What can you buy for $150,000 or less around Japan?

In this installment in the “what can you buy” series, we take a look at what you can buy around Japan for about $146,000 (¥16,000,000) or less.

To put this price point in perspective, the average sales price of a new apartment sold in the greater Tokyo region, as of July 2019 was ¥56,760,000 (about $533,500). The average price per square meter was ¥860,000 (about $8,091), or about $7,790 per square foot.

After the examples, we give answers to FAQs about buying property in Japan as a foreigner.

Let’s look at a few examples of what’s currently on the market.

Small Detached House in Central Kyoto – 14-min walk to Kyoto Station

Location: This small detached house is located in a prime location in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto. Near three major stations: Kyoto Station (12-min walk), Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (11-min walk), and Gojo Station (2-min walk). This is a convenient neighborhood near the local library, post office, and shopping. Just one stop or about a 15-min walk to Nishiki Market.

Nishiki Market, the market is renowned as the place to obtain many of Kyoto’s famous foods and goods. The market is about a 15-min walk from the property. Photo: www.all-free-photos.com
Small detached house for sale in central Kyoto. Please click on the photo for the full listing, more photos, and to inquire directly to the agent.

Price: ¥15,800,000 ($144,300)

Size and Layout: 23.14-sqm (247-sqft) traditional-style “1R” (1-room) house

Floors: 1-story

Land rights: Freehold

Year Built: 1950, renovated in 2016

Notes: Perfect as a pied-a-terre for your Kyoto getaway. The agent notes in the listing that this property cannot be used as a private accommodation (Airbnb-style) rental.

Renovated Apartment for Sale in Ueno – Est. gross yield 7.1%

Location: Excellent location 14-min walk from Ueno Station on the JR Yamanote line. This is a popular tourist area with many nearby attractions including Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo and the various museums.

Sakura at Ueno Park. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Floor plan of apartment for sale near Ueno Station. This is a typical 1R studio apartment with flooring. There is a kitchenette, bathroom (with toilet separated by a wall), and hook-ups for a washing machine and fridge. Please click on the photo for the full listing and to inquire directly to the agent.

Price: ¥14,300,000 ($130,600)

Size and Layout: 19.71-sqm (212-sqft)

Floors: 2nd-floor in 9-story building

Land rights: Freehold

Year Built: 1992

Notes: Currently tenanted with an estimated gross yield of 7.1%. Buy for yourself or as an investment property.

Apartment for Sale in Yokohama – Est. gross yield 9.7% – 31-min direct to Shibuya

Location: 7-min walk from Hakuraku Station on the Tokyu Toyoko line, 31-min direct to Shibuya

Renovated apartment for sale in Yokohama near Hakuraku Station. Please click on the photo for the full listing and to inquire directly to the agent.

Price: ¥7,900,000 ($72,200)

Size and Layout: 18.90-sqm (203-sqft)

Floors: 2nd-floor in 7-story building

Land rights: Freehold

Year Built: 1986

Notes: Currently tenanted with an estimated gross yield of 9.7%. Buy for yourself or as an investment property.

Apartment for Sale in Osaka – Near Osaka Castle

Location: 5-min walk from Tanimachi Yon Choume Station on the Osaka Municipal Subway Chūō line, on the southwest corner of Osaka Castle Park. About a 13-min ride to Umeda.

Apartment for sale in Osaka. Please click on the photo for the full listing, more photos, and to inquire directly to the agent.

Price: ¥16,000,000 ($146,000)

Size and Layout: 23.68-sqm (252-sqft) 1K studio apartment

Floor: 7th-floor in 15-story building

Land rights: Freehold

Year Built: 2014

Notes: Currently tenanted with an estimated gross yield of 5.3%. Buy for yourself or as an investment property.

Apartment for sale in Fukuoka – Estimated gross yield 5.4%

Location: 9-min walk from Akasaka Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Kuko line. This is an excellent central location, 8-min direct ride to Hakata Station.

Apartment for sale in Chuo Ward, Fukuoka. Please click on the photo for the full listing, more photos, and to inquire directly to the agent.

Price: ¥15,800,000 ($144,300)

Size and Layout: 29.56-sqm (318-sqft) 1LDK (1BR) apartment

Floor: 3rd-floor in 14-story building

Land rights: Freehold

Year Built: 2015

Notes: Currently tenanted with an estimated gross yield of 5.4%. Buy for yourself or as an investment property.

FAQs About Buying Property in Japan

Can a foreigner buy property in Japan?

Yes. You can buy property in Japan regardless of your nationality or country of origin. There are also no residency requirements for buying real estate in Japan. Securing financing as a resident foreigner is more complicated. For info on financing, please see “Basic Requirements for Getting a Mortgage as a Foreigner in Japan“.

How do I get a property loan as a foreigner in Japan?

Please see this article for information on: Getting a property loan as a foreigner in Japan

What is the process for buying a property in Japan?

Please see our step-by-step guide: Guide to Property in Japan

See how much you can borrow and your monthly payments in yen: Yen Mortgage Loan Calculator

For information about purchase and brokerage fees: Breakdown of real estate purchase fees and taxes in Japan

Need to know: Earthquake building codes and technology in Japan

Bilingual Real Estate Agent in Tokyo Answers Your FAQs on Buying and Managing an Investment Property

How much is my property worth?

Real Estate Japan is pleased to offer free, no obligation appraisals for owners of property in Japan. Please click here and fill out the form: How much is my property worth?

7 situations when you should consider selling your investment property in Japan

What are the main factors affecting home sale prices in Japan in 2019?

Seminars on Buying Property in Japan

Please see our seminar page for a current list of seminars on: how to buy a home in Japaninvesting in Japanese real estate for beginnershow to apply for permanent residency in Japanhow to sell property in Japan, and much more.


Lead photo: Kamogawa River, Kyoto in the fall via KYOTO MOYOU


Please enable Javascript to send comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.