Complete Guide to Finding Housing in Shizuoka | Rentals, Purchases, and Vacant Home Utilization

When starting to live in Shizuoka, choosing a home is one of the most important preparations. With a population of approximately 690,000, Shizuoka offers diverse options from condominiums to traditional farmhouses, with living environments developed centered around Aoba Yokocho and Gofukucho. The access is a major advantage, with about 40 minutes by car from Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport to the city center, and about one hour from Tokyo via the Tokaido Shinkansen. Compared to Tokyo's 23 wards, it's not uncommon to find properties 2-3 times larger for the same budget, allowing you to feel an improvement in your living environment. With a Pacific climate and warm weather, with clear skies year-round and some of the highest sunshine hours in the country, we'll also share tips for choosing properties with these climate characteristics in mind. Here, we provide a complete guide to finding housing in Shizuoka, from rentals to purchases and vacant home utilization.

Rental Price Ranges and Recommended Areas

1-bedroom apartments range from ¥50,000 to ¥80,000, and 2-bedroom apartments from ¥60,000 to ¥100,000 as the standard range. Aoba Yokocho has high convenience and slightly higher rents, but the Shimizu Fish Market area offers ¥10,000-¥20,000 savings. Properties within walking distance of stations are highly popular, so acting quickly is important. Areas around Shinkansen stops have a good balance of convenience and rent. Pet-friendly properties are on the rise, and properties near parks suitable for dog walking are particularly popular. Free internet properties are also increasing, helping reduce communication costs. Initial costs are typically 3-5 months' rent, though you may receive subsidies through relocation support programs. As more real estate companies offer commissions at half price or lower, it's recommended to contact multiple companies.

Home Purchase Prices and Loans

New houses typically range from ¥25 million to ¥45 million, while used homes (15-25 years old) range from ¥10 million to ¥25 million. With land prices of ¥150,000 to ¥300,000 per tsubo, custom-built homes are also within reach. Considering Shinkansen commuting, properties near stations maintain stable asset values. Using Flat 35's renovation-inclusive loans allows you to combine used home purchases and renovations into one process, reducing procedural burden. Subsidies for energy-efficient homes are also abundant. Don't forget to check mortgage deductions and property acquisition tax relief measures. With Flat 35's renovation-inclusive loans, you can consolidate used home purchases and renovations into a single loan.

Vacant Property Banks and Renovation

Shizuoka Prefecture's vacant property bank constantly has 30-100 properties registered, with affordable properties from ¥0 to ¥5 million being not uncommon. Even including renovation costs, you can realize your ideal home for less than half the price of new construction. Since the condition of vacant homes varies greatly by property, on-site inspection and building surveys are essential. Confirming structural integrity ensures peace of mind when living there. Renovation subsidies up to ¥500,000 to ¥1.5 million can be used for earthquake-resistant improvements and energy efficiency upgrades. More people are considering properties with plans to convert them to traditional farmhouse cafes or Airbnb rentals. DIY rentals (rentals where you can do your own renovations) are also increasing, offering the joy of creating your ideal living space at low cost.

Living Comfort by Area and Moving Procedures

Aoba Yokocho is in the city center with abundant commercial facilities and the highest rent level. Gofukucho is a quiet residential area popular with families. The Shimizu Fish Market area is undergoing redevelopment. Areas around Shinkansen stations are popular due to high commuting convenience. Suburbs are close to nature and well-received by families with children. Cars are a necessity for daily life, but maintenance costs are significantly lower than in the Tokyo metropolitan area. If you care about school districts, the "reverse search method" of finding properties around highly-regarded elementary schools is recommended. Moving procedures follow the flow of submitting a moving-out notice → moving → submitting a moving-in notice (within 14 days), and you should also handle My Number Card, national health insurance, and pension procedures simultaneously. Don't forget to change your driver's license address, submit proof of parking space, and update your vehicle registration number. Water, electricity, and gas can be applied for online, so complete these procedures by one week before moving. During off-season months (January, June, November), moving costs can be about half of peak season prices.

Checklist for Not Failing in Home Selection

The most important thing in choosing a home is 'not to rush.' The best approach is to first stay in a monthly furnished apartment (¥50,000 to ¥100,000 per month) for 3-6 months to get a feel for the area, then begin serious property searching. Making decisions after short-term stays in multiple areas is the best way to avoid failure. Comprehensively evaluate commute time, shopping convenience, and school district reputation. The trick is to visit properties on both weekdays and weekends. Your home is the foundation of your life. Take your time to find a property you're satisfied with.