In this installment in the “what can you buy” series, by popular request, we take a look at what you can buy around Japan for about $100,000 (¥10,000,000) or less.
To put this price point in perspective,
- In December 2019, the average listing price of a pre-owned apartment in the greater Tokyo region hit a new all-time high of ¥37,440,000 ($344,000), a year-on-year increase of 0.4% and up 1.3% compared to November.
- The average price of a new apartment sold in the greater Tokyo area hit a 29-year high of ¥59,800,000 ($545,000) in 2019.
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.
Renovated House for Sale in Kyoto – Near Shichijo Station
Location: Excellent location, 7-min walk from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Main line, Higashiyama Ward. About 1.1-km (15-min walk) from Kyoto Station. This house is located in a quiet residential neighborhood not far from the Kamo River and Toyokuni Shrine.
Price: ¥9,800,000 ($91,000)
Size and Layout: 25.77 m² (269-sqft) 1DK (1 room + dining/kitchen area) house
Floors: 1-story
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 1950, recently renovated
Notes: The current owner is leasing out this property with an estimated gross yield of 6.1%. Please inquire to the agent for details on how to do an owner-change transaction and options for leasing out to the current tenant or new tenants. This is a very convenient location with good access to tourist spots around Kyoto.
Apartment For Sale Near Yokohama Station – Currently tenanted with an estimated gross yield of 9.3%
Location: Terrific location near Yokohama Station on three major train lines: JR Keihin Tohoku, Tokyu Toyoko, and Minato Mirai lines.
From Yokohama Station it is a 25-minute direct ride to Tokyo Station.
Price: ¥8,800,000 ($82,000)
Size and Layout: 20.54 m² (215-sqft) 1R (studio) apartment
Floors: 6th-floor in 8-story building
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 1981
Notes: Currently tenanted with an estimated gross yield of 9.3%. Convenient neighborhood near a major hub station.
Renovated Apartment Near Takaido Station – Estimated gross yield of 8.3% – 19-min direct to Shibuya Station
Location: Lovely location 6-min walk from Takaido Station on the Keio Inokashira line. This is is a pleasant residential neighborhood in Suginami Ward, Tokyo. Easy 19-min direct commute to Shibuya and 8-min direct to the trendy, bohemian neighborhood of Kichijoji.
Price: ¥8,700,000 ($81,000)
Size and Layout: 17.74 m² (183-sqft) 1R (studio) apartment
Floors: 3rd-floor in 8-story building
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 1986, recently renovated
Notes: Currently vacant. Agent estimated potential annual rent of ¥720,000. Convenient, desirable neighborhood.
Apartment for Sale Near Shin Osaka Station – Estimated Gross Yield 9.8%
Location: This 2DK apartment is located in an unbeatable location, 9-min walk from Shin Osaka Station on the Kyoto line. Shin Osaka is the western terminus of the Tokaido Shinkansen line from Tokyo, and the eastern terminus of the Sanyo Shinkansen. The lines are physically joined, and many trains offer through service.
It is also just a 7-min walk from Nishi Nakajima Nampo Station on the Midosuji line. Many of central Osaka’s popular tourist locations are served by the Midosuji line, and many of its stations are also important transportation hubs.
This property is also a 7-min walk from Minami Kata Station on the Kyoto Main line.
This is a family-friendly neighborhood with parks, shopping, and public schools nearby. The apartment is also a 16-min walk from the Yodogawa Ward Office.
Price: ¥9,700,000 ($90,000)
Size and Layout: 41.68 m² (441-sqft) 2DK family-sized apartment (2-rooms + dining/kitchen area)
Floors: 6th-floor in 6-story building
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 1983, recently renovated
Notes: Currently tenanted on a corporate contract. Estimated annual rent is ¥951,180. Buy for yourself or as an investment property.
3BR House for Sale in Hokuto-shi Yamanashi – Currently tenanted with est. gross yield of 13.1%
Location: Hokuto is a small city of about 46,000 people in the northwestern corner of Yamanashi prefecture. Its main draw is its small-town, rural feel with stunning mountain views, as Hokuto is surrounded by mountains on three sides. Hokuto is about 2-hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen.
Price: ¥8,800,000 ($82,000)
Size and Layout: 82.50 m² (883-sqft) whole house (3-bedrooms upstairs, LDK downstairs)
Floors: 2-story
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 1983, recently renovated
Notes: Currently tenanted with an estimated gross yield of 13.1%
FAQs About Buying Property 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 Japan, investing in Japanese real estate for beginners, how to apply for permanent residency in Japan, how to sell property in Japan, and much more.
Lead photo: Hokuto City, Yamanashi via official site