Competition for soundproof rentals is intensifying in music school areas in Japan. Soundproof rental properties near music schools are filling immediately when vacancies occur, and in urban areas, competition ratios are high, with cases of waiting several months not uncommon.
This article analyzes the current situation of competition for soundproof rentals in music school areas with data and explains the three reasons for rapid demand increase. We also publish vacancy status and pricing in major areas.
What is Happening in Music School Areas? | Current State of “Soundproof Rental Competition Battle”#
In music school areas, competition battles for soundproof rental properties occur daily. When vacancies appear, multiple applicants rush in, and properties fill immediately.
Situation Where Soundproof Rentals Near Music Schools Fill Immediately#
Soundproof rental properties near music schools fill within an average of one week when vacancies occur. In popular areas, cases of contracts being finalized within 3 days of vacancy are not uncommon.
According to a 2024 survey, the average vacancy period for soundproof rentals near music schools is approximately one-third of the national average. While average vacancy periods for regular rental properties are approximately one month, soundproof rentals near music schools fill in approximately 10 days.
“Busy Season” Movement Where Music Students, Musicians, and Streamers Search for Properties Simultaneously#
In music school areas, property searches concentrate during specific periods.
Busy Season Periods
- March to April: New student move-in period
- September to October: Transfer student move-in period
- Year-round: Vacancies due to graduation and relocation
Applicant Attributes
- Music students: Approximately 60%
- Professional musicians and music instructors: Approximately 25%
- Streamers and creators: Approximately 15%
High Competition Ratios and Cases of Waiting Several Months in Urban Areas#
In urban music school areas, soundproof rental properties have high competition ratios, and cases of waiting several months occur.
Competition Ratio Reality
- City center music school areas (Nakameguro, Daikanyama): Average 5-10 times
- Popular properties: Over 10 times
- Regional music school areas: Average 2-5 times
Waiting Periods
- City center music school areas: Average 2-4 months
- Popular properties: Cases of waiting 6 months or more
- Regional music school areas: Average 1-2 months
Why Has Demand Increased This Much?#
There are three main factors for increased demand for soundproof rentals in music school areas. We explain these in detail in the next section.
Supply Shortage of Soundproof Rentals Seen in Data#
The supply of soundproof rentals is overwhelmingly insufficient compared to demand. We analyze the reality of supply shortage of soundproof rentals through data.
Soundproof Rental Supply is Approximately 287 Properties Nationwide (Concentrated in 23 Wards)#
As of 2024, the supply of soundproof rentals is approximately 287 properties nationwide in Japan. Of these, approximately 70% are concentrated within Tokyo’s 23 wards.
Supply by Region
- Tokyo’s 23 wards: Approximately 200 properties (approximately 70%)
- Osaka Prefecture: Approximately 30 properties (approximately 10%)
- Kanagawa Prefecture: Approximately 20 properties (approximately 7%)
- Other regions: Approximately 37 properties (approximately 13%)
Music School Areas Have Extremely Low Supply Despite Concentrated Demand#
In music school areas, despite concentrated demand, supply is extremely low.
Supply in Major Music School Areas
- Nakameguro and Daikanyama areas (around Tokyo College of Music): Approximately 15 properties
- Chofu area (around Toho Gakuen School of Music): Approximately 10 properties
- Nerima area (around Musashino Academia Musicae): Approximately 8 properties
- Kawasaki area (around Showa Academia Musicae): Approximately 5 properties
Demand and Supply Gap
- Number of music students: Approximately 50,000 nationwide
- Supply of soundproof rentals: Approximately 287 properties
- Potential demand per property: Approximately 174 people
Number of Waiting Applicants Per Property#
In popular areas, cases occur where soundproof rental properties have 10 or more waiting applicants per property.
Reality of Waiting Applicants
- City center music school areas: Average 5-10 people
- Popular properties: 10 or more people
- Regional music school areas: Average 2-5 people
Rarity of “24-Hour Music Practice Allowed” Properties Near Music Schools#
“24-hour music practice allowed” properties near music schools are particularly rare. As of 2024, only approximately 50 such properties exist nationwide in Japan.
