Location and single women’s need for shared housing in the wards of Tokyo

Abstract

This study explored the residents and locational characteristics of shared housing in the wards of Tokyo. Shared housing is defined as a rental residence in which tenants live with others; about 70% of such tenants are single women. There has been a remarkable increase in shared housing in the inner-city area, which is seeing a population recovery. This study analyzed 1,226 shared housing units in the wards of Tokyo, as well as management companies and the residences of single women in Taito ward. Shared housing is located near a train station and has higher-quality facilities, for example, larger kitchens and bathrooms, than other rental housing for single people. Houses located in areas with low demand from families tend to be diverted to shared housing. Moreover, companies manage shared housing by matching the available rental units with the housing needs of single women in terms of location and facilities for new businesses. Shared housing

makes it possible for single women with low or middle incomes to reside in convenient areas and enjoy highquality housing facilities for relatively low rental fees. As a result of examining both supply and demand, it is clear that single women’s need to live near their workplaces and desire for a better quality of life, coupled with an increase in excess housing stock in the inner-city area, are important factors in the increase in shared housing.