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How Much Is a House in Japan? 2026 Average Prices in USD, Tokyo vs Countryside & Buyer Costs

Last Modified:2026.02.27

Japan has quietly become one of the most fascinating real estate markets in the world for foreign buyers. With headlines about abandoned homes selling for less than a used car and luxury Tokyo condos breaking price records in the same year, it's no wonder people ask: how much is a house in Japan? The short answer is that a house in Japan costs anywhere from under $500 for a rural abandoned property to well over $1 million for a new condominium in central Tokyo. The national average sits around ¥42 million, or roughly $271,000 at February 2026 exchange rates (approximately ¥155 = $1 USD). But these numbers only scratch the surface. This guide breaks down Japanese house prices by property type, city, and region — all converted to USD for American readers — and covers everything from taxes and agent fees to whether foreigners can actually buy property in Japan.

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What Is the Average House Price in Japan?

As of the most recent data available, the nationwide average price for a detached house in Japan stands at approximately ¥42.1 million (around $271,600 USD). This figure represents a moderate year-over-year increase, with nationwide residential property prices climbing roughly 2.7–3.7% annually in recent years.

However, the national average can be misleading because Japan has one of the widest regional price gaps of any developed country. Central Tokyo wards regularly exceed ¥120 million ($774,000) for a standard 70-square-meter apartment, while rural prefectures in Tohoku or Shikoku offer full-sized detached houses for under ¥10 million ($64,500). In some extreme cases, abandoned homes in depopulated villages are available for virtually nothing.

Japan's real estate market is shaped by several unique factors: a declining and aging population, a cultural preference for newly built homes over used ones, stringent earthquake building codes that were significantly upgraded in 1981, and a tradition of treating houses as depreciating assets rather than appreciating investments. These factors combine to create opportunities that simply don't exist in most Western real estate markets.

How Much Is a House in Japan in USD?

For American buyers and investors, understanding Japanese house prices in USD requires accounting for the current exchange rate — and the yen's value has made Japan particularly attractive in recent years.

As of February 2026, the USD/JPY exchange rate hovers around ¥155 per dollar. At this rate, here is a quick reference for converting common Japanese property prices:

Quick Price Conversion Table (at ¥155 = $1 USD)

Price in Yen (¥)Price in USD ($)Typical Property
¥5,000,000$32,300Rural akiya (abandoned home) needing renovation
¥15,000,000$96,800Used detached house in a regional city
¥25,000,000$161,300Detached house in rural or suburban area
¥42,000,000$271,000National average detached house
¥55,000,000$354,800New condominium in Osaka or Fukuoka
¥70,000,000$451,600Mid-range apartment in Tokyo's 23 wards
¥91,000,000$587,100Average 70m² apartment in Tokyo's 23 wards
¥130,000,000$838,700New condo in central Tokyo

It's worth noting that the relatively weak yen has created a favorable buying window for holders of U.S. dollars. A property priced at ¥50 million would have cost approximately $455,000 when the exchange rate was ¥110 per dollar just a few years ago. At today's rate of ¥155, that same property costs around $322,600 — a discount of roughly 29% in dollar terms, with no change in the yen price.

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House Prices in Japan by Property Type

Japanese real estate falls into several distinct categories, each with very different price ranges and investment characteristics.

New Detached House (新築一戸建て)

A newly built detached house in Japan — known as shinchiku ikkodate — typically costs between ¥30 million and ¥50 million ($193,500–$322,600) nationwide. In the Tokyo metropolitan area, expect to pay ¥40 million to ¥70 million ($258,000–$451,600) or more depending on the ward and lot size.

New construction in Japan is predominantly wooden-frame (over 80% of residential builds), though steel-frame and reinforced concrete options are available at higher price points. New homes come with modern earthquake resistance standards, energy-efficient designs, and manufacturer warranties that typically cover structural elements for 10 years.

One unique aspect of the Japanese housing market is that new homes are strongly preferred by Japanese buyers. This cultural preference means new builds tend to hold their value better than in markets like the United States, where location often matters more than the age of the structure.

