Real Estate in Okinawa, Japan
Last updated on Jul 08, 2023
Summary: Expats and retirees talk about real estate in Okinawa, Japan? How do you find a home in Okinawa? Should you buy or rent? What is the cost of housing?
How do I find a place to live in Okinawa?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"Finding a place to live in Okinawa involves several steps. First, you need to determine your budget and the type of accommodation you're looking for. This could range from a small apartment to a larger house, depending on your needs and financial situation. Next, you should research different areas in Okinawa to find a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle. Consider factors such as proximity to work or school, access to public transportation, and the availability of amenities such as shops, restaurants, and parks. Once you have a clear idea of what you're looking for, you can start your search. There are several online real estate portals that list properties for rent in Okinawa, such as Homes.co.jp, Suumo.jp, and Athome.jp. These websites allow you to filter your search based on factors such as location, price, size, and type of property. You can also consider hiring a real estate agent to help you in your search. They can provide valuable advice and guidance, and can help you navigate the complexities of the Japanese rental market. Be aware that you may need to pay a commission for their services. When you find a property that you're interested in, you'll need to contact the landlord or real estate agent to arrange a viewing. If you decide to proceed with the rental, you'll need to fill out an application and provide certain documents, such as proof of income and identification. Once your application is approved, you'll need to sign a lease agreement and pay a deposit, which is typically equivalent to one or two months' rent. You may also need to pay a key money fee, which is a non-refundable payment to the landlord that is common in Japan. Finally, before you move in, you'll need to set up utilities such as electricity, water, and internet. This can usually be done by contacting the relevant companies and arranging for the services to be connected. Remember, finding a place to live in a foreign country can be challenging, so it's important to be patient and persistent. Good luck with your search," remarked one member in Okinawa.
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Okinawa?
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Okinawa?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Okinawa?
- What is the average cost of housing in Okinawa?
- How do I meet people in Okinawa?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Okinawa?
- What should I pack when moving to Okinawa?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Okinawa?
- Will I be able to find a job in Okinawa?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Okinawa?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Okinawa?
- What is the social scene like in Okinawa?
- What advice to expats in Okinawa have about housing?
- What are medical services in Okinawa like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Okinawa?
- Is the cost of living in Okinawa high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Okinawa?
- Why do people move to Okinawa?