Would you live in a stigmatized property to save money in Japan?

For many expats living in Japan, I think one of the biggest financial shocks can be rent. Apartments close to stations in major cities often come with tiny floor plans and eye-watering monthly costs, but according to a recent Japanese survey, more people are considering living in a "jiko bukken" (stigmatized property) to save a bit of cash.

Basically, a jiko bukken is a property where a death or serious incident occurred in the past. These apartments are often rented at significantly lower prices than surrounding properties, and for some renters, the savings are hard to ignore.

A survey of 199 people who had lived in these properties found that the number one advantage was lower housing costs, with more than 70% highlighting cheaper rent as the biggest benefit. Some respondents said they were able to live near train stations or rent larger apartments that would normally be outside their budget.

Another surprising advantage was cleanliness. Many respondents said the apartments had been heavily renovated or professionally cleaned before new tenants moved in, sometimes leaving them in better condition than standard rentals.

Of course, not everyone found the experience easy. The most common complaint was psychological discomfort, especially at night, even among people who initially thought they wouldn't mind. Others said they worried about being judged by neighbors or felt uncomfortable inviting friends over after explaining the apartment's history. Still, nearly 65% of respondents said they'd consider living in a stigmatized property again depending on the conditions.

Would you live in a stigmatized property to save money here?