Used House (中古住宅)

Used detached houses, or chuko jutaku, offer significant savings compared to new construction. A used house in Japan typically costs 30–50% less than a comparable new build in the same area.

Nationally, used detached homes average around ¥25–35 million ($161,300–$225,800). In regional cities like Sapporo, Sendai, or Hiroshima, quality used homes with 3–4 bedrooms can be found in the ¥15–25 million ($96,800–$161,300) range.

A critical consideration for buyers is that Japanese houses depreciate rapidly by Western standards. Wooden homes are generally considered to have a useful life of about 22–30 years for tax purposes, after which the building's assessed value approaches zero — even if the structure is perfectly livable. This means older used homes are often priced primarily for the land value, and the building itself may be considered nearly worthless on paper.

For foreign buyers comfortable with renovation, this depreciation creates real opportunities. A structurally sound 25-year-old house might sell for just the land value, effectively giving you the building for free.

Condominium / Apartment (マンション)

Condominiums — called manshon in Japanese — represent a huge portion of the urban housing market, especially in Tokyo and Osaka. In Japan, the term "mansion" refers to a concrete apartment building, not a large detached home.

New condominium prices in central Tokyo reached a record average of approximately ¥130.6 million ($842,600) in the first half of 2025. This surge has been driven by rising construction costs, labor shortages, limited urban land supply, and strong demand from both domestic and international buyers.

Used condominiums are considerably more affordable. A secondhand 70-square-meter apartment in Tokyo's 23 wards averages about ¥55–70 million ($354,800–$451,600), while the same size unit in Osaka costs around ¥35–45 million ($225,800–$290,300).

Monthly management fees (kanrihi) and repair reserve funds (shuzenhi) are mandatory for condominium owners in Japan, typically running ¥15,000–¥30,000 ($97–$194) per month combined.

Akiya – Abandoned Homes (空き家)

Perhaps no topic in Japanese real estate generates more international buzz than akiya — Japan's abandoned and vacant houses. According to the latest government data from 2023, approximately 9 million homes in Japan are unoccupied, representing roughly 14% of all housing stock.

Akiya prices vary enormously:

  • Near-free to ¥5 million ($0–$32,300): Properties in poor condition in remote rural areas. Some municipalities literally give these away, though they often require buyers to live in them permanently.
  • ¥5–20 million ($32,300–$129,000): Livable properties in somewhat accessible areas. These may need cosmetic work but are structurally sound.
  • ¥20 million+ ($129,000+): Renovated akiya or properties near popular tourist destinations like Kyoto or coastal towns.

However, the "dream" of a nearly free Japanese house comes with important caveats. Renovation costs for a typical akiya range from ¥5 million to ¥15 million ($32,300–$96,800), and in cases of severe deterioration, rebuilding may be cheaper than repairing. Older homes built before 1981 may lack modern earthquake resistance, and mold, termite damage, and deteriorated plumbing are common issues.

Japan's strict waste disposal system also means clearing out a former owner's belongings — which is the buyer's responsibility — can cost ¥500,000 to ¥2 million ($3,200–$12,900) depending on volume and location.

How Much Is a House in Tokyo?

Tokyo is Japan's most expensive real estate market by a wide margin, and it continues to set price records year after year. As of the most current data, Tokyo property prices have increased roughly 10.7% year-over-year, far outpacing the national average.

Tokyo Price Overview

Property TypeAverage Price (¥)Average Price ($)
New condo (central wards)¥130,600,000$842,600
70m² apartment (23 wards average)¥91,400,000$589,700
Used condo (23 wards)¥55,000,000–¥70,000,000$354,800–$451,600
New detached house (suburbs)¥45,000,000–¥70,000,000$290,300–$451,600
Used detached house (outer wards)¥30,000,000–¥50,000,000$193,500–$322,600

Tokyo Prices by Ward

Prices within Tokyo vary dramatically depending on the ward (ku). The most expensive wards for residential property include:

  • Minato Ward (Roppongi, Aoyama): Average 70m² apartment approximately ¥198.8 million ($1,282,600). This is Tokyo's priciest residential area, home to many embassies and international businesses.
  • Chiyoda Ward (Imperial Palace area): Around ¥115–120 million ($742,000–$774,200) for a comparable unit.
  • Shibuya Ward: Similar range to Chiyoda, roughly ¥115–120 million ($742,000–$774,200).
  • Chuo Ward (Ginza, Nihonbashi): Approximately ¥100–110 million ($645,200–$709,700).

