How much does it cost to buy a house in Japan: Analysis of the latest housing price data and popular trends in 2024
In recent years, Japanese real estate has attracted the attention of a large number of overseas investors due to its relatively low housing prices and stable return on investment. This article will combine hot topics and structured data from the entire Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of housing prices, home purchase costs, and the latest market trends in different regions of Japan.
1. Comparison of housing prices in major cities in Japan (2024 data)

| city | Average apartment price (yen/㎡) | Average price of a single-family house (Japanese yen) | Year-on-year change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo (23 wards) | 1,200,000 | 65,000,000 | +3.5% |
| Osaka (city center) | 850,000 | 45,000,000 | +2.1% |
| Kyoto | 780,000 | 50,000,000 | +4.2% |
| Fukuoka | 600,000 | 38,000,000 | +5.0% |
| Sapporo | 550,000 | 32,000,000 | +1.8% |
2. Details of additional expenses for house purchase
| Fee type | Rate/Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| agency fee | 3% of house price + 60,000 yen | legal limit |
| stamp duty | 10,000-600,000 yen | Levy based on contract amount |
| registration tax | 0.4% of house price | Ownership transfer fees |
| fixed asset tax | 1.4% of the appraised price | annual payment |
3. Analysis of recent popular trends
1.The effect of yen depreciation: The current exchange rate of the Japanese yen is at a historical low, and the actual cost of Japanese real estate denominated in US dollars or RMB has dropped by 20-30%, stimulating demand from overseas buyers.
2.Popular tourist city: With the recovery of Japan's tourism industry, the return on investment in short-term rental apartments in Kyoto, Osaka and other places has increased significantly, with the average return rate reaching 5-7%.
3.Suburban real estate heats up: The popularity of remote working has caused housing prices in areas around Tokyo (such as Yokohama and Chiba) to increase by 8% annually, with obvious cost-effectiveness advantages.
4.Favorable policies: The Japanese government plans to relax the residence qualifications for foreigners in 2024, and those who purchase a house worth 50 million yen or more will be able to obtain an operation and management visa.
4. Investment advice
•Occupancy option: We recommend Fukuoka or Sapporo. You can buy an 80㎡ furnished apartment for 20 million yen, and the cost of living is 40% lower than in Tokyo.
•rental investment: The price of a 30㎡ apartment in Osaka’s Shinsaibashi area is about 25 million yen, and the monthly rent can reach 120,000-150,000 yen.
•Risk warning: Be aware of possible short-term price fluctuations after the 2025 Osaka Expo
5. House purchase process timetable
| stage | Time consuming | Key matters |
|---|---|---|
| House selection and signing | 1-2 months | On-site inspection or video viewing is required |
| loan approval | 3-6 weeks | Foreigners can borrow up to 50% |
| Property rights delivery | 2-4 weeks | Notarization and tax declaration required |
To sum up, the Japanese real estate market shows obvious regional differentiation characteristics. From high-end apartments with over 100 million yen each in the core area of Tokyo to cost-effective residences with less than 20 million yen in local cities, investors with different budgets are provided with a variety of choices. It is recommended to consult a professional agency before buying a house to fully evaluate the holding costs and potential returns.
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