Buying property in an Urbanization Control Area
If you are looking at purchasing property in the outskirts of cities, you may come across land that is in an Urbanization Control Area. This land comes with a very different set of building limitations than other classifications. Here’s why you need to pay careful attention to this difference.
Tokyo apartment asking prices increase for 19th month
The average asking price of a 70 sqm (753 sq.ft) second-hand apartment in Tokyo’s 23 wards reached 66,700,000 Yen in January 2022. This is a 10.4% increase from January 2021 and the 19th month in a row to record an increase.
The price divide between older and newer apartments
It’s no surprise that all other things being equal, an apartment in an older building is not going to be priced as high as one in a newer, flashier building. What may come as a surprise is just how big that divide can be.
Whole-building investment scam could extend to 520 billion Yen in loans
There is still no end in sight for victims of real estate investment fraud and predatory lending. The share house investment fraud scandal that erupted in late 2017 is only the tip of the iceberg, with some data suggesting that similar loans for whole-building investments are four times as high.
What is the lifespan of a house or apartment in Japan?
Do Japanese homes only last 30 years before they need to be torn down? Will you be kicked out of your apartment when the building reaches a certain age? There are a lot of tropes floating about regarding the lifespan of Japanese buildings, and the majority of these stories are based on incorrect information.
The last Dojunkai house of Ogikubo to be demolished
A traditional Japanese home north of Ogikubo Station will ultimately be demolished as the owner prepares to sell to a real estate developer. The single-family home and garden will be replaced with five new houses.
How a sale contract can be cancelled
Real estate contracts in Japan are legally binding, and as a buyer or seller it is extremely important to understand what can happen after you sign a sale contract. As we will explain below, it's not always a done deal until settlement. But it can be costly to walk away after signing the paperwork.