---
type: "Marketing Page"
title: "How Much Does a House Cost in Japan? 2026 Prices | AkiyaHub"
description: "2026 asking prices for houses and condos in Japan by prefecture, city, and budget band, the purchase costs above the price, and what your budget can buy."
resource: "https://akiyahub.com/house-prices-in-japan"
tags:
  - "japan-real-estate"
  - "house-prices"
  - "buying-costs"
  - "foreign-buyers"
status: "stable"
stale_after: "2027-01-02"
generated:
  by: "process:akiyahub-market-markdown"
  at: "2026-09-03T14:14:21.770Z"
sources:
  - resource: "https://akiyahub.com/house-prices-in-japan"
    title: "How Much Does a House Cost in Japan? 2026 Prices | AkiyaHub"
---

# How Much Does a House Cost in Japan?

**For overseas buyers:** See current asking prices, realistic purchase costs, and what different budgets can buy across Japan.

An active Japan property listing asks about ¥25M (about US$167K) at the median, and the lower-price quartile starts at ¥14M (about US$93K). About 41 percent of active listings ask under ¥20 million. 47 percent are detached houses and 53 percent are condos or apartments. If you want land or renovation potential, the detached share is where to look first. If you want low upkeep between visits, the condo share is.

What this means for your budget: older houses in regional cities ask under ¥10 million. Family houses in Kanto and Kansai commuter suburbs sit mostly between ¥20 million and ¥40 million. Detached houses inside the Tokyo 23 wards commonly ask ¥60 million and above. Purchase costs add roughly 6 to 10 percent on top of any of these prices, so a ¥30 million budget may look sufficient at first and then tighten once costs, renovation, taxes, and travel are added. All figures are active asking prices, not completed sale prices.

**Estimated all-in budget = asking price + 6 to 10 percent + repairs + first-year running costs.**

[Get My Free Japan Property Snapshot](https://akiyahub.com/match?source=house_prices_in_japan). Tell us your budget, preferred regions, and intended use. We show you where to look first. Free community account. No sales call. Membership and buyer services are optional later choices.

## Contents

- [Market facts](#market-facts)
- [Share of homes by asking-price band](#share-of-homes-by-asking-price-band)
- [Asking prices by prefecture](#asking-prices-by-prefecture)
- [Asking prices by city](#asking-prices-by-city)
- [What each budget buys](#what-each-budget-buys)
- [Purchase costs and yearly costs](#purchase-costs-and-yearly-costs)
- [Six things that set a Japanese property price](#six-things-that-set-a-japanese-property-price)
- [Six things the price does not tell an overseas buyer](#six-things-the-price-does-not-tell-an-overseas-buyer)
- [Where AkiyaHub fits](#where-akiyahub-fits)
- [Buyers who did this, in their own words](#buyers-who-did-this-in-their-own-words)
- [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
- [Important limitations](#important-limitations)
- [Sources](#sources)
- [Last verified](#last-verified)

## Market facts

- **Market period:** 2026 Q3
- **Median asking price:** ¥25M (about US$167K). Half of active listings ask less. Tokyo and Osaka pull the midpoint up.
- **Lower-price quartile:** ¥14M (about US$93K). One in four listings asks less. This is the band most AkiyaHub buyers purchase in.
- **Share under ¥20M:** 41%. If that is your estimated all-in budget, you have real choice outside the big-city centers.
- **Property mix:** 47% detached houses, 53% condos and apartments. If you want land or renovation potential, start with the detached share.
- **USD conversion rate used:** 150 JPY per USD

Figures summarize active asking prices in AkiyaHub market data across Japan. These are asking prices, not completed sale prices. This data includes detached houses, condos, and apartments. It is not a complete census of every property for sale in Japan.

## Share of homes by asking-price band

| Price band | Share of active homes | Availability |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Under ¥10M | 18% | Limited |
| ¥10M to ¥20M | 23% | Available |
| ¥20M to ¥40M | 35% | Available |
| ¥40M+ | 25% | Available |

## Asking prices by prefecture

Lowest median first. If your estimated all-in budget is under ¥20 million, start with the prefectures where the Under ¥20M column is above 50 percent.

