Living together can take many forms, such as sharing a room with a friend, living together with a partner, or getting married.
Since you won't be living alone, you cannot decide the layout, rent, etc. based on your own desires.
No matter what kind of relationship you are in, it is important to make decisions after thoroughly discussing each other's lifestyles, values, desired conditions, etc.
This time, we will focus on the layout, rent, initial costs, etc. of rental properties for couples.
We will also introduce some important points to consider when looking for rental properties for couples, so please use this as a reference when you start living together as a couple.
Three recommended floor plans for renting a house for two
The floor plan you choose when renting a place to live with your partner will depend on each person's lifestyle and values.
So this time, we will introduce floor plans divided into the following three types of lifestyles and values.
| 1K/1DK/1LDK | I want to spend as much time as possible together |
| 2K/2DK | I want to have some time and space for myself |
| 2LDK/3LDK | I want individual rooms for each person and rooms for future children |
Every floor plan has its advantages and disadvantages, so we will explain each one taking that into account.
Couples who want to spend as much time together as possible should live in a 1K/1DK/1LDK apartment.
- 1K: Kitchen and 1 room layout
- 1DK: 1K + 4.5 to 8 tatami mat dining kitchen layout
- 1LDK: A room layout with 1DK and living space
For couples who want to spend as much time together as possible, we recommend a 1K/1DK/1LDK apartment.
Each apartment has only one room, so the layout allows you to eat and sleep together, making it ideal for couples who want to be together all the time.
In particular, 1DK and 1LDK apartments allow you to add partitions using layouts such as bookshelves, and many properties already have partitions built in.
Therefore, if you have a fight, one of you can spend time in a DK, which will reduce stress for both of you.
However, 1K and 1DK properties are generally intended for single people, so applications for two people will often be refused.
Therefore, please note that the listing is limited to properties that state "accommodate two or more occupants" in the recruitment conditions or properties where permission has been obtained from the landlord through a real estate agent.
2K/2DK for couples who want some space and time to themselves
- 2K: Kitchen and 2 rooms
- 2DK: A room with a 2K+ dining/kitchen area of 6 to 10 tatami mats.
For couples who want some space for themselves, we recommend a 2K/2DK apartment.
2K and 2DK floor plans are often properties built in the 1990s and are quite old, so the rent is typically kept low.
In addition, each apartment has two rooms, so you can have one room as a living room and the other as a bedroom, giving you private space and some time to yourself.
Another benefit is that it can be used flexibly, such as using an entire room as a closet to keep the room tidy.
On the other hand, keep in mind that spending less time together can mean misunderstandings and missing opportunities to reconcile.
Couples who want their own private rooms and rooms for future children will choose a 2LDK/3LDK
- 2LDK: A living/dining/kitchen area of 10 tatami mats or more and two rooms.
- 3LDK: A living/dining/kitchen area of 10 tatami mats or more and three rooms.
For couples who want their own private rooms, a room for future children, or a dedicated work room, a 2LDK/3LDK is recommended.
With a 2LDK/3LDK apartment, not only can each person have their own room, but you can also set up a work room, a children's room, a guest room, etc.
Another major benefit is that the rooms are spacious and there is a large number of rooms, so you can both spend your time here without stress.
The most popular apartment for couples is the 2LDK.
However, because the 2LDK layout became popular after 2000, many of the properties are relatively new and the rent is relatively high.
Similarly, the rent for a 3LDK apartment is also quite high. If you want to keep your rent as low as possible, consider choosing a smaller floor plan such as a 2DK.
When two people are renting a place to live together, a 2LDK layout is often chosen, but it also depends on your lifestyle and values, so it's best to discuss it together and decide.
What is the average rent for a rental apartment for two people?
Next, let's look at rent.
The average rent for a rental apartment for two people varies greatly depending on the area and floor plan.
There can be a huge difference between the minimum and maximum rent prices even within the same area, so we've compiled a table showing the average average rent prices for each of the five major metropolitan areas.
The average rent figures are based on the average rent for 1LDK/2K/2DK and 2LDK/3K/3DK apartments (updated August 8, 2022) updated daily by the National Federation of Real Estate Transaction Associations, a public interest incorporated association.
| region | 1LDK/2K/2DK | 2LDK/3K/3DK |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo 23 Wards | Approximately 119,300 yen | Approximately 171,200 yen |
| Outside Tokyo's 23 wards | Approximately 65,800 yen | Approximately 115,300 yen |
| Sapporo City 10th Ward | Approximately 42,300 yen | Approximately 58,600 yen |
| Nagoya 16th Ward | Approximately 57,900 yen | Approximately 74,000 yen |
| Osaka City 24 Wards | Approximately 51,400 yen | Approximately 88,000 yen |
| Fukuoka City 7th Ward | Approximately 61,800 yen | Approximately 76,300 yen |
As you can see from the table above, rent in Tokyo's 23 wards is overwhelmingly high.
