Housing
Latest news and updates on housing for expats in Japan
MLIT Seeks Public Comments on Draft Building Lifecycle DX Strategy for Housing and Architecture Sector
Japan's land ministry is collecting public comments on a draft digital transformation strategy for managing buildings across their lifecycle, with sub...
MLIT Opens Public Comment on Revised Registration Rules for Existing-Home Information Provider Groups
Japan's land ministry is seeking public comments on proposed revisions to registration rules for groups of existing-home information providers, with s...
METI Seeks Public Comment on Revised Energy Efficiency Standards for Window Sashes
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is accepting public comments until November 16, 2026 on proposed revisions to energy-saving criteria f...
Ministry Seeks Comments on Cabinet Order Implementing Revised Urban Renaissance Special Measures Act
Japan's land ministry is collecting public comments through November 5 on a draft Cabinet order tied to revisions of the Urban Renaissance Special Mea...
Ministry Seeks Public Comment on Draft Amendment to Real Estate Appraisal Law Enforcement Order
Japan's land ministry is collecting public comments through October 31 on a proposed amendment to the enforcement order for the law governing real est...
Tokyo Used Condominium Prices Fall for First Time in Over Two Years
Tokyo's used condominium prices fell 0.2% in August to 112 million yen for 70 square meters, the first monthly decline in 28 months, potentially offer...
Japan's Land Prices Rise for Fifth Year as Housing Demand Stays Strong
Japan's land prices rose 1.5% in 2026, marking five consecutive years of growth driven by strong housing demand and tourism recovery. The trend affect...
Tokyo Districts Tighten Minpaku Rules as Resident Complaints Surge
Shinjuku and Taito wards are implementing stricter minpaku regulations following over 1,300 resident complaints. Taito will ban new vacation rentals i...
Rising Interest Rates Create Housing Crisis for Japan Homeowners
Rising interest rates and soaring property prices are straining homeowners while creating barriers for buyers. Tokyo's market shows an 80 million yen ...
Tokyo Area Condominium Prices Break 100 Million Yen Barrier
Tokyo area new condominium prices averaged 101.35 million yen in first half 2026, crossing 100 million yen for the first time. Rising costs impact bot...
Tokyo New Condominium Prices Soar to Record 137.84 Million Yen
New condominium prices in Tokyo's 23 wards reached a record 137.84 million yen in fiscal 2025, up 18% year-on-year. The surge impacts expats' purchasi...
Tokyo Condo Prices Expected to Plateau in 2025 After Record Highs
Tokyo's condominium market is expected to stabilize in 2025 with fewer ultra-luxury developments, though prices will remain elevated in the 23 wards d...
Tokyo Housing Prices Soar as Government Raises Mortgage Lending Limits
Tokyo condominium prices hit records, with new units averaging 124.2 million yen. Government responds by raising Flat 35 mortgage limits from 80 to 12...
Japan Introduces Nationality Disclosure for Property Registration
Japan now requires nationality disclosure for property registration. The change affects all buyers and sellers, with foreign nationals comprising 3% o...
Major Banks Raise Fixed Mortgage Rates as Long-Term Rates Peak
Major Japanese banks raised December fixed mortgage rates as long-term interest rates hit 17-year highs. Expats seeking home loans face higher costs a...