Condominiums, Apartments, Detached Houses, Townhouses, Maisonettes: Understanding the Differences When Searching for Your Next Home.
When looking for rental properties in Japan, you’ll encounter various types of buildings. While condominiums, apartments, and detached houses are common, townhouses and maisonettes can be harder to identify, and their differences might not be immediately clear.
Let’s take a closer look at each type, focusing on townhouses and maisonettes, which may be less familiar.
What is an Apartment Building (Mansion)?
In Japan, an “apartment building,” often referred to as a “mansion,” typically refers to buildings that are three stories or more, constructed using reinforced concrete (RC) or steel-reinforced concrete (SRC), and containing multiple units. While there is no strict definition for the term, these buildings tend to have better insulation due to their concrete construction.
In this context, “mansion” refers to rental properties managed by a single owner per building. These buildings, often aimed at real estate investment, are generally rented out for residential or commercial use, but they typically do not emphasize high-end features or luxury amenities.
What is an Apartment?
Though there is no strict distinction between an “apartment” and a “mansion,” the term “apartment” generally refers to buildings with two stories or fewer, often constructed from wood or lightweight steel. Wooden structures offer good breathability but are generally less sturdy compared to reinforced concrete buildings.
Apartments are often older properties, which is one reason their rental prices tend to be lower than those of mansions.
What is a Tower Mansion?
A “tower mansion” usually refers to a high-rise building with 20 or more stories. Similar to regular mansions, there is no strict definition for the term, but tower mansions often offer more extensive amenities, such as lounges, gyms, and other communal facilities.
These buildings are typically located near train stations or in urban areas. However, due to strict landscape regulations, tower mansions are almost nonexistent in cities like Kyoto.
What is a Housing Complex (Danchi)?
A “danchi” refers to a cluster of residential buildings, commonly including public housing or UR rental apartments. While the term lacks a formal definition, it usually describes large housing complexes.
In addition to residential units, danchi complexes often include facilities like shops, hospitals, and parks, creating a self-sufficient community environment.
What is a Townhouse?
A townhouse is a two- or three-story building where adjacent units share walls, resembling the traditional Japanese “nagaya” style of housing. Unlike condominiums, where access to units is typically through shared corridors and elevators, townhouses usually offer direct access to each unit from the outside, providing a more independent, detached-house-like living experience.
Townhouses may be similar to terrace houses, which offer individual ownership for each unit and often include features like private gardens and parking spaces, further enhancing the independence of each residence.
Townhouses with the appearance of detached houses. (as for Terrace houses, it has private gardens and individual ownership rights.) ↓
What is a Maisonette?
A maisonette is a multi-level property found within an apartment or condominium, featuring an internal staircase that connects two or more floors of living space. This design offers greater independence and a more spacious layout, similar to that of a detached house.
There are also units with lofts that have a layout resembling maisonettes. However, lofts are usually considered storage spaces rather than full rooms, with a mezzanine occupying part of the main living area.
Two-story maisonette types. ↓
At SmileHome, we’re here to help you find the perfect rental property that fits your preferences and lifestyle. Feel free to contact us for personalized assistance!