| Prefecture | Median asking price | Lower quartile | Under ¥20M | Houses | Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wakayama | ¥8M (about US$53K) | ¥5M (about US$33K) | 80% | 80% | [Wakayama guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/wakayama.md) |
| Toyama | ¥10M (about US$67K) | ¥4M (about US$27K) | 80% | 89% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Kagawa | ¥10M (about US$67K) | ¥5M (about US$33K) | 75% | 69% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Tokushima | ¥11M (about US$73K) | ¥5M (about US$33K) | 75% | 77% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Akita | ¥13M (about US$87K) | ¥6M (about US$40K) | 74% | 88% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Yamagata | ¥13M (about US$87K) | ¥6M (about US$40K) | 75% | 90% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Niigata | ¥13M (about US$87K) | ¥5M (about US$33K) | 72% | 68% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Gifu | ¥13M (about US$87K) | ¥7M (about US$47K) | 68% | 83% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Shimane | ¥13M (about US$87K) | ¥6M (about US$40K) | 71% | 84% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Yamaguchi | ¥13M (about US$87K) | ¥6M (about US$40K) | 73% | 79% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Aomori | ¥15M (about US$100K) | ¥7M (about US$47K) | 69% | 93% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Iwate | ¥15M (about US$100K) | ¥7M (about US$47K) | 66% | 71% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Ibaraki | ¥15M (about US$100K) | ¥8M (about US$53K) | 67% | 82% | [Ibaraki guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/ibaraki.md) |
| Gunma | ¥15M (about US$100K) | ¥8M (about US$53K) | 67% | 83% | [Gunma guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/gunma.md) |
| Yamanashi | ¥15M (about US$100K) | ¥7M (about US$47K) | 66% | 88% | [Yamanashi guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/yamanashi.md) |
| Ehime | ¥15M (about US$100K) | ¥7M (about US$47K) | 69% | 76% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Fukushima | ¥16M (about US$107K) | ¥9M (about US$60K) | 64% | 82% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Mie | ¥16M (about US$107K) | ¥9M (about US$60K) | 62% | 84% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Tottori | ¥16M (about US$107K) | ¥9M (about US$60K) | 66% | 78% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Saga | ¥16M (about US$107K) | ¥8M (about US$53K) | 61% | 77% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Oita | ¥16M (about US$107K) | ¥9M (about US$60K) | 60% | 65% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Tochigi | ¥17M (about US$113K) | ¥9M (about US$60K) | 61% | 84% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Fukui | ¥17M (about US$113K) | ¥9M (about US$60K) | 63% | 85% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Nara | ¥17M (about US$113K) | ¥9M (about US$60K) | 61% | 61% | [Nara guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/nara.md) |
| Kochi | ¥18M (about US$120K) | ¥12M (about US$80K) | 58% | 62% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Nagasaki | ¥18M (about US$120K) | ¥9M (about US$60K) | 56% | 65% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Nagano | ¥19M (about US$127K) | ¥10M (about US$67K) | 54% | 88% | [Nagano guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/nagano.md) |
| Shizuoka | ¥19M (about US$127K) | ¥10M (about US$67K) | 54% | 62% | [Shizuoka guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/shizuoka.md) |
| Miyazaki | ¥19M (about US$127K) | ¥12M (about US$80K) | 54% | 77% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Hokkaido | ¥20M (about US$133K) | ¥11M (about US$73K) | 50% | 49% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Ishikawa | ¥20M (about US$133K) | ¥10M (about US$67K) | 53% | 76% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Okayama | ¥20M (about US$133K) | ¥10M (about US$67K) | 52% | 67% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Kagoshima | ¥20M (about US$133K) | ¥10M (about US$67K) | 52% | 68% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Miyagi | ¥21M (about US$140K) | ¥13M (about US$87K) | 48% | 39% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Shiga | ¥21M (about US$140K) | ¥13M (about US$87K) | 49% | 71% | [Shiga guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/shiga.md) |
| Hyogo | ¥22M (about US$147K) | ¥12M (about US$80K) | 47% | 42% | [Hyogo guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/hyogo.md) |
| Hiroshima | ¥22M (about US$147K) | ¥13M (about US$87K) | 46% | 48% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Fukuoka | ¥22M (about US$147K) | ¥11M (about US$73K) | 47% | 43% | [Fukuoka guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/fukuoka.md) |
| Kumamoto | ¥22M (about US$147K) | ¥14M (about US$93K) | 46% | 63% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Aichi | ¥24M (about US$160K) | ¥15M (about US$100K) | 41% | 39% | [Prefecture overview](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefecture-buying-guide.md) |
| Kyoto | ¥24M (about US$160K) | ¥14M (about US$93K) | 44% | 55% | [Kyoto guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/kyoto.md) |
| Chiba | ¥26M (about US$173K) | ¥16M (about US$107K) | 36% | 44% | [Chiba guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/chiba.md) |
| Osaka | ¥26M (about US$173K) | ¥15M (about US$100K) | 38% | 44% | [Osaka guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/osaka.md) |
| Saitama | ¥28M (about US$187K) | ¥18M (about US$120K) | 33% | 42% | [Saitama guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/saitama.md) |
| Kanagawa | ¥36M (about US$240K) | ¥23M (about US$153K) | 20% | 26% | [Kanagawa guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/kanagawa.md) |
| Okinawa | ¥42M (about US$280K) | ¥30M (about US$200K) | 8% | 40% | [Okinawa guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/okinawa.md) |
| Tokyo | ¥53M (about US$353K) | ¥34M (about US$227K) | 10% | 16% | [Tokyo guide](https://akiyahub.com/md/prefectures/tokyo.md) |

