National government wants to halt Tokyo's population growth by 2027
In an attempt to reverse the overconcentration of the population in the greater Tokyo region, the national government wants 10,000 residents to move to the countryside each year, a lofty goal for a megalopolis that saw a net inflow of over 80,000 residents in 2021.
Luxury resort villa project planned for Atami
On December 16, Acao Spa & Resort announced plans for a 16 billion Yen (US$117 million) oceanfront luxury resort and artist colony in Atami.
Kengo Kuma-designed condos coming to Chiyoda ward
Kengo Kuma & Associates has designed a new luxury condominium to the north of the Imperial Palace. The 18-story building is scheduled for completion in December 2024, with the apartments ready to move into from April 2025.
Apartment prices in central Tokyo hit new high in November
Apartment prices in central Tokyo hit a new record high in November, with REINS reporting the average reported sale price of a second-hand apartment in the central three wards at 1,627,200 Yen/sqm. This is a 3.3% increase from the previous month and an 18.2% increase from last year. It’s the highest price-per-square-meter on recent record.
Expected rental yields on Tokyo real estate assets hit 23-year low
Investors are expecting lower rental yields from office and residential assets in Tokyo. According to the Japan Real Estate Institute’s investors survey published on November 2022, the expected rental yield on Class A office space in Tokyo’s Marunouchi and Otemachi district was 3.2% as of October 2022, down from a 3.3% expected yield in April.
Office buildings see improved earnings rate in 2022
On November 29, the Japan Real Estate Institute released its six-monthly report on the total earnings rate (rental income and capital gains) of office buildings in central Tokyo.
Daiwa sells resort hotel unit
On December 8, Daiwa House Industry announced the sale of its resort hotel business to G.K. Ebisu Resort. The sale price of the shares was 55.6 billion Yen (approx. US$407 million).