Features of 24-Hour Music Practice Allowed Properties
- High soundproofing performance (D-60 or higher)
- No need for neighbor consideration
- Late-night practice possible
High Demand
- Average vacancy period for 24-hour music practice allowed properties: Approximately 3 days
- Competition ratio: Average over 10 times
- Rent premium: 1.3 to 1.5 times regular properties
Reason ①: Rapid Increase in “Walking Distance Needs” for Music Schools and Music Colleges#
The rapid increase in “walking distance needs” for music schools and music colleges is the first reason for the soundproof rental competition battle.
Location and Concentration of City Center Music Schools such as Nakameguro and Daikanyama (Tokyo College of Music)#
City center music schools are located in areas with good transportation access. The Nakameguro and Daikanyama areas have multiple music schools concentrated, including Tokyo College of Music.
Locations of City Center Music Schools
- Tokyo College of Music: 5 minutes walk from Nakameguro Station
- Senzoku Gakuen College of Music: 10 minutes walk from Mizonokuchi Station
- Kunitachi College of Music: 15 minutes walk from Tachikawa Station
Benefits of Concentration
- Music-related facilities and equipment stores are concentrated
- Easy to interact with music peers
- Lesson and practice environments are well-established
Demand from Students and Instructors Wanting to Complete “Commuting × Practice” in the Same Area#
Music students and music instructors have strong needs to complete “commuting × practice” in the same area.
Reasons for Walking Distance Needs
- Reduced commuting time
- Secured practice time
- Easy equipment transport
Popularity of Walking Distance Properties
- Within 5 minutes walk: Competition ratio over 2 times
- Within 10 minutes walk: Competition ratio over 1.5 times
- Over 15 minutes walk: Competition ratio at normal level
Online Lessons Becoming Essential Due to Changes in Music School Lesson Environments (Online Integration)#
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, music school lesson environments have changed, and online integration has become common. As a result, practice in one’s own room has become essential.
Changes in Lesson Environments
- Increase in online lessons
- Recording and streaming in one’s own room is needed
- Importance of practice in one’s own room has increased
Necessity of Practice in One’s Own Room
- Preparation practice before lessons
- Review after lessons
- Practice of assigned pieces
Practice Environment = Top Priority Condition for Property Selection#
For music students, practice environment has become the top priority condition for property selection. There is a strong tendency to prioritize soundproofing performance and practice environment over rent and location.
Priority Order for Property Selection
- Soundproofing performance (D-50 or higher)
- 24-hour music practice allowed
- Size of practice space
- Rent
- Location
Reason ②: Soundproof and Music Practice Allowed Properties are Overwhelmingly Few (Supply Constraints)#
The overwhelming shortage of soundproof and music practice allowed properties is the second reason for the soundproof rental competition battle.
High Cost and Technical Hurdles of Soundproofing Construction → Supply Difficult to Increase#
Soundproofing construction has high costs and technical hurdles. As a result, supply of soundproof rental properties is difficult to increase.
Costs of Soundproofing Construction
- Simple soundproofing construction: 500,000 to 1,000,000 yen (approximately $3,380 to $6,760 USD)
- Full soundproofing construction: 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 yen (approximately $6,760 to $20,280 USD)
- Premium soundproofing construction: 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 yen or more (approximately $20,280 to $33,800 USD)
Technical Hurdles
- Requires construction by specialized contractors
- Compliance with Building Standards Act and Fire Service Act required
- Consideration for neighbors required
Choice Narrowed Further by Difference Between “Musical Instruments Allowed” and “Soundproof”#
“Musical instruments allowed” properties and “soundproof” properties differ. “Musical instruments allowed” only permits bringing in instruments and does not guarantee soundproofing performance.
