Ebisu most popular neighborhood for 5th year in a row
Ebisu has topped the ranking of the most desirable neighborhoods in Tokyo for the 5th year in a row. The annual survey is published by Major 7 and based on data collected by Japan’s seven top developers.
Supply of investment-grade apartments drops 30%
According to the Real Estate Economic Institute, a total of 71 brand-new investment-grade apartment buildings containing 3,196 units were released for sale across greater Tokyo in the first half of 2019. This is a 23.7% drop in the number of buildings and 30.9% drop in the number of units from the first half of 2018.
Two art hotels to open in Okayama
To coincide with the triennial Okayama Art Summit 2019 which runs from September 27 to November 2, two new architect-designed boutique hotels have opened up in Okayama City. Both buildings were designed in collaboration between Japanese architects and foreign artists.
Kyoto to increase floor-area ratios on southern side of station
Kyoto City is considering a plan that would increase the maximum floor-area ratios for the Higashi-Kujo district near Kyoto Station. The district is currently filled with many small and old wooden houses, along with idle city-owned land.
City to buy house designed by Arata Isozaki
Katsuyama City in Fukui Prefecture will be acquiring a home designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Arata Isozaki. The two-story concrete 'S Residence' has a total floor area of 142 sqm (1,528 sq.ft) and was built in 1986.
Regional commercial standard land prices increase for first time in 28 years
In 2019, Standard Land Prices for commercial land in Japan’s regional areas recorded a 0.3% increase - the first time positive growth has been seen since 1991.