[Get My Free Japan Property Snapshot](https://akiyahub.com/match?source=house_prices_in_japan). Tell us your budget, preferred regions, and intended use. We show you where to look first. Free community account. No sales call. Membership and buyer services are optional later choices.

## Asking prices by city

If two cities show a similar median, compare the Under ¥20M column: the higher share means more choice at the lower end.

| City | Prefecture | Median asking price | Lower quartile | Under ¥20M | Houses |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Yuzawa](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/yuzawa.md) | Niigata | ¥3M (about US$20K) | ¥2M (about US$13K) | 96% | 1% |
| [Nichinan](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/nichinan.md) | Miyazaki | ¥9M (about US$60K) | ¥5M (about US$33K) | 81% | 100% |
| [Otaru](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/otaru.md) | Hokkaido | ¥11M (about US$73K) | ¥5M (about US$33K) | 76% | 68% |
| [Iwakuni](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/iwakuni.md) | Yamaguchi | ¥14M (about US$93K) | ¥7M (about US$47K) | 64% | 84% |
| [Atami](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/atami.md) | Shizuoka | ¥15M (about US$100K) | ¥8M (about US$53K) | 63% | 28% |
| [Ichihara](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/ichihara.md) | Chiba | ¥15M (about US$100K) | ¥9M (about US$60K) | 63% | 79% |
| [Misawa](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/misawa.md) | Aomori | ¥17M (about US$113K) | ¥12M (about US$80K) | 100% | 100% |
| [Yokosuka](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/yokosuka.md) | Kanagawa | ¥22M (about US$147K) | ¥14M (about US$93K) | 48% | 43% |
| [Kawagoe](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/kawagoe.md) | Saitama | ¥23M (about US$153K) | ¥16M (about US$107K) | 41% | 49% |
| [Zama](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/zama.md) | Kanagawa | ¥23M (about US$153K) | ¥17M (about US$113K) | 43% | 33% |
| [Kyoto City](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/kyoto.md) | Kyoto | ¥25M (about US$167K) | ¥15M (about US$100K) | 41% | 47% |
| [Chiba City](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/chiba.md) | Chiba | ¥25M (about US$167K) | ¥17M (about US$113K) | 38% | 25% |
| [Nagoya](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/nagoya.md) | Aichi | ¥25M (about US$167K) | ¥16M (about US$107K) | 38% | 20% |
| [Sapporo](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/sapporo.md) | Hokkaido | ¥25M (about US$167K) | ¥16M (about US$107K) | 37% | 26% |
| [Kobe](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/kobe.md) | Hyogo | ¥25M (about US$167K) | ¥14M (about US$93K) | 40% | 30% |
| [Sagamihara](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/sagamihara.md) | Kanagawa | ¥27M (about US$180K) | ¥18M (about US$120K) | 33% | 23% |
| [Matsudo](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/matsudo.md) | Chiba | ¥28M (about US$187K) | ¥20M (about US$133K) | 27% | 31% |
| [Funabashi](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/funabashi.md) | Chiba | ¥30M (about US$200K) | ¥20M (about US$133K) | 25% | 31% |
| [Hachioji](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/hachioji.md) | Tokyo | ¥30M (about US$200K) | ¥20M (about US$133K) | 26% | 26% |
| [Kashiwa](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/kashiwa.md) | Chiba | ¥30M (about US$200K) | ¥20M (about US$133K) | 26% | 48% |
| [Kisarazu](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/kisarazu.md) | Chiba | ¥30M (about US$200K) | ¥20M (about US$133K) | 25% | 89% |
| [Fukuoka City](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/fukuoka.md) | Fukuoka | ¥34M (about US$227K) | ¥23M (about US$153K) | 20% | 15% |
| [Osaka City](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/osaka.md) | Osaka | ¥36M (about US$240K) | ¥23M (about US$153K) | 22% | 28% |
| [Ashiya](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/ashiya.md) | Hyogo | ¥36M (about US$240K) | ¥23M (about US$153K) | 17% | 11% |
