Big city, small house: How millennials are facing urban challenges as rents rise in Asia-Pacific

Developers such as Spilytus are building micro-apartments in popular areas such as Ebisu and Nakameguro. “This explains their popularity among young people who like to live in prime locations for reasonable rents,” said Keisuke Nakama, the company’s president.

Spilytus, which has been developing these shoeboxes for a decade, reported occupancy levels of 99 percent across more than 100 properties, with the majority of tenants under 30.

Designed specifically for single people, these micro-apartments typically last for about two years. But as for Hirata, four years later, he has no plans to move unless prompted by marriage or a major job change.

MILLENNIUM DREAMS IN MANILA

Thanks to its modernization plan, Permalino feels less stagnant but still faces housing affordability challenges in Metro Manila, where a new home on average costs more than twice as much per square meter in areas outside its borders.

WATCH: Saving and Side Hustle to Achieve a Filipino Millennial’s Manila Condominium Dream (7:17)