By contrast, Tokyo's more affordable outer wards offer significantly lower prices:

  • Adachi Ward, Katsushika Ward, and Edogawa Ward in the northeast typically have apartments in the ¥40–60 million ($258,100–$387,100) range for 70 square meters.
  • Nerima Ward and Itabashi Ward to the northwest are similarly affordable.

For foreign buyers who want to experience Tokyo living without the premium price tag, these outer wards offer excellent public transportation access and local amenities at a fraction of the central-ward cost.

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House Prices in Major Cities: Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka & Yokohama

Japan's major regional cities offer substantial value compared to Tokyo while still providing urban convenience, cultural richness, and strong rental demand.

Osaka

Osaka is Japan's second-largest metropolitan area and a major commercial hub. New condominium prices in Osaka City average around ¥55–58 million ($354,800–$374,200). Used condominiums are more affordable, with secondhand apartments averaging ¥35–45 million ($225,800–$290,300) for a 70-square-meter unit. Detached houses in Osaka's suburbs start from around ¥25 million ($161,300).

Osaka has seen strong price growth in recent years, partly driven by the upcoming Osaka Expo and casino/integrated resort development. Rental yields in Osaka can reach 5.0–5.6%, making it attractive for investment-minded buyers.

Kyoto

Kyoto's unique cultural status and strict building regulations make it a distinctive market. Properties in central Kyoto — particularly traditional machiya townhouses — command premium prices due to tourism demand and limited supply. New condominiums in Kyoto City average around ¥55–60 million ($354,800–$387,100).

Renovated machiya in popular areas like Higashiyama or Gion can cost ¥50–100 million ($322,600–$645,200), though unrenovated traditional homes in less central locations can be found for much less. Kyoto's strict height restrictions and historic preservation rules limit new construction, supporting long-term property values.

Fukuoka

Fukuoka, on the southern island of Kyushu, has emerged as one of Japan's hottest real estate markets. The city has seen consistent population growth — unusual for Japan — driven by its pro-business policies, excellent food scene, and proximity to Asia. New condominiums average around ¥55–60 million ($354,800–$387,100), with rental yields reportedly reaching 5.0–5.6%.

Detached houses in Fukuoka's suburbs are significantly more affordable, starting from around ¥20–30 million ($129,000–$193,500).

Yokohama

As Japan's second-largest city by population and part of the greater Tokyo metropolitan area, Yokohama offers a middle ground between Tokyo's premium prices and regional affordability. Condominiums in central Yokohama average around ¥45–65 million ($290,300–$419,400), while detached houses in the suburbs can be found starting from ¥30 million ($193,500).

Yokohama benefits from direct train access to central Tokyo (often under 30 minutes) while maintaining significantly lower property prices.

How Much Is a House in Rural Japan?

Rural Japan represents the most affordable housing market in any developed nation, and it's where the starkest contrast with Tokyo becomes apparent.

Rural Price Ranges

Detached houses in rural prefectures typically cost between ¥20–25 million ($129,000–$161,300) for standard properties. However, prices drop much further for older homes or those in less accessible locations:

  • Accessible rural areas (within 1–2 hours of a major city): ¥15–30 million ($96,800–$193,500) for a livable detached house with land.
  • Remote rural areas: ¥5–15 million ($32,300–$96,800) for older homes that may need updating.
  • Deeply rural / depopulated areas: Under ¥5 million ($32,300), sometimes virtually free through municipal akiya banks.

