In this installment in the “what can you buy” series, by request we take a look at what you can buy around Japan for ¥20,000,000 ($180,000) or less.
To put this budget in perspective, in 2018, the average listing price for a single-family home in the Tokyo 23 Wards was about ¥64,870,000 ( a year-on-year increase of 8.5%).
After the examples, we give answers to FAQs about buying property in Japan as a foreigner.
Let’s look at some listings!
Beautifully renovated 2BR house for sale in Kyoto – In the quiet and family-friendly neighborhood of Narabigaoka
Where: Adjacent to Narabigaoka (Hill) and park, in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto. Seven-min walk from Hanazono Station, about a 12-min direct ride to Kyoto. Article lead photo is a view of Ninnaji (Temple) from Narabigaoka (Hill), just a few minutes walk from the property. Perfect for an easy hike and relaxed living for a small family.
Price: $171,000 (¥18,980,000)
Size and Layout: 50.37 m² (538-sqft) 2BR (2LDK)
Floors: 2-stories
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: Built in 1962, recently renovated
Structure: Wood
Notes: Currently occupied with an estimated net yield of 5.79%. Buy for yourself or as an investment property.
Renovated studio apartment in Shimokitazawa – Tokyo’s hip and bohemian suburb, just a hop from Shibuya
Where: In the heart of Shimokitazawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. Known as Tokyo’s hip bohemian neighborhood, Shimokitazawa is chock full of vintage clothing and record shops, small clubs and mom-and-pop eateries. Four-stops to Shibuya on the Keio Inokashira line.
Price: $170,000 (¥18,800,000)
Size and Layout: 25.65 m² (269-sqft) Studio (1DK)
Floor: 2nd-floor in 4-story building
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: Built in 1973, recently renovated
Structure: Reinforced concrete
Notes: Move-in ready. Highly desirable neighborhood.
Spacious renovated 2BR+ apartment in Kamakura
Where: Family-friendly neighborhood, about an 18-min walk from Ofuna Station on the Yokosuka line, a major hub station. Kamakura is a seaside city, just south of Tokyo (about an hour commute to Tokyo Station), famous for its 13-m high Great Buddha bronze statue. Easy access to Yokosuka and Yuigahama Beach on Sagami Bay.
Price: $180,000 (¥19,950,000)
Size and Layout: 75.55 m² (807-sqft) 2BR+ (2SLDK)
Floor: 1st-floor in 4-story building
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: Built in 1991, recently renovated
Structure: Reinforced concrete
Notes: Move-in ready. Convenient location near a major hub station with easy access to Tokyo, Yokohama and the beach.
Renovated 3BR Apartment in Osaka
Where: 7-min walk from Taishibashi-Imaichi Station on the subway Tanimachi line, about a 20-min direct ride to Umeda Station.
Price: $162,000 (¥17,900,000)
Size and Layout: 68.37 m² (736-sqft) 3BR+ (3LDK)
Floor: 10th-floor in 11-story building
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: Built in 1973, recently renovated
Structure: Reinforced concrete
Notes: Move-in ready. Easy commute to Umeda.
4BR House in Sapporo – With Yard and Garage
Where: Family-friendly residential neighborhood in Higashi Ward, Sapporo
Price: $170,000 (¥18,800,000)
Size and Layout: 136.07 m² (1,464-sqft) 4BR (4LDK)
Floors: 2-stories
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: Built in 1989
Structure: Wood
Notes: All western-style rooms, fenced yard, garage. Family-friendly residential neighborhood.
FAQs About Buying a Home 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 home loan as a foreigner in Japan?
Please see this article for information on: Getting a home loan as a foreigner in Japan
What is the process for buying a home in Japan?
Please see our step-by-step guide: Guide to Buying a Home 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
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?
Lead photo: View of Ninnaji (Temple) from Narabigaoka (Hill), Ukyo Ward, Kyoto. Courtesy of Hachise