What is considered a spacious home in Japan? For the country as a whole, on average, each person in Japan has about 22.3-square meters (240-sqft) of living space. In the Tokyo 23 Wards, this number is a bit lower at about 19.1-square meters of living space.
An average family-style apartment in Japan’s big cities generally has between 60-sqm to 80-sqm (646-sqft to 861-sqft) of living space. Built-to-order houses and luxury apartments tend to be much larger.
High-end apartments in Tokyo, for example, generally have at least 100-sqm exclusive-use floor area. Spacious city-center living does come with a price. As can be expected, 100-square meter properties in prime locations in the Tokyo 23 wards tend to come with multi-million dollar price tags. In many other countries, 100-sqm may not seem roomy, but this is a minimum standard for what is considered a “spacious” home in Japan.
Looking only at Tokyo city-center properties may make you think that you have to have a multi-million dollar budget to afford a 100-sqm home. Not so.
Below, we give a few examples of properties currently on the market for $269,000 (¥29 million) or less that have at least 100-sqm of living space, located in beautiful locations throughout the country. As we’ll see from the examples, there are many ways to configure approximately 100-sqm (or more!) of living space, from a western-style country home to urban town house.
Also, as a reference point for our hypthetical ¥29 million budget, the 2019 average sales price for a new apartment in the greater Tokyo area is ¥60,980,000($557,000). Average sales prices for January to April have increased about 3.9% across greater Tokyo, compared to 2018 annual average prices.
Scroll to the bottom of the article for answers to FAQs about buying a home in Japan as a foreigner!
House for Sale in Nasukogen Tochigi – Hot Springs/Ski Resort Area
Location: Located on a 4,108㎡ (44,130-sqft)-lot in a secluded corner of the Nasukogen hot springs/ski resort area of Tochigi prefecture. The Nasu area is known for its association with the Imperial family and as a place where many Tokyo residents have vacation homes to escape hot city summers and to enjoy skiing/snowboarding in the winter.
Price: $269,000 (¥29,000,000)
Size and Layout: 195.20 m² (2,098-sqft) 3BR (3LDK) on a 4,108㎡ (44,130-sqft) flat lot
Stories: 2-story house with carport and garage, deck
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 1998
Structure: Wood
Notes: Quiet, secluded location in the exclusive Nasukogen Takakuhei area of Tochigi. High-grade materials throughout. Built by Sweden House Corporation. Buy for use as a primary residence or vacation property.
House for Sale in Hakone – Log Cabin-Style, Large Deck, Garden
Location: Excellent location in the Moto Hakone neighborhood of Hakone, the iconic hot springs resort town located about 90-km south of Tokyo.
Price: $277,000 (¥29,800,000)
Size and Layout: 110.01 m² (1,184-sqft) 2BR (2LDK) on a 4,108㎡ (44,130-sqft) flat lot
Stories: 2-story house with landscaped garden connected by stairs to elevated deck
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: September 2001, renovated in 2014
Structure: Wood
Notes: Excellent location not far from the Hakone no Mori nature park. The house has a bright, airy feel. Perfect for a nature-loving family and your pet(s)!
5BR House for Sale in Kyoto – Sunny home in Yamashina Ward
Price: $258,000 (¥27,800,000)
Size and Layout: 117.05 m² (1,259-sqft) 5BR (5LDK)
Stories: 2-story house with 3-parking spaces, balcony, bonus storage room
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 2000
Structure: Wood
Notes: Sunny, south-facing home in a convenient residential neighborhood.
Whole apartment building in Sapporo – Duplex-Style, 8% Gross Yield
Location: 7-min by bus to Sumikawa Station on the Namboku line, about 17-min direct ride to Sapporo. Residential area near public schools and park. Easy commute to Sapporo Station.
Price: $241,000 (¥26,000,000)
Size and Layout: Duplex-style whole apartment building, two 2-story 4BR units, each unit 101-sqm
Floors: Two floors
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 1985
Structure: Reinforced concrete
Monthly Maintenance Fee: ¥4,000 / mth
Potential Annual Rent: ¥2,076,000 / year
Est. Gross Yield: 8.0%
Occupancy: Currently tenanted
Notes: Bright, spacious well-maintained property. Each unit comes with covered parking space and bonus storage room. Buy as an investment property or for your own use (live in one unit/rent the other).
House for Sale in Osaka – 100-sqm packed into a 6BR home
Location: 10-min walk from Bentenchou Station on the Osaka Subway Chuo and Osaka Loop line.
Price: $156,000 (¥16,800,000)
Size and Layout: 103.62 m² (1,108-sqft) 6BR (6LDK)
Stories: 3-story house with 1-parking space
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 1980
Structure: Wood
Notes: Convenient location right on the Osaka Loop line.
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
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.