| [Uruma](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/uruma.md) | Okinawa | ¥36M (about US$240K) | ¥28M (about US$187K) | 10% | 92% |
| [Yokohama](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/yokohama.md) | Kanagawa | ¥38M (about US$253K) | ¥25M (about US$167K) | 16% | 21% |
| [Ginowan](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/ginowan.md) | Okinawa | ¥38M (about US$253K) | ¥32M (about US$213K) | 2% | 18% |
| [Naha](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/naha.md) | Okinawa | ¥40M (about US$267K) | ¥27M (about US$180K) | 11% | 14% |
| [Furano](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/furano.md) | Hokkaido | ¥40M (about US$267K) | ¥30M (about US$200K) | 11% | 100% |
| [Hayama](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/hayama.md) | Kanagawa | ¥41M (about US$273K) | ¥39M (about US$260K) | 0% | 38% |
| [Kawasaki](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/kawasaki.md) | Kanagawa | ¥48M (about US$320K) | ¥33M (about US$220K) | 10% | 17% |
| [Kamakura](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/kamakura.md) | Kanagawa | ¥52M (about US$347K) | ¥38M (about US$253K) | 4% | 47% |
| [Yomitan](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/yomitan.md) | Okinawa | ¥57M (about US$380K) | ¥54M (about US$360K) | 0% | 64% |
| [Ota](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/ota.md) | Tokyo | ¥58M (about US$387K) | ¥40M (about US$267K) | 7% | 10% |
| [Karuizawa](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/karuizawa.md) | Nagano | ¥58M (about US$387K) | ¥30M (about US$200K) | 19% | 81% |
| [Sumida](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/sumida.md) | Tokyo | ¥59M (about US$393K) | ¥40M (about US$267K) | 5% | 10% |
| [Suginami](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/suginami.md) | Tokyo | ¥60M (about US$400K) | ¥38M (about US$253K) | 11% | 13% |
| [Nakano](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/nakano.md) | Tokyo | ¥60M (about US$400K) | ¥40M (about US$267K) | 9% | 10% |
| [Shinjuku](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/shinjuku.md) | Tokyo | ¥61M (about US$407K) | ¥42M (about US$280K) | 6% | 4% |
| [Setagaya](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/setagaya.md) | Tokyo | ¥65M (about US$433K) | ¥44M (about US$293K) | 8% | 12% |
| [Shibuya](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/shibuya.md) | Tokyo | ¥67M (about US$447K) | ¥50M (about US$333K) | 3% | 2% |
| [Meguro](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/meguro.md) | Tokyo | ¥67M (about US$447K) | ¥50M (about US$333K) | 4% | 4% |
| [Minato](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/minato.md) | Tokyo | ¥73M (about US$487K) | ¥54M (about US$360K) | 1% | 0% |
| [Chiyoda](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/chiyoda.md) | Tokyo | ¥75M (about US$500K) | ¥57M (about US$380K) | 6% | 0% |
| [Hakuba](https://akiyahub.com/md/cities/hakuba.md) | Nagano | ¥81M (about US$540K) | ¥72M (about US$480K) | 0% | 100% |

## What each budget buys

Find the band that matches your estimated all-in budget after purchase costs. Each band says what it buys and what to check first.

### Under ¥10M: Older homes and compact resort condos

Pre-1981 houses in regional cities, older condos in resort towns, and properties that may require renovation. If you choose this band, budget for the building work first and the price second.

### ¥10M to ¥20M: Usable houses and better condos outside the big three

Family houses in commuter cities such as Ichihara, Kisarazu, and Sagamihara, and mid-age condos in Fukuoka, Sapporo, Kobe, and Osaka. This is the band most AkiyaHub buyers purchase in.

### ¥20M to ¥40M: Family homes near rail and central condos

Detached homes with parking in Kanto and Kansai suburbs, renovated condos in Nagoya and Fukuoka, and older units inside the Tokyo 23 wards. If you want to live in the home for months at a time, this band opens the widest choice.