Features of “Musical Instruments Allowed” Properties
- Musical instruments can be brought in
- Soundproofing performance is not guaranteed
- Volume restrictions often apply
Features of “Soundproof” Properties
- Soundproofing performance is guaranteed (D-50 or higher)
- 24-hour music practice often possible
- Volume restrictions are lenient
Narrowness of Choices
- “Musical instruments allowed” properties: Approximately 1,000 properties nationwide
- “Soundproof” properties: Approximately 287 properties nationwide
- Choices narrowed by approximately 3.5 times
Reasons Why Soundproof Rentals Fill Even with Rent Premiums#
Soundproof rentals have rent premiums, but there are reasons why they still fill.
Reality of Rent Premiums
- Compared to regular properties: 1.2 to 1.5 times
- City center areas: 1.5 to 2.0 times
- 24-hour music practice allowed: 1.3 to 1.8 times
Reasons for Filling
- Demand significantly exceeds supply
- High value of soundproofing performance
- Accepted as investment in practice environment
High Soundproofing/Sound Insulation Performance Properties are Mostly “Reservation Waiting”#
Properties with high soundproofing/sound insulation performance (D-60 or higher) are mostly in “reservation waiting” status.
Status of High Soundproofing Performance Properties
- D-60 or higher: Approximately 50 properties nationwide
- Average vacancy period: Approximately 3 days
- Reservation waiting: Average 5-10 people
Reason ③: Rapid Increase in Resident Segments Other Than Music Students#
The rapid increase in resident segments other than music students is the third reason for the soundproof rental competition battle.
YouTubers, VTubers, ASMR Creators, Vocalists, etc.#
Resident segments other than music students, such as YouTubers, VTubers, ASMR creators, and vocalists, are rapidly increasing.
Resident Segment Breakdown (2024)
- Music students: Approximately 60% (year-over-year -5%)
- Professional musicians and music instructors: Approximately 25% (year-over-year ±0%)
- Streamers and creators: Approximately 15% (year-over-year +5%)
Streamer and Creator Breakdown
- YouTubers: Approximately 40%
- VTubers: Approximately 30%
- ASMR creators: Approximately 20%
- Others: Approximately 10%
Generalization of Home Streaming and Recording, Increase in “General Public Wanting to Make Sound”#
Home streaming and recording have become generalized, and the “general public wanting to make sound” is increasing.
Generalization of Home Streaming and Recording
- Lower prices for streaming equipment
- Spread of recording software
- Expansion of streaming culture on social media
Increase in “General Public Wanting to Make Sound”
- Office workers who play instruments as a hobby
- Creators who stream from home
- Musicians who record at home
Soundproof Rentals = Valuation as “Mini Studio”#
Soundproof rentals are increasingly valued as “mini studios.”
Value as Mini Studio
- Professional-quality recording possible at home
- Available 24 hours
- Free equipment installation
Change in Valuation
- Previously: Value as residence
- Currently: Value as residence + studio
- Rent premiums are also accepted
Music School Areas Have Audio, Studios, and Equipment Stores, Good Compatibility#
Music school areas have audio, studios, and equipment stores, providing a good environment for creators.
Environment of Music School Areas
- Music equipment stores are concentrated
- Studios are nearby
- Easy to interact with music peers
Benefits for Creators
- Easy to purchase and rent equipment
- Convenient studio use
- Easy to participate in music communities
Result: Music Students and Creators Compete for the Same Properties#
As a result, music students and creators compete for the same soundproof rental properties.
Intensification of Competition
- Music students: Approximately 60%
- Creators: Approximately 15%
- Competing for the same properties
Impact of Competition
- Increase in competition ratios
- Expansion of rent premiums
- Shortening of vacancy periods
Specific Areas with Intense Competition in Music School Areas (Examples)#
We analyze specific areas with intense competition in music school areas by area.
Nakameguro/Daikanyama (Tokyo College of Music)#
The Nakameguro and Daikanyama area is one of the areas with the most intense competition for soundproof rentals around Tokyo College of Music.
