In this installment of the “what can you buy” series, again by popular request, we take a look at what you can buy around Japan at the below average price point of ¥16,000,000 ($147,000 USD) or much less.

To put this price point in perspective:

• In June, the average listing price of a pre-owned condominium in the greater Tokyo area rose 12.2% year-on-year to reach ¥41,140,000 ($375,000 USD) in June, eclipsing the previous record just set in May of ¥40,440,000.
• The average sales price of a newly constructed apartment in greater Tokyo  in June was ¥62,110,000 ($567,000 USD), down 2.8% year-on-year.
• Please see this article for the average price of a pre-owned apartment in Japan, by prefecture.

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.

2LDK House in Karuizawa — Located on a large lot surrounding by trees, listing price ¥12,800,000 ($117,000 USD)

Listing price: ¥12,800,000 ($117,000 USD)

Location: 12-min by car from Karuizawa Station in Karuizawa, Nagano.

Karuizawa is a resort town in the mountains of Nagano prefecture. It is located about 2-hours from Tokyo by shinkansen. Karuizawa is known for mild summers and is a popular weekend getaway destination for Tokyo residents. There are many summer recreational activities in Karuizawa, including golf, hiking, and cycling. Skiing and hot springs are popular in the winter.

Property Highlights

Our featured property is a spacious 107.42 m² 2LDK house for sale in a quiet location, about 12-min drive from Karuizawa Station.

• Relatively large lot of 492.00 m² (5,295-sqft)
• Large balcony, with beautiful view of surrounding trees
• Spacious living room with wood-burning stove and counter kitchen

On Real Estate Japan, many of the properties available for sale in Karuizawa are plots of undeveloped land and resort-style single-family homes. You can find price points from the equivalent of less than $100,000 USD to several million US dollars. Please use the filters on the search page to look for the properties that meet your criteria!

5K House for Sale in Kyoto — Located in the historic Shugakuin neighborhood, fixer-upper ready for renovation

Listing price: ¥13,800,000 ($127,000 USD)

Location: This vintage home is located in the quiet, historic Shugakuin neighborhood of northeastern Kyoto, near the Takano River. The property is about a 9-minute walk from Shugakuin Station on the Eizan Main line.

A local landmark is the Shugakuin Imperial Villa, considered one of Japan’s most important large-scale cultural treasures. Its gardens are also known for being one of the great masterpieces of Japanese gardening.

Tagaragaike Park, a large public park, is about a 19-minute walk away.

3LDK House for sale in Kadoma-shi, Osaka — Beautifully renovated, great location 30-mim direct ride to Osaka-Umeda Station

Listing price: ¥13,800,000 ($127,000 USD)

Location: This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom house is located in Kadoma-shi, about 10-min walk from Kayashina Station on the Keihan Main line, about a 30-mim direct ride to Osaka-Umeda Station

Property Highlights

• 110.87 m² 3LDK (3-bedroom) 3-story home
• Garage
• Southwest-facing property
• Interior beautifully renovated, please click here to see more photos and the full listing.

3LDK Apartment in Onjuku, Chiba – 300-meters from Onjuku Beach!

Listing price: ¥14,500,000 ($133,000 USD)

Location: This 11th-floor 3LDK (3-bedroom) apartment is located in the 14-story Onjuku Urban Comfort building. From the property, it is just 300-meters from Onjuku Beach and an 8-min walk from Onjuku Station.

The town of Onjuku is known for its white sand beach and is considered one of the best surfing spots in Chiba. Onjuku Station is about a one hour and 40 minute train ride from Tokyo.

Property Highlights

• Spacious 91.87 m² 3-bedroom apartment
• Enjoy beautiful views of Onjuku Beach from bedrooms and balcony!
• For more the full listing and more photos, please click here.

1K Apartment in Ota Ward, Tokyo — Tenanted with est. gross yield of 5.4%

Listing price: ¥16,000,000 ($147,000 USD)

Location: 5-min walk from Chidoricho Station on the Tokyu Ikegami line, about a 20-min direct ride to Gotanda Station and about 30-min to Shibuya Station with a transfer at Gotanda to the Yamanote line.

Property Highlights

• 7th-floor 1K apartment in 8-story building
• Built in 2000
• Currently tenanted with estimated gross yield of 5.8%
• To see the full listing and more photos, please click here.

Featured Agents

All of the agents who list properties on realestate.co.jp are bilingual in Japanese and English. Some agents can also handle inquiries in Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and other languages. Please click on the links below to see their listings:

• Tokyu Resort
• Kurofune
• ReMax Apex
• Nihon Agent

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

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.

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 Buying 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?

Akiya Banks in Japan

• Akiya banks in Japan: Links to vacant house databases by prefecture
• How much does it cost to renovate an akiya in Japan
• What you should know before buying a vacant home in Japan
• What to do with Tokyo’s hundreds of thousands of vacant homes
• Government plans to turn Japan’s abandoned houses into semi-quasi public housing
• Akiya Bank Japan vacant house database to now include government public assets
• 7 trends & events that will shape Japan and the Japanese real estate market in 2019

2021 homebuyer incentives in Japan

Homeowners in Japan can expect lower property taxes in 2021

Tokyo Apartment Market Forecast: Trends to watch for in 2021

Kansai Apartment Market Forecast: Supply and price trends to watch for in 2021

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Lead photo: Maple trees at Kumoba Pond in Karuizawa, Nagano. Image: iStock 916824538