Bigger buildings in Tokyo as zoning regulations relaxed
In 2014, the Japanese government introduced a new rule to zoning codes that meant the space taken up by elevator shafts would no longer count towards the total building area, thereby allowing larger residential and commercial buildings. Since then, several projects have been amended to incorporate extra floorspace.
In some cases, the allowance has provided for an extra floor to be added to a building, which results in extra saleable or rentable area for developers.Read more
Retro buildings popular with retail tenants
Although many retailers prefer newer construction, there are some stores in Japan that specifically look for the older, character-filled properties to complement their brand. Sterile retail space is being eschewed for pre-war or 1960s vintage buildings and homes that can be converted and renovated into trendy, one-of-a-kind spaces.
Cafe Conana, Jiyugaoka
In April 2015, Cafe Conana opened a branch in Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku. The cafe is in an old terrace house that was completely renovated with exposed ceiling beams, and a light and bright interior. Dropped ceilings were removed to expose the skeleton of the house. Rafters were painted white, and natural wood has been used throughout.Read more
Tokyo's office market continues to strengthen
In August, the office vacancy rate in Tokyo’s five central business districts (Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato, Shinjuku and Shibuya) was 4.72%, down 0.17 points from the previous month and down 1.30 points from last year. This is the lowest vacancy rate seen since December 2008. Shibuya had the lowest vacancy of 2.22%, down 0.05 points from July and down 1.79 points from last year.
With vacancy rates below the 5% level said to indicate a healthy balance between demand and supply, rents continue to increase. The average monthly office rent was 17,490 Yen per Tsubo (5,300 Yen/sqm), up 0.01% from the previous month and up 4.5% from last year. This is the 20th month in a row to see a month-on-month increase.Read more
Developer gives up on redevelopment plans near Sendai Station
Tokyu Land have abandoned redevelopment plans for the West Exit of Sendai Station due to low profitability forecasts. The land was acquired during the market peak in 2006~2007.
Tokyu sold their 80% share of the land under the Sakurano Department Store to a fund in December 2014. At the end of August 2015, they sold 1,095 sqm of land, which included the land under the Sendai Toyo Building and the site of the former Asahiya Building, to a separate fund for an undisclosed price. Earlier this year Tokyu had considered redeveloping the smaller site, but made a final decision to sell.Read more
Tokyo office rents to peak in 2017?
A vacancy rate of 5% is said to be the line between a landlord’s market and a tenant’s market. According to Miki Shoji, the vacancy rate in Tokyo’s central five business districts in July 2015 was 4.89%, down 0.23 points from June and down 1.31 points from last year. Shibuya-ku has the lowest vacancy rate of 2.27%, down 1.82 points from last year. CBRE reported that the all-grade vacancy rate in July 2015 was 3.3% in the 5 wards and 3.6% across the 23 wards. During the mini-bubble in 2007, the vacancy rate across all wards dropped to just 1.2%, while monthly rents reached a peak of 52,350 Yen/Tsubo (15,863 Yen/sqm).
Marunouchi remains the prime office location, and Marunouchi’s landlord - Mitsubishi Estate - is currently enjoying a vacancy rate of just 1.8%.
With renewed confidence in the economy, vacancy rates have again improved, while office rents have increased to a current average of 33,600 Yen/Tsubo (10,181 Yen/sqm), up from 29,050 Yen/Tsubo (8,803 Yen/sqm) seen during the market bottom.
Demand from companies seeking to rent entire floors is thought to be a driving force behind the rising rents. Companies are starting to group divisions and departments into one building or one floor, rather than having various smaller office locations.Read more
400m tall office tower for Tokyo Station area
Mitsubishi Estate is planning a 400 meter tall office building for an area just north of Tokyo Station. This is the largest development planned for the Otemachi/Marunouchi area, and when complete it will be the tallest building in Japan, exceeding the 300m tall Abeno Harukas in Osaka.
Mitsubishi is aiming to make the building an international centre for finance, and hope to attract both domestic and foreign financial institutions.Read more
Shibuya Parco to be rebuilt
The Shibuya Parco Store is going to be redeveloped as part of the Udagawacho 15 District Redevelopment Project.
The new building will be 29 storeys and 110 meters tall. It will contain retail space the first 8 floors, with rental office space on floors 9 and above. Construction will start in March 2017 with completion scheduled for late 2019.Read more