Kyoto to ease building restrictions for narrow blocks

To encourage the redevelopment of ageing buildings located on land with narrow street frontages, Kyoto City will be easing building restrictions.

Many of Kyoto's small lane ways are crowded with wooden buildings that pose a fire hazard. The measures will target approximately 700 buildings built before 1950 in Kamigyo, Nakagyo, Shimogyo and Higashiyama-ku.Read more

by Zoe Ward

Kyoto's traditional boathouses to be rented out

Kyoto Ine Funaya 2To combat the growing number of empty and unused traditional boathouses in Kyoto's Ine Town, the local government is considering plans to rent these houses out to new residents.

The scenic area is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Read more

by Zoe Ward

Apartment price to income ratio worsens in 2012

According to data released by Tokyo Kantei on July 30, the average price of a brand new apartment in Japan was 6.53 times the average annual income, while a second-hand apartment (less than 10 yrs old) was 4.56 times the average income.

While apartment prices are rising, income levels are still declining. The average annual income in 2012 fell 4.6% to 4,170,000 Yen. This is the third year in a row where incomes have fallen.Read more

by Zoe Ward

Kyoto Court ruling on renewal fees

The Kyoto District Court has ruled that the maximum apartment renewal fee cannot exceed 20% of the annual rent paid on the property.

On February 29th, the court made a ruling on a court case involving a 25 year old tenant who was suing her landlord for the return of her renewal fee. The judge ruled that a renewal fee that does not exceed 20% of one year's rent is appropriate, and ordered the landlord to return part of the tenant's renewal fee.Read more

by Zoe Ward