Tensions rise over minpaku conversions
Short-term rental conversions are becoming a growing source of tension in Japan’s multi-family sector, with some landlords attempting to illegally force out long-term tenants to make way for profitable short-term guests. At the same time, neighbors are increasingly raising complaints about noise, security, and trash issues. In Osaka City, where ‘minpaku’ (short-term letting) rules are the most relaxed in the country, resident backlash is starting to gain momentum, with city officials now considering launching a project team to introduce countermeasures.Read more
REIT swaps resi assets with student housing operator
Tokaido REIT is swapping student housing and multi-family assets with a student housing operator, with the deals to take place over the next three months. The REIT is acquiring a three-story student housing property in Mie Prefecture with an appraised NOI yield of 5.3%.Read more
Office vacancy rates shrink while Marunouchi’s rents reach record high
The office vacancy rate in central Tokyo’s five business districts reached a 57-month low, dropping to 3.56% in May, according to office brokerage Miki Shoji. For existing buildings, the vacancy rate was 3.20%, the lowest level since August 2020. In just the span of a month, 15,000 tsubo (49,575 square meters) of office space was taken off the market either by leasing activity.Read more
Our 2025 Q2 Japan Real Estate Market Report
Subscribers can download our Q2 report below.Read more
Themepark operator acquires 1,000-ha resort operator in Izu
A theme park developer and operator has acquired Izu Kanko Kaihatsu Co., Ltd. from Tokyu Land Corporation in a share buyout. The Shizuoka-based company, established in 1960, develops and operates hot spring holiday home neighborhoods, golf courses, and hotels covering a 1,000-hectare site in the Izu region.Read more
REIT disposes of R&D building at 18% loss
NTT UD REIT Investment Corporation sold its share of the Research & Development building in the Kanagawa Science Park at a 1.143 billion Yen loss on its book value. The trust beneficiary rights to the 12-story building were transferred to a domestic corporation in May for 5.214 billion Yen (approx. US$36 million).Read more
Japan nationwide ‘rosenka’ land values increase for 4th year in a row
The ‘rosenka’ or roadside land values across Japan increased by an average of 2.7% in 2025, expanding on a 2.3% increase in 2024 and a 1.5% increase in 2023. This is the fourth year in a row to see an increase and the highest rate seen since 2010 when the National Tax Office updated its reporting method.Read more