Luxury rental apartments added to Torch Tower
A recent use-change will see some luxury rental apartments added to Japan’s tallest tower-to-be. On January 8, the Nikkei Shimbun newspaper reported that the 390-meter tall Torch Tower, on the northern side of Tokyo Station, will have around 50 apartments with monthly rents ranging from 1 ~ 5 million Yen (approx. US$8,650 ~ $43,200). The largest apartment will be in the 400 sqm (4,300 sq.ft) range.
Landmark hotel in Atami closes its doors
Atami’s Hotel New Akao closed its doors for good on December 17, ending 48 years of operations. With demand not expected to return in the near future and an aging building, the decision was made to shut down.
A forecast of the new apartment market in 2022
On December 21, the Real Estate Economic Institute published a forecast of the new apartment market across the greater Tokyo region.
Construction starts on Nihonbashi high-rise
Construction has now started on a 52-story mixed-use development alongside Nihonbashi River. The 284-meter tall tower will include 100 luxury residences on the top four floors. A further 50 apartments will be included in the 7-story low-rise building alongside the river.
Apartment redevelopments may become easier
The government is considering a further loosening of rules regarding the redevelopment of older apartment buildings. Under current regulations, at least 4/5ths of the apartment owners must vote in favor to redevelop an apartment building. To demolish the building and sell off the land, a 100% vote in favor is usually required.
The proposed change would reduce the voting ratio to 3/4ths for redevelopment, and 3/4ths to sell off the land.
New apartment supply doubles in November as Athletes Village goes back on sale
The supply of brand-new apartments released for sale across greater Tokyo doubled in November as a large number of apartments in the Harumi Flag development on Tokyo Bay hit the market.
Tokyo apartment prices increase for 19th month
The average price of a second-hand apartment reported to have sold in the Tokyo metropolitan area in November was 807,200 Yen per square meter, up 6.4% from last year and the 19th month in a row to see a year-on-year increase.