Shared houses in Tokyo: Property characteristics and supplier promotions

This study provides a large-scale, quantitative perspective of Tokyo’s shared housing market, which has previously been examined mostly through smaller case studies. Specifically, we investigated the characteristics of 1374 shared houses in Tokyo, focusing on how suppliers promote these properties to shared house seekers. We applied text-mining analyses to property descriptions written by suppliers to reveal detailed features of the text and their relationships with property characteristics, such as location, capacity, and sex restrictions for residents. The key findings indicate that shared houses are predominantly located within Tokyo’s 23 wards, with mixed-sex and female-only residences almost equally represented, whereas male-only options are rare. Through text-mining analyses, we identified 11 primary topics in property descriptions, including enjoyment of shared living, convenience of the surrounding area, and common spaces. The results show that low rental prices are rarely highlighted, suggesting a focus on quality of life rather than affordability. We also found that properties closer to stations emphasized convenience-related terms, whereas those farther away highlighted interior aspects and natural surroundings. Additionally, while female-only properties tended to emphasize proximity to stations and safety, more social terms were used for mixed-sex houses. Our study not only provides quantitative support for the qualitative findings of existing research but also reveals the diverse characteristics of shared houses in Tokyo, emphasizing their ability to accommodate various lifestyles and personal values. • Tokyo’s 1374 shared houses are analyzed quantitatively using text-mining techniques. • Low rental prices are rarely promoted, with a focus on quality of life and shared living appeal. • Proximity to stations highlights convenience, while distant locations emphasize community. • Female-only properties emphasize safety; mixed-gender ones highlight social experiences. • Results support a quantitative understanding of Tokyo’s shared housing market diversity.