For those looking for a rental property to live alone, a property with a loft is an attractive option.
However, the definition of a rental loft is not clear and interpretations can vary from person to person.
In this article, we will explain the definition of a rental property with a loft, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of properties with a loft.
In addition, we will also introduce ways to utilize loft space when living alone, so please take a look.
What is the definition of a rental property with a loft?
There are strict regulations regarding lofts in the Building Standards Act.
Under the Building Standards Act, lofts are considered "attic storage sheds, etc." and the ceiling height is limited to 1.4m or less and the floor area is restricted to one-eighth of the room directly below.
This "attic storage shed, etc." refers to a space set up as storage in the attic, ceiling, or under the floor.
In other words, a loft is designed as a storage space rather than a living space.
Therefore, it is not counted in the floor area of the living room.
In addition, storage space or TV/internet jacks cannot be provided inside the loft, and a movable ladder must be installed.
Additionally, there is a limit of only one electrical outlet available.
Many people use lofts as bedrooms, but because of the above regulations, it's important to understand that there are limited uses for them.
We will introduce the advantages and disadvantages of rental properties with loft spaces.
Benefits of renting a property with a loft
First, let us take a closer look at the attractive benefits of renting a loft.
Let's take a deeper look at the appeal of lofts, such as the open feeling that comes from high ceilings, their unique design, and the storage space they create.
The main benefits of a loft are:
- High ceilings and a sense of openness
- You can use the room spaciously.
- Can be used as storage space
- Free up bedroom space
- Can be used as a place for hobbies or as a hideaway
- Cheaper rent than properties of the same size
I will explain each one in order.
1. High ceilings create a sense of openness
Properties with lofts have ceilings that are approximately twice as high as regular rooms.
The high ceilings give a feeling of openness even when you are under the loft.
Therefore, properties with lofts are highly recommended for those who want a spacious living space.
2. You can use the room spaciously
The loft area is not included in the floor area, so the room is actually larger than a regular property.
In a typical apartment or one-room condominium, the room size is usually around 15 to 20 m2, of which the living area is around 10 m2.
It will be difficult to secure a large space since you will have to put furniture and other things there.
That's why, if an apartment or one-room condominium has a loft, it's easier to secure storage space and a place to sleep in the living area, and you can use the room more spaciously than in a regular property.
3. Use the space for storage
The loft space also comes in handy as storage space.
There are not many typical apartments or one-room condominiums for single people that offer a lot of storage space.
Some properties may not have enough storage space.
On the other hand, in properties with lofts, you can save living space by using the loft as storage space.
A loft is an ideal storage space, especially for bulky items like clothes.
You can also store your belongings such as manga books and DVDs in the loft to increase the living space in your room.
Also, by hiding the items stored inside, the entire room looks neater.
4. You can save space in your bedroom
The loft can also be used as a sleeping space.
In a typical apartment or one-room condominium, putting a bed in the living room would mean there would be no room for space.
Therefore, by using the loft as a bedroom, you can make the entire living space feel more spacious.
Another attractive feature is that you can create a sleeping space by simply laying a mattress down as a bed, and since you don't have to place anything on top of your bedding, you can keep your sleeping area clean and free of dirt.
In addition, during the winter, air heated by the air conditioner flows into the loft, helping to keep you warm.
5. It can be used as a place for hobbies or as a hideaway
The loft space is also ideal as a hideaway or hobby area, as you can access other areas using a ladder.
You can display and store items from your collection, or fill your loft with private hobbies.
If you keep your hobby items in the living room below, they will be seen when you have guests over, but if you keep a space for your hobbies in the loft, they will not be seen unless they climb the ladder.
So, if you want to enjoy your hobbies in private, it's a good idea to create your own world of hobbies in the loft space.
6. Cheaper rent than properties of the same size
Properties with lofts are said to have lower rent and better value for money than properties of the same size.
Generally, the larger the area, the higher the rent.
However, the loft area is not recognized as a habitable room under the Building Standards Act, so it is not counted as part of the exclusive area.
In addition, properties with lofts are often built using wood, which has low construction costs, and are said to have poor soundproofing and are unpopular, which means that the rent is set low.
Properties with lofts tend to have larger floor space and the rent is often more affordable than regular properties.
Disadvantages of renting a property with a loft
Renting a property with a loft certainly has its appeal, but there are also some disadvantages to be aware of.
Next, we will explain in detail the disadvantages of renting a loft.
The main disadvantages of a loft are:
- Climbing up and down the ladder is a hassle
- The air conditioner is not working well
- Difficult to clean and prone to dust accumulation
- Changing lighting fixtures is difficult
- Noise from upstairs bothers me
I will explain each one in order.
1. Climbing up and down ladders is a pain
To get to the loft, you have to go up and down a ladder.
Some properties have many unfixed stairs and ladders at steep angles, so if you are not careful when going up and down, you could slip and injure yourself.
Therefore, many people will find the hassle of going up and down to the loft frequently to be a disadvantage.
It may also be a little difficult to load and unload your luggage.
As a result, it is not rare for a loft life that was initially enjoyable to gradually become a nuisance, and the space ends up being used only for storage.
