Essential guides and insights for foreign investors in Japanese real estate.
82 articles
A real-world walk-through of how a US-based investor used JRE's MLIT transaction data to negotiate Β₯1,200,000 off a Naniwa-ku Osaka 2LDK in February 2026 β the exact comparables, math, emails, and outcome.
The single biggest hidden risk in akiya investment isn't the price β it's the building code. Most akiya predate the June 1981 New Earthquake Standard. Honest guide for foreign buyers: collapse risk, financing, insurance, retrofit costs, and when to walk away.
What akiya renovation actually costs by region. Niseko Β₯4β12M, Hakuba Β₯5β15M, Tokushima Β₯2β6M, Wakayama Β₯3β8M, Okinawa Β₯3β9M. Line-item breakdown by trade, with foreign-buyer-specific add-ons and minpaku conversion costs.
Japan has 9 million vacant houses (akiya) β 13.8% of all housing stock. Official government data on prefecture-by-prefecture vacancy rates, why it's growing, the 2030 and 2040 government projections, and what this means for foreign property investors.
Tsunami risk for Japanese coastal properties: how to read MLIT hazard maps, evaluate Atami, Shonan, Okinawa zones, insurance reality, and 311 lessons for foreign buyers.
What akiya actually sell for vs what you see on Suumo. MLIT transaction data reveals the 15β30% gap β real median prices by prefecture for foreign buyers.
Is a Β₯0 akiya really free? For foreign non-residents, the hidden costs often exceed Β₯3M-Β₯5M. Honest breakdown of every expense β before you buy.
Can you run Airbnb from a Japanese akiya? Foreign buyer reality: which vacant homes qualify for minpaku, city rules, and how to verify before buying.