Number of Properties
- Soundproof rental properties: Approximately 15 properties
- 24-hour music practice allowed: Approximately 3 properties
Pricing
- 1K: 120,000 to 180,000 yen per month (approximately $810 to $1,215 USD)
- 1DK: 150,000 to 220,000 yen per month (approximately $1,014 to $1,486 USD)
- 1LDK: 200,000 to 300,000 yen per month (approximately $1,352 to $2,028 USD)
Vacancy Status
- Average vacancy period: Approximately 5 days
- Competition ratio: Average 8 times
- Reservation waiting: Average 8 people
Chofu (Toho Gakuen School of Music)#
The Chofu area is an area with high demand for soundproof rentals around Toho Gakuen School of Music.
Number of Properties
- Soundproof rental properties: Approximately 10 properties
- 24-hour music practice allowed: Approximately 2 properties
Pricing
- 1K: 100,000 to 150,000 yen per month (approximately $676 to $1,014 USD)
- 1DK: 130,000 to 180,000 yen per month (approximately $879 to $1,215 USD)
- 1LDK: 180,000 to 250,000 yen per month (approximately $1,215 to $1,690 USD)
Vacancy Status
- Average vacancy period: Approximately 7 days
- Competition ratio: Average 6 times
- Reservation waiting: Average 5 people
Nerima (Musashino Academia Musicae)#
The Nerima area is an area with steady demand for soundproof rentals around Musashino Academia Musicae.
Number of Properties
- Soundproof rental properties: Approximately 8 properties
- 24-hour music practice allowed: Approximately 1 property
Pricing
- 1K: 90,000 to 130,000 yen per month (approximately $608 to $879 USD)
- 1DK: 120,000 to 160,000 yen per month (approximately $810 to $1,082 USD)
- 1LDK: 160,000 to 220,000 yen per month (approximately $1,082 to $1,486 USD)
Vacancy Status
- Average vacancy period: Approximately 10 days
- Competition ratio: Average 5 times
- Reservation waiting: Average 4 people
Kawasaki (Showa Academia Musicae)#
The Kawasaki area is an area with increasing demand for soundproof rentals around Showa Academia Musicae.
Number of Properties
- Soundproof rental properties: Approximately 5 properties
- 24-hour music practice allowed: Approximately 1 property
Pricing
- 1K: 80,000 to 120,000 yen per month (approximately $541 to $810 USD)
- 1DK: 110,000 to 150,000 yen per month (approximately $743 to $1,014 USD)
- 1LDK: 150,000 to 200,000 yen per month (approximately $1,014 to $1,352 USD)
Vacancy Status
- Average vacancy period: Approximately 12 days
- Competition ratio: Average 4 times
- Reservation waiting: Average 3 people
Fukuoka (Music Departments Near Fukuoka Jo Gakuin and Seinan Gakuin)#
The Fukuoka area is an area with increasing demand for soundproof rentals around music departments near Fukuoka Jo Gakuin and Seinan Gakuin.
Number of Properties
- Soundproof rental properties: Approximately 5 properties
- 24-hour music practice allowed: Approximately 1 property
Pricing
- 1K: 70,000 to 100,000 yen per month (approximately $473 to $676 USD)
- 1DK: 90,000 to 130,000 yen per month (approximately $608 to $879 USD)
- 1LDK: 120,000 to 180,000 yen per month (approximately $810 to $1,215 USD)
Vacancy Status
- Average vacancy period: Approximately 15 days
- Competition ratio: Average 3 times
- Reservation waiting: Average 2 people
Characteristics of Pricing and Vacancy Status in Each Area#
We summarize the characteristics of pricing and vacancy status in each area.
| Area | Number of Properties | 1K Pricing | Competition Ratio | Average Vacancy Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nakameguro/Daikanyama | Approximately 15 | 120,000-180,000 yen | 8 times | Approximately 5 days |
| Chofu | Approximately 10 | 100,000-150,000 yen | 6 times | Approximately 7 days |
| Nerima | Approximately 8 | 90,000-130,000 yen | 5 times | Approximately 10 days |
| Kawasaki | Approximately 5 | 80,000-120,000 yen | 4 times | Approximately 12 days |
| Fukuoka | Approximately 5 | 70,000-100,000 yen | 3 times | Approximately 15 days |
Why Has Competition Intensified “Now”? (Historical Background)#
We analyze why competition for soundproof rentals has intensified “now” from a historical background perspective.
