let LandHousing take care of you.