2. The air conditioner is not working properly
One disadvantage of properties with lofts is that the air conditioning is less effective.
Because warm air tends to rise and cold air tends to sink, it takes time for the air conditioning to take effect throughout the room.
Also, depending on the position of the air conditioner and windows, the air conditioning may not reach the loft area, making it uncomfortable and hot.
Circulating the air using a circulator or fan can help make the room feel less hot, so be sure to check whether there is an electrical outlet in the loft area.
Additionally, loft properties have high ceilings, which means you need to use a more powerful air conditioner to cool or heat the entire room.
Keep in mind that this will also result in higher electricity bills.
3. It is difficult to clean and dust easily accumulates.
The ceiling height in the loft area is less than 1.4m, so even women will have to squat down.
Therefore, it is difficult to clean while standing, like in the living room, which has the disadvantage of making cleaning more difficult.
The back of the loft is a space where dust tends to accumulate, so it's a good idea to have a simple small vacuum cleaner on hand.
We recommend cleaning frequently using a dry sheet or sticky carpet cleaner .
4. Replacing lighting fixtures is a hassle
In properties with lofts, the lighting is installed high up, so it is difficult to reach the lighting fixtures with a normal stepladder.
Therefore, the ceilings are higher than in a normal rental property, which has the disadvantage that it can be difficult to install lighting fixtures and light bulbs.
In a typical rental property, it is common for tenants to replace light bulbs or fluorescent lights themselves if they burn out.
However, if the property has a loft, you will likely need to borrow or request a specialized stepladder from your landlord or management company.
Therefore, it may take some time to request replacement of light bulbs and lighting fixtures in advance, and it may take some time to replace them.
It's a good idea to check about replacing light bulbs and lighting fixtures before you move in.
5. Noise from upstairs bothers you
In properties with lofts, it is easy to hear footsteps, talking, and other everyday noises from upstairs.
The height of a loft is limited to 1.4m or less, which is unavoidable as it is closer to the ceiling compared to a typical apartment or condominium room.
Therefore, please be aware that the apartment is close to the floor above and noise can be a concern.
In addition, typical apartments with lofts are often built with wood, which has poor sound insulation, making it more likely for sound and vibrations to resonate.
If you don't want to worry about noise, choose an apartment or condominium made of steel or reinforced concrete, even though the rent may be a little higher.
How to use loft space for single people
Next, we will introduce how to make the most of a loft when actually living in a property with one.
Below are four ways to use it, so be sure to check them out.
- Place large furniture against the back wall
- Use low furniture to create a space that doesn't feel cramped
- Use it as a space to dry laundry
- Use the loft stairs as storage space
Place large furniture against the back wall
To make the most of your loft space, we recommend placing large furniture against the back wall.
This approach is a way to free up space and improve usability.
By placing the furniture against the back wall, the space at the front expands, creating a feeling of openness.
It also makes movement and flow smoother, allowing for more effective use of space.
This layout makes it easier to secure closets and storage space, and also allows you to make use of the open space to create an interior that is uniquely your own.
Depending on how you arrange your furniture, you can improve the overall balance and design of your loft.
By placing large furniture against the back wall, you can create an ideal loft space for single living that is both functional and comfortable.
Use low furniture to create a space that doesn't feel cramped
One way to make the most of the space in a loft for single people is to use low furniture.
Loft properties usually have high ceilings and an open design, so choosing low furniture can help you make the most of the space without taking away from that open feeling.
Additionally, choosing low furniture will reduce the feeling of oppression and make the entire space appear larger.
For example, by choosing low furniture such as a low sofa or low table, you can create a sense of spaciousness without blocking your line of sight.
By using low furniture and making the most of the loft space for a single person, you can create a comfortable living space while maintaining an open feeling.
Use it as a space to dry laundry
The loft can also be used as a drying space for laundry.
When living alone, it can often be difficult to dry clothes indoors due to the small size of the house, so it's a good idea to make use of the loft area.
In particular, if the property has a skylight, it can let in plenty of sunlight and you can dry clothes indoors without any problems.
This is also a convenient way to use it for those who cannot hang out laundry outside.
It also provides a hiding place so you can hang out your laundry hidden when you have unexpected guests, making it a great choice for people who don't want others to see their laundry.
Use the loft stairs as storage space
One way to effectively utilize a loft space when living alone is to use the loft stairs as storage space.
Loft stairs usually take up space but can create air space underneath.
By using this space for storage, you can make effective use of limited space.
Drawers and storage boxes can be placed under the loft stairs to keep seasonal clothing, accessories, documents, and other items organized.
What's more, the steps themselves can be used as storage space.
summary
This time, we introduced the advantages and disadvantages of properties with lofts for living alone, as well as how to make the most of the space.
Properties with lofts are characterized by high ceilings and open spaces, and can be used for a variety of purposes.
You will also be able to enjoy your private space and relax.
On the other hand, the disadvantages include having to go up and down stairs and inefficient air conditioning.
As you can see, properties with lofts have their advantages and disadvantages, but you can still live comfortably by using the space wisely.
Choose a property that suits your lifestyle and needs, make the most of the space, and create the life of your dreams.