One of Tokyo's 23 wards is characterized by a particularly wide range between the lower and upper limits, with the difference between the highest price in Minato Ward and the lowest price in Katsushika Ward being about two to three times.
Even within Tokyo's 23 wards, average rent prices vary depending on the area, so instead of thinking, "The 23 wards are expensive, so let's give up!", first try searching for an area you want to live in and specifying your desired conditions.
If you narrow your search down to one area, the number of properties you get will be limited, so we recommend including multiple areas as your search options.
Even in Tokyo's 23 wards, where average rents are high, you will be able to find a property that meets all of your desired conditions and is within your budget.
Initial costs for two people living together in a rented apartment
The cost of living together in a rented apartment is not just the rent. There are other costs such as a deposit, key money, and moving expenses.
Next, let's look at the initial costs involved when starting to live together in a rented apartment.
The costs required when starting to live together in a rented apartment can be roughly divided into three categories. The average cost of all three combined is said to be about 6 to 7 months' rent.
This time, we will also explain the following three ways to reduce initial costs.
- Rental contract costs
- Moving expenses
- Furniture and appliance costs
The initial rental costs paid to the real estate company, such as the deposit and key money required to rent a property, are said to amount to about 3 to 5 months' rent, with most of the initial costs going to rental contract costs.
In addition, many items are calculated based on rent, and the detailed breakdown is as follows:
| Deposit | 0 to 2 months rent |
| key money | 0 to 2 months rent |
| Advance rent | 1 month's rent |
| Daily rent | Pro-rata rent |
| Brokerage fee | 0.5 to 1 month's rent + consumption tax |
| Fire insurance premiums | 15,000 to 20,000 yen |
| Key exchange fee | 10,000 to 20,000 yen |
| Guarantor company fee | 30-60% of rent (only if necessary) |
The deposit and key money are particularly large amounts.
Therefore,
- No capital or key money required
- Free rent property (rent is free for about 1 to 3 months after moving in)
By looking for a property like this, you can significantly reduce your rental costs.
Moving expenses
The general average cost of moving is around 20,000 to 40,000 yen for one person, and around 60,000 yen for two people.
In particular, moving companies' busy season from February to April tends to mean higher prices, so in order to keep moving costs down it is a good idea to avoid moving during these periods, the end and beginning of the month, and weekends.
Also, if you move during the off-season, there may be discount campaigns running so the cost can be cheaper.
Furthermore, depending on the company, moving on a weekday during the off-season can often be more than double the cost.
Other things include:
- Use a price comparison site to get quotes from multiple companies
- If you have a small amount of luggage and are traveling a short distance, you can transport it yourself without using a transport company.
Other options would be good as well.
Furniture and appliance costs
It is generally said that purchasing a complete set of furniture and home appliances will cost around 300,000 to 500,000 yen.
This cost will vary depending on the grade of the appliance, so please use it as a guideline.
Furniture and home appliances are necessities of life.
The best way to keep costs down is to decorate the room using furniture and appliances that each person already owns, rather than buying everything new.
Plan ahead and get everything you need, especially if you're buying new things.
Please note that large furniture and home appliances may take several days from purchase to delivery, so it is a good idea to purchase items you want to use immediately after moving early and schedule delivery.
You can also buy them cheaply at second-hand shops and auctions, so it's a good idea to decide based on your budget.
What is an appropriate rent for two people to rent a place?
The best way to keep initial costs down is to keep rent low. So, what is the appropriate rent for two people? Let's take a look.
Generally speaking, rent should be about 30% of your monthly take-home pay.
If there are two people living together, a good guideline would be 30% of the combined monthly take-home pay of both partners.
However, many people say that if they spend 30% of their total monthly take-home pay on rent, it's difficult to have any money left over to save.
Therefore, if you are thinking of saving for the future, such as for wedding expenses or child support, we recommend looking for a property that costs 2.5% of your total monthly take-home income.