The Most Affordable Prefectures

Some of Japan's cheapest real estate can be found in:

  • Akita, Aomori, and Iwate (northern Tohoku region): Cold winters and declining populations keep prices low.
  • Tottori and Shimane (San'in coast): Japan's least populated prefectures, with extensive akiya listings.
  • Parts of Shikoku (Tokushima, Kochi): Beautiful mountainous terrain with very affordable housing stock.
  • Rural Kyushu (parts of Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Oita): Warm climate, natural hot springs, and low property prices.

Important Considerations for Rural Buyers

While rural Japanese real estate is remarkably affordable, buyers should consider that many rural areas have limited public transportation, medical facilities, and shopping options. Japanese language ability becomes more essential in rural areas where English-speaking services are rare. Some municipal akiya programs require buyers to commit to permanent residence, which may conflict with certain visa categories for foreigners.

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How Much Does a 2, 3, or 4 Bedroom House Cost in Japan?

In Japan, room counts are expressed differently than in Western countries. Rather than "bedrooms," Japanese real estate uses the LDK system: the number indicates rooms, L = living room, D = dining room, K = kitchen. For example, a 3LDK has three rooms plus a combined living-dining-kitchen area — roughly equivalent to a 3-bedroom home in American terms.

Estimated Costs by Size

TypeEquivalentNational AverageTokyo AverageRural Average
2LDK~2 bedroom¥25–35M ($161K–$226K)¥50–70M ($323K–$452K)¥10–20M ($65K–$129K)
3LDK~3 bedroom¥35–50M ($226K–$323K)¥65–90M ($419K–$581K)¥15–25M ($97K–$161K)
4LDK~4 bedroom¥45–65M ($290K–$419K)¥80–120M+ ($516K–$774K+)¥18–30M ($116K–$194K)

These ranges are approximate and vary significantly by city, ward, property age, and building type (condominium vs. detached house). In general, detached houses offer more space per yen than condominiums, especially outside central urban areas.

Japanese homes tend to be smaller than American homes by default. A typical new single-family home in Japan is around 90–100 square meters (968–1,076 square feet), compared to the U.S. median of roughly 2,200 square feet. This size difference accounts for much of the apparent affordability gap.

Why Are Houses So Cheap in Japan Compared to the U.S.?

The question of why Japanese houses seem remarkably affordable compared to American homes comes up constantly, and the answer involves several interrelated cultural and economic factors.

Houses as Depreciating Assets

Perhaps the single biggest factor is that Japan treats residential buildings as depreciating assets — similar to how cars lose value over time. A wooden house is typically written down to zero value within 22–30 years for tax and lending purposes. This is the opposite of the American assumption that homes appreciate over time, and it fundamentally changes the economics of homeownership.

Excess Housing Supply

Japan has more housing units than households — the country has approximately 64 million homes for around 55 million households. This surplus, driven by decades of construction during the economic bubble era and ongoing population decline, keeps downward pressure on prices in most areas outside central Tokyo.

Population Decline and Aging

Japan's population has been shrinking since 2008 and is projected to drop from approximately 124 million today to around 87 million by 2070. With fewer people competing for housing, the laws of supply and demand naturally push prices down, particularly in rural areas and smaller cities.

Zoning and Construction Freedom

Japan's relatively permissive national zoning system makes it easier and cheaper to build new homes compared to many American cities. There is less regulatory restriction on construction, which keeps the supply of new housing flowing and prevents the artificial scarcity that drives up prices in markets like San Francisco or New York.

No "Location Premium" Fetishism

While location obviously matters in Japan, the cultural emphasis on new construction means that even prime-location older buildings are significantly discounted. In the U.S., a 50-year-old home in a desirable neighborhood might sell for millions; in Japan, the same age structure would likely be valued solely for its land.

Lower Land Costs Outside Tokyo

Outside of major urban centers, Japanese land prices are remarkably low. While prime Tokyo land can cost ¥1 million or more per square meter, rural land may be valued at just a few thousand yen per square meter — a difference of several hundred times.

Additional Costs When Buying a House in Japan

The listed price of a Japanese property is just the beginning. Buyers should budget an additional 6–10% of the purchase price for various fees and taxes.

