#Japan #Tokyo #LIFULL HOME'S #Ministry of Land #Safety Net Housing

LIFULL HOME'S Enhances Safety Net Housing Accessibility

In a groundbreaking initiative, LIFULL, a reputable real estate and housing information provider based in Tokyo, has joined forces with Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. Starting February 3, 2026, users will be able to search for "Safety Net Housing" through the LIFULL HOME'S platform, which was developed in response to recent amendments to the Housing Safety Net Law enacted on October 1, 2025.

The Importance of Safety Net Housing

With the rising number of single-person households and decreasing homeownership rates, certain demographics find it increasingly challenging to secure accommodation. This includes elderly individuals, low-income earners, and people with disabilities—collectively referred to as individuals needing special housing consideration.

Safety Net Housing is designated as accommodations that do not refuse tenants from these vulnerable groups and are registered with local authorities. This scheme not only serves as a means for these individuals to secure housing but also plays a pivotal role in addressing the issue of vacant properties in communities.

LIFULL HOME'S has long provided a search service named "FRIENDLY DOOR," which helps individuals needing special housing consideration connect with supportive real estate agents since 2019. Now, thanks to this collaboration with the Ministry of Land, users can directly search for available Safety Net Housing listings on the LIFULL HOME'S site.

Wider Access to Housing Solutions

Featuring over 950,000 registered Safety Net Housing units as of December 2025, this collaboration allows LIFULL HOME'S to tag properties that match the criteria. Currently, more than 140,000 listings are available for users to explore, making it easier to find suitable residences. The search functionality will allow individuals to query their requirements efficiently, thus simplifying the process of finding homes that meet their needs.

This initiative is particularly crucial as the potential increase in the housing needs of vulnerable groups is anticipated. The introduction of easier access to Safety Net Housing is expected to alleviate the challenges faced by those who have historically struggled to find suitable rentals due to discrimination or other barriers.

Addressing Registration and Vacancy Issues

The current system, while beneficial, has inherent challenges; inquiries about the availability of registered properties often require direct communication. LIFULL HOME'S aims to resolve this by providing a seamless connection to real-time information regarding property vacancies, linking it directly to its database.

In addition to enhancing the reach of the Safety Net Housing initiative, LIFULL HOME'S has expanded its search categories to include various labels such as “Friendliest for Foreign Residents” and “Accessible for People with Disabilities.” This means users will have a wide array of options to navigate through, practically revolutionizing the way those in need of special housing access rental properties.

Continuous Improvement and Future Directions

Moving forward, LIFULL HOME'S is dedicated to expanding the number of properties listed under Safety Net Housing and will develop partnerships with the Ministry of Land to ensure comprehensive awareness and access. By facilitating easier navigation through its user-friendly platform, LIFULL is committed to helping make housing more accessible for everyone who requires it.

Furthermore, the insights provided by officials from the Ministry of Land and LIFULL's management team emphasize a common goal of enhancing social support networks for vulnerable populations. This ambitious partnership is a step toward creating a socially conscious housing market in Japan, where everyone can find a place to call home without fear of rejection.

Conclusion

As Japan continues to innovate its housing policies, initiatives like the collaboration between LIFULL HOME'S and the Ministry of Land represent crucial steps towards solving longstanding issues in housing accessibility. By implementing a user-focused digital approach, we are looking at a future where everyone—regardless of their circumstances—can achieve their dream of secure housing. LIFULL HOME'S is committed to being at the forefront of this change, ensuring that safety and accessibility in housing are prioritized in the years to come.