We asked people what benefits they expect from living in a share house!

Our survey revealed that many people value the cost-effectiveness of share houses—such as savings on rent and utilities—as well as the social benefits, like avoiding loneliness and building new networks.

• It’s a great system for those on a budget because it lowers rent costs. (20s/Male/Student)
• You can save money by splitting rent and utility costs compared to living alone. (30s/Female/Part-time worker)
• You get to live in a well-equipped, convenient, and spacious room for a low price. (30s/Female/Freelancer)
• It’s not just about making acquaintances or friends; it’s about building new relationships through living together. (20s/Male/Student)
• You can interact with all kinds of people, which expands your network—something that might prove useful later in life. (30s/Male/Company employee)
• It’s less lonely than living alone. It feels safer, and you can make friends. (20s/Female/Company employee)
• There’s always someone around, so you don’t feel lonely. If you get along with your housemates, you’ll look forward to coming home. (20s/Female/Company employee)
• It’s cheaper. Plus, if it’s a women-only house, it’s great for security. (30s/Female/Freelancer)

Renting a standard apartment often requires hundreds of thousands of yen in deposits, key money, and agency fees. Share houses significantly reduce these costs, which is a major advantage. Lower initial costs also make moving easier, allowing you to change your living situation if it doesn't feel like the right fit. Many people also find the presence of other residents to be a significant benefit. For those new to living alone, the anxieties of independent life can be daunting, but in a share house, those worries are largely mitigated—a particularly reassuring factor for women.

The survey results show that the primary benefits of share houses are financial savings and the opportunity to meet and interact with new people.

For those who want to live independently but are concerned about costs, loneliness, or handling unexpected problems, a share house is an excellent solution. It offers the perfect balance: the privacy of having your own space combined with the security of having others nearby.

While communal living can come with its own set of challenges, you can always rely on your housemates or the management team for support. And if you find it isn't the right fit, moving out is simple.

It might be a good idea to carefully evaluate whether a share house is right for you, and perhaps even visit a few different properties to find the perfect match.