### ¥40M+: Central Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kyoto

Family condos and detached houses in Setagaya, Suginami, Yokohama, and central Kyoto, plus newer builds across the major cities. Expect competition from local buyers, so an availability check before you plan a trip matters most here.

## Purchase costs and yearly costs

Plan for roughly 6 to 10 percent of the asking price in one-time purchase costs, then the yearly taxes, insurance, and care. Treat this table as the shape of your estimated all-in budget, not the final number.

| Cost | Typical amount | When and who |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Agent commission | Up to 3% of the price plus ¥60,000, plus consumption tax, for prices above ¥4 million | Paid to the licensed brokerage at contract and closing |
| Real estate acquisition tax | Roughly 3% of the assessed value for land and residential buildings, with reductions for qualifying homes | Billed by the prefecture some months after closing |
| Registration and license tax | About 2% of assessed value for a normal ownership transfer, lower for qualifying primary homes | Paid through the judicial scrivener at closing |
| Judicial scrivener fees | Roughly ¥80,000 to ¥150,000 for a standard transfer | Required to register title |
| Stamp duty | ¥10,000 to ¥60,000 on most residential contracts | Fixed by the contract price band |
| Fire and earthquake insurance | From about ¥20,000 per year for a compact home, more for older wooden houses | Optional but expected by lenders and stewards |
| Property tax and city planning tax | Fixed asset tax at a 1.4% standard rate of assessed value plus city planning tax up to 0.3% | Billed every year to the owner on January 1 |

Guidance figures from official tax schedules and current market practice. Confirm exact amounts with the judicial scrivener and tax office for a specific property.

## Six things that set a Japanese property price

### Land carries the value

Japanese buildings depreciate on paper over 22 to 47 years, so an older house is often priced close to its land value alone. This means the asking price tells you little about the condition. You need the building checked.

### Rail access sets the map

Prices step down with each stop from a major hub. Ten minutes of walking distance to a station can change the price more than ten years of building age. If you will visit a few times a year, a longer walk is a fair trade.

### Supply is large outside the centers

Japan has millions of vacant homes. Regional cities and commuter towns have more sellers than buyers, which keeps asking prices low. This means you can be selective. Do not settle for the first listing that fits the price.

### Condos add monthly costs

Management fees and repair reserves of ¥15,000 to ¥40,000 per month are common. A low asking price can sit above a high running cost. Ask for the fee schedule and the reserve balance before you compare two units.

### Seismic code year matters

Homes built to the 1981 and 2000 codes hold value better. If a listing predates 1981, add a structural check and a retrofit line to your estimated all-in budget before you fall for the price.

### Most overseas buyers pay cash

Mortgages for non-residents are rare, so most overseas buyers set their price band from savings, not from a loan pre-approval. This means your estimated all-in budget, not the asking price, is the number to set first.

## Six things the price does not tell an overseas buyer

A price answers one question. These are the six that decide whether a listing at that price can work for you from abroad.

### You can buy as a foreigner

Japan places no nationality, residency, or visa condition on property ownership. You hold the same freehold title as a Japanese buyer. Ownership does not grant a visa.

### The price excludes 6 to 10 percent

Agent commission, acquisition tax, registration, scrivener fees, stamp duty, and insurance sit above the asking price. Renovation and furnishing come on top of that.

### Remote purchase is possible

Viewings, inspections, offers, and contract day can be handled with remote support through licensed partners and a transaction-specific power of attorney. Some sellers still prefer a buyer who visits once.

### Availability is not confirmed by a listing

Listings stay online after a home goes under offer. Before you plan a trip around a price, someone needs to confirm with the Japanese-side agent that the home is still available.

### Use rules are property-specific

Vacation use is normal. Short-term rental use is subject to local rules and building bylaws, and many condos prohibit it. Check before you count on rental income.

### Who handles the Japanese side

Agents, sellers, and scriveners work in Japanese. AkiyaHub coordinates that communication for members in English; licensed partners handle licensed real estate work.

## Where AkiyaHub fits

AkiyaHub is the English-language decision layer between you and the Japanese property market. Not a brokerage, not a listing site. We help overseas buyers research and purchase; licensed partners handle licensed real estate work.

- Understand what your budget can realistically buy, and which areas fit your goal.
- Decide which properties deserve a closer look, what they will really cost, and when to walk away.
- Purchase with remote support from offer to keys. Buyer-paid, zero commission. Licensed partners handle licensed real estate work.

