(4) Check before you visit! Social Apartment Property Tour Guide
Social apartments are rental apartments that include a lounge and other public spaces in addition to traditional rental housing. It is a new style of housing that allows you to enjoy community with other residents while ensuring your privacy and “expanding your world.
If you are interested in such a social apartment, the next step is to actually visit the property. A tour of a property is a valuable opportunity to see the atmosphere and details that cannot be seen from photos or online information alone. In this article, we will introduce some tips for a successful tour of a social apartment property.
Preparation before going on a property tour
(1) Make an appointment to visit the property
If you find a property you would like to visit, inquire about it by selecting “Tour / Move-in” from the contact form. Our staff will give you the latest information on available rooms and confirm whether the property matches your requirements. Basically, there is only one property you can preview, so it is important to check the photos and floor map on the building page of the official website beforehand to have an idea of what you can expect when moving in.
(2) Clarify your preferences
It is important to clarify your preferences in preparation for the property visit. Make a list of factors that are important to you, such as rent, convenience of commuting to work or school, common facilities (lounge, workspace, theater room, etc.), and the atmosphere of the tenants. If you are considering other types of properties besides social apartments, it is also important to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each.
💡Tips!: Compare saved properties
With “Compare saved properties,” you can compare access, common areas, number of rooms, and current deals for each property.
■Compare saved properties
https://www.social-apartment.com/favorite/compare
Check as if you were actually living in the apartment! Points to check on the day of the tour
Finally, it's time to tour the property! If you have already defined your requirements, you may already have some idea of what to check. In addition, here are some points that you can get a sense of only at the site, and questions to ask the viewing staff. If you visit a property with the intention of actually living in it, you will be able to get a more concrete image of what it is like.
(1) Check the surrounding environment
On the day of the tour, we often meet at the nearest station, but we recommend that you arrive early to check the surrounding environment. Check the distance from the nearest station, public safety, and the availability of nearby facilities (supermarkets, cafes, hospitals, etc.).
(2) Feel the atmosphere of the property
Once you arrive at the property, get a feel for the atmosphere of the social apartment. In particular, the lounge space is the heart of the common area and a place for residents to socialize. Check if it is a good fit for you.
(3) Check the private room and living environment
Check the size and layout of the private room, storage space, sunlight, etc,. It is also important to check the air conditioning, internet environment, and utilities like bathroom/toilet (private or shared) while imagining your actual life.
(4) Questions to the staff
The staff who will guide you through the property tour are familiar with social apartments, unlike general brokers. Be proactive in asking any questions or concerns you may have!
- About tenants: diversity of age groups, occupations, and nationalities
- About the management system: frequency of cleaning of common spaces, troubleshooting
- Usage of common facilities: how crowded are the bathrooms and laundry facilities?
- Contract terms: initial cost, renewal fee, rules for cancellation
Visiting a social apartment is an important process to find the right home for you. By preparing well in advance and keeping in mind the points to check on site, you will increase your chances of finding the ideal property. If you have any concerns or questions, do not hesitate to ask questions and determine whether or not you will be able to live a comfortable and enjoyable life.
If you like the property you previewed, submit an application. The next step is to go over the move-in procedure and how to start living in a social apartment.
Next article: (5) Social Apartment Move-in: What to Prepare?