Rental Trends for Young Adults Under 30 in 2025
As Japan prepares to face changes in rental demographics, AtHome, a prominent real estate information service, has shared findings from its latest survey targeting young adults aged 18 to 29 living independently. This report sheds light on the preferences and priorities of students and professionals as they navigate the rental market. Conducted regularly since 2013, the survey reveals trends and behaviors related to housing choices, budgeting, and safety concerns.
Key Findings
Current Housing Overview
The average age of rented properties among respondents is approximately 13 years. Interestingly, around 20% of both students and professionals reside in homes that are less than 10 years old. In terms of accessibility, more than half of the participants from both categories reported that they can reach the nearest station within 10 minutes, suggesting an emphasis on convenience in residential choices.
Budgeting and Lifestyle Concerns
When it comes to budgeting, young adults tend to prioritize food expenses over housing costs, which accounts for less than 10% of their overall savings efforts. About 60% of both students and professionals expressed concerns regarding potential disasters, revealing an underlying anxiety about safety in their living environments. Fortunately, over 70% of students and 65% of professionals feel secure about the safety features of their current residences. However, more than half of the respondents do not have any specific security measures in place, indicating a gap between perception and reality.
Vehicle Ownership
The survey shows a significant disparity in vehicle ownership between students and professionals, with the latter owning cars at more than double the rate. While common household appliances like refrigerators and washing machines are prevalent among respondents, owning a private vehicle is still considered a luxury by many young adults.
Essential Housing Features
The most critical factors influencing housing decisions include a property located on the second floor or higher, which ranked highest among both groups. Safety features, such as a separate toilet and bath, also emerged as a top preference, with about 50% of participants insisting on this amenity. Furthermore, there is a strong desire for properties equipped with monitor intercom systems, demanded by over 80% of respondents.
Property Search Habits
Utilizing various platforms to search for housing, over 67% of respondents reported using real estate portal websites to find their current homes. Interestingly, students showed a greater inclination towards using real estate company websites compared to professionals, who preferred mobile apps related to real estate.
Survey Overview
Conducted between July 18 and July 24, 2025, the survey included 1,635 individuals aged 18 to 29 who had recently entered rental agreements for apartments, houses, or condos within two years prior. As awareness of trends continues to evolve, AtHome remains committed to providing insights that align with shifting societal norms and the changing landscape of the rental market.
Conclusion
As we look forward to 2025, it is evident that young adults are making thoughtful and informed decisions when it comes to their living situations. With considerations like budget, safety, and convenience at the forefront, the rental market must adapt to meet these dynamic needs. For more updates and findings on real estate preferences and market analysis, reach out to AtHome's dedicated teams.