[Get My Free Japan Property Snapshot](https://akiyahub.com/match?source=house_prices_in_japan). Tell us your budget, preferred regions, and intended use. We show you where to look first. Free community account. No sales call. Membership and buyer services are optional later choices.

## Buyers who did this, in their own words

Published Google reviews from AkiyaHub members who bought a home in Japan. Every review is public and attributed.

- "We almost gave up trying to buy on our own. Thanks to AkiyaHub, we bought our first house in Japan." Chris W., USA. Google review.
- "Two other real estate agents never heard back after the initial call. AkiyaHub was proactive and reliable from day one." Armando N., International. Google review.
- "We were third in line for the house we really wanted. AkiyaHub's persistence got us accepted." Robert G., USA. Google review.

[Read all verified reviews and buyer stories](https://akiyahub.com/md/proof.md)

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does a house cost in Japan?

Less than most overseas buyers expect. Active asking prices range from under ¥5 million (about US$33,000) for an older house in a regional town to more than ¥100 million (about US$670,000) for a detached house in central Tokyo. About four in ten active listings ask under ¥20 million, and most AkiyaHub buyers pay under US$100,000 (about ¥15 million) for the home itself. Add 6 to 10 percent in purchase costs to get your estimated all-in budget.

### What is the average house price in Japan?

National averages hide a wide spread. New detached houses from major builders average roughly ¥35 million to ¥45 million including land outside Tokyo. Existing houses average far less because buildings depreciate. Use the median asking price for your target city, not a national average, when you set a budget.

### What does the asking price exclude?

Plan for roughly 6 to 10 percent of the purchase price in one-time purchase costs: agent commission, acquisition tax, registration tax, judicial scrivener fees, stamp duty, and insurance. Renovation and furnishing come on top. Your estimated all-in budget is the asking price plus these costs plus first-year running costs.

### Why are houses in Japan priced so low?

Buildings depreciate quickly for tax and appraisal purposes, the population is falling outside major cities, and millions of homes are vacant. A home with a low asking price is usually older, farther from a hub, or a property that may require renovation. The land is the durable value.

### How much does a house cost in Tokyo?

Detached houses inside the 23 wards commonly ask ¥60 million and above, with compact older houses from around ¥40 million in outer wards. Condos start lower. Western Tokyo cities such as Hachioji and the Tama area offer houses from the ¥20 million range.

### Can I get a mortgage in Japan as a foreigner?

Residents with stable Japanese income can. Non-residents rarely qualify with Japanese banks, so most overseas buyers pay cash or use financing in their home country. Set your price band from the cash you can commit, then confirm it against the estimated all-in budget for your target city.

### Can I buy a house in Japan without visiting?

Yes, with conditions. Viewings, inspections, offers, and contracts can be handled with remote support through licensed agents, a judicial scrivener, and an appointed signer under a transaction-specific power of attorney. Some sellers and agents still prefer a buyer who visits at least once.

### What are the yearly costs of owning a house in Japan?

Fixed asset tax and city planning tax together often run ¥50,000 to ¥250,000 per year for a typical home, plus insurance, utilities, and condo fees where they apply. A home that sits empty between visits also needs local care, which home stewardship provides.

## Important limitations

- AkiyaHub is not a real estate brokerage, property seller, renovation company, or legal, tax, financial, accounting, or immigration adviser.
- We coordinate with appropriately licensed local professionals when regulated work is required.
- "Akiya" means "vacant house." It covers every property type and does not mean free, abandoned, rural, or distressed.
- Buying property in Japan does not itself grant a visa or residency.
- Prices are active asking-price bands, not sale prices. Availability, financing, renovation cost, and investment return are not guaranteed.
- This data includes detached houses, condos, and apartments. It is not a complete census of every property for sale in Japan.
- Public cards show price band, type, size, and year built. Full details are available to AkiyaHub members.

## Sources

- AkiyaHub market data (2026 Q3, active asking prices).
- National Tax Agency, registration and license tax and stamp duty.
- Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, fixed asset tax and city planning tax.
- MLIT, brokerage commission limits under the Real Estate Brokerage Act.
- [Houses for sale in Japan](https://akiyahub.com/md/houses-for-sale-in-japan.md)
- [How much does a house cost in Japan?](https://akiyahub.com/md/house-prices-in-japan.md)
- [How to buy a house in Japan](https://akiyahub.com/md/how-it-works.md)
- [AkiyaHub markdown index](https://akiyahub.com/md/index.md)

## Last verified

Content last verified on 2026-09-04. Market conditions and active inventory may have changed since this date.