Taxes

Japan's property-related taxes include several components that add up quickly:

  • Real Estate Acquisition Tax (不動産取得税): A one-time tax of 3–4% of the assessed property value, due within a few months of purchase. Note that the assessed value is typically lower than the market price.
  • Fixed Asset Tax (固定資産税): An annual tax of 1.4% of assessed value. Residential land with a building receives a significant reduction (up to 1/6 for plots under 200 square meters).
  • City Planning Tax (都市計画税): An additional annual tax of up to 0.3% of assessed value, applicable in urban planning areas.
  • Stamp Duty (印紙税): A small tax on the purchase contract, ranging from ¥10,000 to ¥60,000 ($65–$387) depending on the transaction amount.
  • Registration and License Tax (登録免許税): 0.4% for land and 2% for buildings (with reductions available for residential purchases).

Agent Fees

Real estate agent commissions in Japan are regulated by law and capped at 3% of the sale price plus ¥60,000 ($387), plus consumption tax (10%). For a ¥40 million property, the agent fee would be approximately ¥1,386,000 ($8,942). In some cases, both buyer and seller each pay this fee to their respective agents.

Registration & Legal Costs

A judicial scrivener (shiho shoshi) handles the property registration process, which is legally required for ownership transfer. Their fees typically range from ¥200,000 to ¥400,000 ($1,290–$2,580). This professional ensures the title is clean, handles the registration at the Legal Affairs Bureau, and manages other legal paperwork.

Maintenance & Insurance

Ongoing costs for homeowners in Japan include:

  • Earthquake insurance: Highly recommended given Japan's seismicity. Annual premiums vary by location and structure but typically cost ¥20,000–¥60,000 ($129–$387) per year for a standard residential property.
  • Fire insurance: Usually bundled with earthquake insurance. Combined annual premiums range from ¥30,000–¥80,000 ($194–$516).
  • Condominium fees: For apartment owners, monthly management fees and repair reserve funds total ¥15,000–¥35,000 ($97–$226) per month.
  • General maintenance: Japan's humid climate, especially in summer, requires attention to mold prevention, roof maintenance, and periodic exterior repairs.

Is It Cheaper to Build or Buy a House in Japan?

Building a custom home in Japan is a legitimate alternative to buying, and understanding the costs helps buyers make informed decisions.

Construction Costs

The average cost to build a standard wooden-frame house in Japan is approximately ¥1 million per tsubo (about ¥303,000 per square meter, or roughly $1,955 per square meter). For a typical 100-square-meter home, the construction cost alone would be around ¥30 million ($193,500).

Construction costs vary by material:

  • Wooden frame (most common): ¥800,000–¥1,200,000 per tsubo ($1,700–$2,560/sqm)
  • Lightweight steel frame: ¥700,000–¥800,000 per tsubo ($1,400–$1,600/sqm)
  • Heavy steel frame: ¥800,000–¥900,000 per tsubo ($1,600–$1,800/sqm)
  • Reinforced concrete (RC): ¥850,000–¥1,100,000 per tsubo ($1,700–$2,200/sqm)

Land Costs

Land must be purchased separately. In Tokyo, land prices for residential plots range from ¥300,000 to over ¥2,000,000 per square meter depending on the ward. In regional cities, land costs drop to ¥50,000–¥200,000 per square meter. In rural areas, land may cost as little as ¥5,000–¥20,000 per square meter.

Building vs. Buying: The Verdict

For a 100-square-meter wooden home on a modest plot, total costs including land, construction, design fees, and miscellaneous expenses (which typically add 10–20% to the land + construction total) might look like this:

  • In Tokyo suburbs: ¥60–90 million ($387,000–$580,600) total
  • In a regional city: ¥35–55 million ($225,800–$354,800) total
  • In a rural area: ¥20–35 million ($129,000–$225,800) total

Buying used is almost always cheaper in the short term, but building new gives you modern earthquake resistance, energy efficiency, custom design, and a full manufacturer warranty. Many Japanese families prefer to buy land and build, especially outside of Tokyo where land prices are manageable.

