In this installment of the “what can you buy” series, we visit one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and also one of the most popular places for people looking for property on Real Estate Japan: Kyoto.
As detailed in this article (on the first rise in land prices in Japan in 27 years), residential land prices in Kyoto have been falling for the last ten years, but managed to stay flat in 2017. The price of a single-family free-standing home in Kyoto varies, of course, depending on many factors including location, size, and the year it was built; but as a ball park number, the average price of a single-family home in Nakagyo Ward, where Nijo Castle and Nishi Market are located, is about ¥42,420,ooo ($378,000). The hypothetical price point of $200,000 would be just over half of the average price of a house in central Kyoto.
Let’s take a look at what’s currently on the market.
Spacious 4BR House for Sale in Fushimi Ward
Price: ¥16,800,000 ($150,000)
Size and Layout: 108.74 m² (1,171-sqft)
Floors: Two-stories plus loft
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 1998
Structure: Wood
Notes: 7-min walk from Yodo Station, about a 30-min ride to Kyoto Station. High ceilings and great natural light. Western and Japanese-style rooms. Convenient residential area near public schools and shopping. Three parking spaces.
New House for Sale near Mukajima Station, 17-min direct to Kyoto Station
Price: ¥19,800,000 ($177,000)
Size and Layout: 80.58 m² (867-sqft)
Floors: Three-stories
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 2018
Structure: Wood
Notes: Excellent location near Mukijima Station on the Kintetsu Kyoto line, about 17-min direct to Kyoto Station. One parking space.
Renovated 2BR Traditional Style House in Near Gojo Station
Price: ¥21,800,000 ($195,000)
Size and Layout: 41.32 m² (445-sqft)
Floors: One story
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 1950, recently renovated
Structure: Wood
Notes: Excellent central location near Gojo Station, many supermarkets and convenience stores, Nishi Honganji and Higashi Honganji (Temples)
Spacious 3BR House in Ukyo Ward, near the Katsura River
Price: ¥19,800,000 ($177,000)
Size and Layout: 119.13 m² (1,282-sqft)
Floors: Three stories
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 1988
Structure: Wood
Notes: This is a residential neighborhood near the Katsura River, across the river from the Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most well-known natural areas.
Renovated 4BR house near Yamashina Station, 6-min direct ride to Kyoto Station
Price: ¥17,800,000 ($159,000)
Size and Layout: 85.32 m² (918-sqft)
Floors: Two stories
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 1984, renovated in 2006
Structure: Wood
Notes: Japanese and western-style rooms. Excellent access to Kyoto Station
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
Which Japanese banks lend to foreigners?
How to get a property loan in Japan an overseas investor
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
Good to know! Where to live in Kyoto: A brief guide to the city
Top photo: Nishi Honganji (Temple), Kyoto, 2017 night illumination