The approximate monthly take-home pay and appropriate rent are as follows. Please use this as a reference.
| Total monthly take-home pay | 30% of rent | 2.5% of rent |
|---|---|---|
| 200,000 yen | 60,000 yen | 50,000 yen |
| 250,000 JPY | 75,000 yen | 62,500 yen |
| 300,000 yen | 90,000 yen | 75,000 yen |
| 350,000 JPY | 105,000 yen | 87,500 yen |
| 400,000 yen | 120,000 yen | 100,000 yen |
| 450,000 JPY | 135,000 yen | 112,500 yen |
| 500,000 yen | 150,000 yen | 125,000 yen |
Five points to consider when choosing a rental property for couples
Once you know the floor plan and appropriate rent, all you have to do is look for a property that meets those conditions.
However, there will be many cases where the rent and property conditions do not match.
At times like these, it becomes very important for the two of you to come to an agreement on what should be prioritized and where you can compromise.
Next, we will explain the points you should pay attention to when looking for a rental property for two people.
There are five points to keep in mind when choosing a rental property for two people.
- Setting a maximum rent
- Living area and location
- Availability of private space
- Luggage capacity and storage space
- Water facilities and other equipment conditions
Setting a maximum rent
Generally speaking, rent should be no more than 30% of your take-home pay. Therefore, if you are living with someone, you should set the upper limit at 30% of your combined monthly income.
The amount that you can comfortably pay is considered to be 30% of your monthly income, so we do not recommend setting the upper limit higher than this.
If one of you quits your job or your income stops for some reason, it will be difficult to pay rent.
That's why it's important to set a reasonable rent, taking into account the unlikely event of an emergency.
If you have financial leeway, you can use the money to save for the future.
Living area and location
The layout and size of the property are important, but it is important to first decide on the area and location where you will live.
When choosing a place to stay, take into consideration whether the distance and time it takes to get from the station to your home will be stressful for either of you.
When you first move, you won't mind minor inconveniences.
However, since commuting is a daily occurrence, if one of you is inconvenienced, it could lead to problems later on.
Therefore,
- Commuting time for two
- Is this a station where express or rapid trains stop?
- Is it easy to transfer?
It is important to check these points and choose a property that is convenient for both parties. In particular, be aware that express trains may not stop on weekends.
Availability of private space
Make it clear whether or not you need private space, that is, a space where you can have some alone time.
This will change the layout choice.
If you need private space, you'll need at least 2K or more, but if you don't need that, you can look for something starting from 1K.
When you have a fight, it's easier to calm down if you have a space to yourself, but the opposite is also true. Being in the same space can make it easier to make up.
Private space is the most important checkpoint when living together as a couple, so be sure to discuss it thoroughly and decide on it in advance.
Luggage capacity and storage space
It goes without saying that when you live with someone else, you will have more luggage than when you live alone, so having storage space is very important.
The smaller the room, the fewer storage items there are, or the less storage space there is.
Many people choose small rooms such as one-room apartments simply to keep rent low, and then end up struggling to store their belongings.
Even after you start living together as a couple, your belongings will continue to increase, so the more storage space you have the better.
First, we recommend that you clearly understand the amount of luggage each of you will have and then choose a property with storage space appropriate for that.
Water facilities and other equipment conditions
Make sure to organize your requirements for the facilities, such as having separate bathroom and toilet, a separate sink, and a gas stove with two or more burners.
The bathroom and toilet are the most important parts of the bathroom, so it's best to have them separate if possible. If you live alone, you'll only use one at a time, but if you live with someone else, that's not always possible.
By having separate bathrooms and toilets, one person can use the toilet even if the other is in the bath.
Also, check the size and usability of the kitchen.
We also recommend a bathtub with a reheating function. This will help you save on water and utility bills, especially if you and your partner return home at different times.
[Finally] Organize your requirements and find your ideal property
When starting to live together in a rented apartment, it is most important to coordinate both of your desired conditions.
The priorities of your desired conditions will vary depending on your lifestyle and values.
Make sure you clearly identify each other's "conditions that you cannot compromise on" and "conditions that you are willing to compromise on," and then discuss until you reach an agreement.
- I want to spend as much time as possible together
- I want to have some time and space for myself
- I want individual rooms for each person and rooms for future children
Make sure to share your values, such as these, and find the ideal floor plan.
However, if you aim too highly for your ideal property, you will often end up paying more than the appropriate rent.
Be sure to decide on a maximum rent amount, take into account the important points, and then search for a property that is satisfactory to both parties.
