When rebuilding a house, one of the biggest challenges many people face is figuring out where to live during the construction period. This article covers the types, costs, selection methods, and key points for temporary housing during rebuilding.
How Long Will You Need Temporary Housing During Rebuilding?
Rebuilding proceeds in this order: contractor selection → move to temporary housing → demolish old home → new construction → completion → move to new home. The typical period spent in temporary housing is about 6 months to 1 year. If you have a large family or pets, finding a property takes more time, so start searching 2 months before construction begins.
Common Problems When Searching for Temporary Housing
Few Properties Allow Short-Term Stays
Standard rental contracts are typically for 2 years. Under the Land and House Lease Act, contracts under 1 year are treated as "no fixed term," which is a risk for property managers and landlords, so short-term rental properties are limited. Filtering for "short-term contract available" from the start is the most efficient approach.
Insufficient Storage Space
Moving from a house to an apartment significantly reduces storage space. Rather than struggling to find a larger unit, using a storage unit or taking the rebuilding opportunity to dispose of unnecessary furniture and appliances is more practical.
Hard to Find Pet-Friendly Properties
Short-term, pet-friendly properties are very rare. Compromise somewhat on location and size, and start early by using specialized short-term rental services.
Types of Temporary Housing and Their Features
Short-Term Rentals
Wide variety and relatively affordable monthly rent. However, initial costs such as security deposit, key money, and brokerage fees apply.
Monthly Apartments
Come furnished with appliances; low initial costs; can be rented on a monthly basis. However, monthly costs tend to be higher.
Hotels
Comfortable for short stays, but costs increase significantly for long periods. No cooking facilities means higher living costs.
Parents' Home
The most cost-effective option, but requires careful consideration of the burden on family members and changes to daily routines.
How Much Does Temporary Housing Cost?
- Rent/accommodation: approx. ¥50,000–¥150,000/month (depending on location and size)
- Moving costs: two moves (old home → temporary housing, temporary housing → new home)
- Initial costs: security deposit, key money, brokerage fees (for rentals)
- Storage unit: approx. ¥5,000–¥20,000/month
Budget approximately ¥1,000,000–¥2,000,000 in additional costs for 6 months of temporary housing.
Tips to Avoid Regrets When Choosing Temporary Housing
To save costs, the ideal timing is to move in 1 week before demolition starts and vacate within 1 week of the new home's completion. Moving in too early or vacating too late leads to unnecessary costs. Rebuilding is also a good opportunity to review your waterproofing and renovation plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. When should I start searching for temporary housing?
It's recommended to start about 2 months before construction begins. If you have pets or a large family, start even earlier.
Q. Are monthly apartments suitable for temporary housing?
They come furnished with appliances and have low initial costs, making them suitable for short-term use. However, monthly costs tend to be higher than standard rentals.
Q. What should I do about my resident registration during temporary housing?
In principle, you should transfer your resident registration to the temporary address. However, if you plan to move to your new home within 6 months, consider the hassle of multiple transfers.
Q. Can temporary housing costs be included in a rebuilding loan?
Some housing loans allow miscellaneous expenses, including temporary housing costs. Check with your financial institution individually.
