91-yr old building in Jimbocho to be demolished
The 91-year old former Sogo Mutual Loan building in Tokyo’s Jimbocho neighborhood will be demolished in September. The 5-story concrete building with brick-tile facade was built in 1929. It has a total floor area of 453 sqm (4,874 sq.ft) and sits on a 106 sqm block of land.
New apartment supply increases for first time in 11 months
The number of brand-new apartments released for sale across greater Tokyo in July increased by 7.8% from last year, according to the Real Estate Economic Institute. This is the first year-on-year increase in 11 months. After several months of intentionally limiting supply, and with the summer bonus season upon us, developers decided to release more apartments onto the market.
Commercial land prices fall in second quarter
On August 21, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) released the quarterly LOOK Report showing changes in land prices in Japan’s major cities. With July 1 as the survey point, this is the second look at land values since the pandemic began.
Quick real estate news summary for the week
Niseko runs low on water, Allianz adds to residential portfolio, apartment rents in July, and Harajuku’s old station building to get the wrecking ball. Below is a quick weekly summary of some of the recent goings-on in the Japanese real estate market.
Atami hotel project withdrawn
Tokyu Land has withdrawn plans for the development of a membership-hotel on city-owned land in the hot spring resort city of Atami, citing concerns over viability amidst the ongoing pandemic.
Has the pandemic affected the supply and price of new and existing apartments?
Research provider Tokyo Kantei has released several reports looking at the state of Japan’s apartment market amidst the coronavirus pandemic, and it’s not all doom and gloom. Let’s take a look at some of the findings below.
Mortgage relief in the works for struggling homeowners
The Financial Services Agency (FSA) and the Japanese Banker’s Association are looking at introducing special measures to provide reductions or exemptions in home loan repayments to those struggling from a loss in income as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. This will provide a much-needed safety net for borrowers.