Can Foreigners Buy a House in Japan?

Yes — and this is one of Japan's most appealing features for international real estate investors. Japan places no legal restrictions on property ownership by foreigners, regardless of nationality or residency status.

Key Facts for Foreign Buyers

  • Full freehold ownership: Foreigners receive the same property rights as Japanese citizens, including full ownership of both land and buildings.
  • No residency requirement for ownership: You do not need to live in Japan or hold a visa to purchase and own property. Non-resident foreigners can buy property remotely.
  • No reciprocity requirements: Unlike some countries that restrict property ownership to citizens of nations offering reciprocal rights, Japan applies no such conditions.
  • Buying property does not grant a visa: Owning real estate in Japan does not provide the right to live in Japan. You still need an appropriate visa for residency.

Practical Considerations for Foreign Buyers

While the legal framework is foreigner-friendly, several practical challenges exist:

  • Financing: Japanese banks may require permanent residency or at least a working visa and several years of Japanese income history to approve a mortgage. Some international banks and specialized lenders serve foreign buyers, though terms may be less favorable.
  • Language barrier: Most real estate transactions are conducted in Japanese. While bilingual agents exist in major cities, rural areas rarely have English-speaking real estate professionals.
  • Remote management: If you don't plan to live in Japan, you'll need a property management service for maintenance, tax payments, and tenant management if renting.
  • Japanese bank account: Setting up utilities and paying property taxes is significantly easier with a Japanese bank account, which typically requires a residence card.

The XROSS HOUSE Alternative: Experience Japan First

For foreigners who are curious about living in Japan but not ready to commit to purchasing property, shared housing and guesthouse options like XROSS HOUSE offer an excellent way to experience Japanese daily life in Tokyo at a fraction of the cost. Starting from around ¥30,000–¥60,000 per month with no key money, no guarantor requirements, and fully furnished rooms, shared housing lets you test different Tokyo neighborhoods, build local connections, and get a real feel for the market before making a major purchase decision.

Is Buying Property in Japan a Good Investment?

The answer depends heavily on what kind of property you're buying and where.

Arguments For

  • Weak yen advantage: For USD holders, the current exchange rate creates a significant effective discount on Japanese real estate.
  • Stable rental yields: Gross rental yields in Japanese cities typically range from 4% to 6%, with Osaka and Fukuoka at the higher end.
  • Low interest rates: Japanese mortgage rates remain among the world's lowest, with fixed rates typically between 0.3% and 1.5%.
  • No ownership restrictions: The open legal framework makes Japan one of the easiest developed countries for foreigners to invest in real estate.
  • Growing foreign demand: International investment in Japanese property has increased significantly, particularly from buyers in Asia, North America, and Europe.

Arguments Against

  • Building depreciation: The cultural practice of depreciating buildings means the structure itself may not appreciate over time, even if land values rise.
  • Population decline: Long-term demand for housing in most areas will continue to soften as Japan's population shrinks.
  • Earthquake risk: While modern buildings are engineered to withstand earthquakes, the risk adds insurance costs and occasional maintenance needs.
  • Currency risk: If the yen strengthens against the dollar, dollar-denominated returns on Japanese property could diminish.

Best Areas for Investment

Urban properties in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and other growing cities offer the strongest investment potential due to concentrated demand, limited supply, and strong rental markets. Rural properties, while cheap to acquire, rarely appreciate and can be difficult to resell.

Buying vs Renting in Japan: Which Is More Affordable?

For many people coming to Japan — whether for work, study, or simply an extended stay — renting is the natural starting point. But how does it compare to buying?

Renting in Japan: The Basics

Monthly rents for a one-room apartment (20–40 square meters) average ¥50,000–¥70,000 ($323–$452) nationwide. In central Tokyo, similar units typically start from ¥100,000 ($645) and can easily exceed ¥200,000 ($1,290) in popular areas.

Japanese rentals also come with significant upfront costs: key money (reikin), deposit (shikikin), agent fees, and guarantor company fees can total 4–6 months' rent before you even move in.