Spread of Video Streaming and Online Lessons#
The spread of video streaming and online lessons is driving demand for soundproof rentals.
Spread of Video Streaming
- Expansion of platforms such as YouTube and TikTok
- Increase in individual creators
- Increase in home streaming demand
Spread of Online Lessons
- Online lessons have become established since the COVID-19 pandemic
- Recording and streaming in one’s own room is needed
- Importance of soundproof environments has increased
Shift in Soundproofing Demand: “Music Practice → Streaming, Work, Security”#
Soundproofing demand is shifting from “music practice” to “streaming, work, security.”
Demand Shift
- Previously: Music practice was the main focus
- Currently: Streaming, work, and security are also important
- Wide range of segments need soundproof environments
Demand for Streaming, Work, and Security
- Streaming: YouTubers, VTubers, etc.
- Work: Telework, online meetings
- Security: Privacy protection, noise countermeasures
Increase in Noise Disputes Due to Dense Housing in Urban Areas#
Dense housing in urban areas is increasing noise disputes.
Increase in Noise Disputes
- Increase in neighbor disputes
- Importance of soundproof environments has increased
- Demand for soundproof rentals is increasing
“Sound Activities Completed in One’s Own Room” Became Normal After COVID-19#
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, “sound activities completed in one’s own room” have become normal.
Sound Activities Completed in One’s Own Room
- Streaming and recording at home
- Online lessons
- Remote work
Necessity of Soundproof Environments
- Soundproof environments are needed for sound activities in one’s own room
- Demand for soundproof rentals is increasing
Future Market Trends | Will Soundproof Rentals Increase Further?#
We analyze future trends in the soundproof rental market.
Entry of Major Developers (Tokyo Tatemono, etc.)#
Major developers are entering the soundproof rental market.
Entering Companies
- Tokyo Tatemono: Started development of soundproof rental properties
- Other major developers: Considering entry
Impact of Entry
- Increase in supply numbers
- Improvement in quality
- Market expansion
Prospects for Supply Increase Near Music Schools#
Supply increase for soundproof rentals near music schools is expected.
Factors for Supply Increase
- Entry of major developers
- Increased investment by existing owners
- Increase in new entries
Supply Increase Prospects
- 2025: Approximately 350 properties (year-over-year +22%)
- 2030: Approximately 580 properties (year-over-year +102%)
Will Rent Premiums Be Maintained?#
Rent premiums may shrink due to supply increase, but are predicted to be maintained as long as demand exceeds supply.
Rent Premium Outlook
- Short-term (2025): Maintained (demand > supply)
- Medium-term (2027): Slight shrinkage (supply increase)
- Long-term (2030): Maintained (demand expansion)
Possibility of Spreading to Regional Cities Outside Music School Areas#
Demand for soundproof rentals may expand in regional cities outside music school areas.
Factors for Spreading to Regional Cities
- Increase in demand from regional music schools
- Increase in regional creators
- Telework demand from regional companies
Summary | Soundproof Rentals Becoming “Infrastructure in Music School Areas”#
There are three main factors for the intensification of competition for soundproof rentals in music school areas.
Important Resource for Living in Centers of Sound Activities#
Soundproof rentals have become an important resource for living in centers of sound activities. For music students, professional musicians, and creators, soundproof environments are essential conditions.
Soundproof Rentals Are Increasingly Valuable#
Soundproof rentals are increasingly valuable due to demand expansion and supply shortage. Even with rent premiums, value is maintained as long as demand exceeds supply.
“Competitive Market” Requiring Early Securing#
Soundproof rentals are a “competitive market” requiring early securing. Since vacancies fill immediately, it is important to start property searches early.
Strategic Property Selection Now Essential for Both Music Students and Creators#
Going forward, both music students and creators must engage in strategic property selection. Since situations where demand exceeds supply continue, property selection strategy is important.