Hello!
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Today, I’d like to share some tips on how to find rental properties in Japan that aren’t typically recommended by Korean real estate sites. Many people often turn to sites like GTN (formerly known as Azure) which only list apartments available for overseas applications that utilize their guarantee plan. This can significantly limit your options.
Recently, the number of guarantee companies in Japan that conduct overseas applicant screenings has increased. Unfortunately, this means that the availability of rental properties for foreigners is becoming somewhat restricted.
So, let’s take a look at how to find properties available for overseas applicant screening on the Japanese real estate site Iiheya Net (https://www.eheya.net/).
How to Search on Iiheya Net
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- Click on the area you want to go to. For this example, I’ll click on Tokyo (東京).
- I will show you how to search using the map. (地図から探す)
- Let’s head to Shinjuku (新宿区), a well-known area.
- You will see listings based on Google Maps.
- Here’s an important step: Click on Detailed Conditions (詳細条件) in the top left corner.
- At the bottom of the Detailed Conditions page, check the DK SELECT button.
- You may have noticed that most of the listings have disappeared once you clicked it!
- Move around the map to find and click on available properties.
- The left side shows basic information about the available units, while the right side displays detailed information about the selected apartment.
The properties that show up with this method are generally available for overseas applicant screening. Iiheya Net manages these properties, and most of them are open to foreigners.
Even if you initially selected Shinjuku, you can explore other areas by shifting the map around.
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Helpful Tips for Finding Properties
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Here are two great tips for your search:
- Early Applications: Since these properties are managed by Iiheya Net, you can apply for units that are currently under construction. For example, if you find a property that will finish construction in October, you could submit an application now for a move-in date of November 1st.
- Look for Newly Built Properties: You might also come across listings labeled as new constructions or those offering rent discounts.
Additionally, Iiheya Net has opened an international branch since 2021, specifically catering to foreign clients. The contract procedures here are often streamlined, meaning you can apply and sign a contract as early as the next day if your documents are ready.
If you find a property you like, it’s a good idea to add the Iiheya Net International branch on KakaoTalk to share the property link and receive consultation.
With tools like Google Translate and Papago, navigating Japanese sites is much easier than before, so don’t let the language barrier deter you!
Conclusion
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In my previous posts, I discussed Iiheya Net but focused more on the company’s scale rather than practical advice. Iiheya Net is actually one of Japan’s largest management and brokerage firms.
In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, there are many properties available for overseas residents, but in places like Fukuoka, Nagoya, or Sapporo, options may be quite limited.
I’ve seen many students and young professionals coming to Japan for long-term stays, studies, or working holidays, and they often feel pressured to settle for old and rundown apartments. While some properties managed by Iiheya Net may also be older, they ensure proper maintenance and management that meets the needs of international tenants.
It’s heartening to see that options for renting in Japan are expanding, as it allows for a better quality of life for those dreaming of living here. As competition among real estate companies increases, we can only expect the benefits and services we receive to improve.
I hope that young people aspiring to live in Japan will find this information helpful. See you in the next post! 😊