When Buying Makes More Sense

Buying tends to make more financial sense when you plan to stay in one location for 7+ years, mortgage rates are low (as they currently are in Japan), and the property is in an area with stable or growing demand. With Japan's ultra-low interest rates, monthly mortgage payments can actually be lower than rent for equivalent properties in some areas.

When Renting Makes More Sense

Renting is preferable when you're new to Japan and still exploring locations, your visa status is temporary or uncertain, you want flexibility to move for work or lifestyle, or you're not ready to navigate the Japanese property purchase process.

A Smart Middle Ground: Shared Housing

For those who want affordable Tokyo living with maximum flexibility, shared housing options like XROSS HOUSE offer a practical middle ground. With properties throughout Tokyo's most popular neighborhoods, fully furnished rooms, and month-to-month flexibility, shared housing eliminates the high upfront costs of traditional Japanese rentals while giving you a genuine local living experience. It's an ideal stepping stone — whether your goal is eventual property purchase or simply enjoying life in Japan on your own terms.

Frequently Asked Questions About House Prices in Japan

Q: Can I get a mortgage in Japan as a foreigner?

Some Japanese banks offer mortgages to foreign residents who hold permanent residency or have lived and worked in Japan for several years. Non-residents generally have more difficulty obtaining financing but may find options through international lenders. Down payment requirements for foreigners are typically 20–30%, compared to 10–20% for Japanese residents.

Q: Are there any hidden costs when buying property in Japan?

Beyond the purchase price, expect to pay 6–10% in additional costs including real estate acquisition tax, registration fees, agent commissions, judicial scrivener fees, and stamp duty. Ongoing costs include fixed asset tax (1.4%), city planning tax (up to 0.3%), and insurance.

Q: How long does it take to buy a house in Japan?

From initial property search to completing the purchase, the process typically takes 1–3 months for a straightforward transaction. More complex deals involving financing, estate inheritance issues (common with akiya), or remote purchase arrangements can take 3–6 months or longer.

Q: Do I need to visit Japan to buy property?

No, remote purchases are legally possible. However, most experts strongly recommend visiting the property in person. A bilingual real estate agent or property consultant can facilitate the process, and a judicial scrivener can handle legal registration.

Q: Is it true you can buy a house in Japan for $1?

Technically, some abandoned houses (akiya) are listed for as little as ¥1 or given away free through municipal programs. However, these properties almost always require significant renovation investment, may have unclear ownership histories, and often come with residency requirements. The total cost including renovation, taxes, and fees will be substantially higher than the purchase price suggests.

Q: What is the cheapest way to live in Japan?

For newcomers, shared housing and guesthouses offer the lowest-barrier entry to Japan. Companies like XROSS HOUSE provide furnished rooms in Tokyo from around ¥30,000 per month, with no key money, no guarantor, and minimal paperwork — making them accessible to foreigners even on short-term visas. For long-term affordability, purchasing a used house or akiya in a rural area offers the lowest total cost of ownership.

Final Answer: So, How Much Is a House in Japan?

A house in Japan costs anywhere from virtually nothing for a remote abandoned home to over $1 million for a luxury Tokyo condominium. Here's the summary:

  • National average (detached house): ¥42 million / ~$271,000
  • New condo in central Tokyo: ¥130 million+ / ~$839,000+
  • Average apartment in Tokyo (23 wards): ¥91 million / ~$587,000
  • New condo in Osaka or Fukuoka: ¥55–60 million / ~$355–387,000
  • Used house in a regional city: ¥15–25 million / ~$97–161,000
  • Rural detached house: ¥20–25 million / ~$129–161,000
  • Akiya (abandoned house): ¥0–20 million / ~$0–129,000

Japan remains one of the most accessible real estate markets in the world for foreign buyers, with no ownership restrictions, some of the lowest mortgage rates globally, and a favorable exchange rate for USD holders. Whether you're looking for a Tokyo investment property, a countryside retreat, or simply an affordable place to call home, Japan's housing market has options at nearly every price point.

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