Garden Grass Minamiazabu (formerly Masuda Homes)
Average price when sold by the developer: 1,400,000 Yen/sqm (All units sold out by July, 2011)
Size range: 143.94 ~ 189.09 sqm
Garden Grass Minamiazabu was originally called Masuda Homes and was a small block of rental apartments built for the expatriate market. The 22-year old building was purchased by Atrium who completely renovated the building and then listed the individual apartments for sale. Since the bottom has fallen out of the expat rental market and vacancy rate for the luxury property market increase, these type of whole building renovation and sales are becoming more frequent as the rental apartments are longer providing profitable returns to the owners.Read more
Will people still buy high-rise apartments?
This is a translation of an article that appeared in Japanese tabloid Nikkan Cyzo, so take it for what it is.
The March 11 Tohoku Disaster changed the mindset of many Japanese. The real estate market was no exception, with many a shift in the mentality of buyers.Read more
Chinese Embassy buys land in Minamiazabu
The Chinese Government has purchased a 5677 sqm block of land in Minamiazabu. The Japanese Foreign Minister, Takeaki Matsumoto, said there is no reason for the Government to oppose the purchase.
The land was put up for sale by open tender by the Federation of National Public Service Personnel Mutual Aid Associations (KKR). It is thought that China paid 6 billion Yen (78 million USD) for the site.Read more
Designer house in Oyamacho, Shibuya-ku
Price: No longer on the market
Designed by architect Hiroo Nanjo of atelier NANJO. The architect spent 20 years working in Brazil with other architects include Oscar Niemeyer. The Oyamacho House was his first project after returning to Japan in the 1980s. The house was built by one of Japan's major construction companies, Tokyu Corporation.Read more
Kawaguchi Apartments (1964)
Size range: 36.80 ~ 146.85 sqm
This apartment building was built in 1964 by Japanese novelist, playwright and movie producer, Matsutaro Kawaguchi, and one of his quotes is displayed in the building lobby. It was considered one of the most luxurious apartment buildings in Japan for its time and was featured in GQ Japan magazine in 2001 in an article on desirable places to live. In its early years, the residents included many prominent people from the theater and literary world. It is located in the Kasuga 2 Chome area in Bunkyo-ku which was originally a very high-class residential neighborhood.Read more
Living in a love hotel
Rent: 58,000 ~ 81,000 Yen/month
Tokyo-based property company, Landmarks Co., Ltd, have redeveloped a former love hotel in Sumida-ku into a rental apartment building. The studio apartments now have mini kitchens, bathrooms and, with the help of several designers, are finished in various modern and eclectic styles. The rooftop terrace was converted into a BBQ deck for residents (a rare thing to have in Tokyo apartments). The apartments have high-speed internet access, air-conditioning and there is also a washer/dryer room.Read more