When looking for an apartment in Japan, you may hear the terms 先行申込 (Senko Moushikomi)  and 先行契約 (Senko Keiyaku) . These systems are common when a property is popular or when the current tenant has not moved out yet. Understanding the difference can help you secure a property faster and avoid misunderstandings during the rental process. 先行申込 (Senko Moushikomi) – Priority Application A Senko Moushikomi  means submitting an application before you can view the apartment . Thi

If you're planning to rent an apartment in Japan, it's important to know about the peak rental season. This is the time of year when the rental market becomes very competitive and apartments get taken quickly. When Is Peak Season? The busiest rental period in Japan is January to March, with the highest demand in February and early March. This happens because many people move during this time, including: New employees starting jobs in April University students moving for scho

A lot of buyers are asking the same question this year: Should I buy now, or wait? Property prices in Tokyo are still high, especially in central areas. Good units near major stations are moving quickly, and new condo supply is limited. If you’re waiting for a big price drop, there’s no strong sign of that right now. That said, interest rates have started to rise compared to the ultra-low levels we were used to. They’re still low overall, but financing isn’t as “cheap” as it