Tokyo Residential Real Estate

For most expatriates relocating to Japan one of the most daunting tasks is to find suitable accommodations, apart from the aspect of being uprooted to a country with a completely different culture, customs, language, and business practices. Don’t be alarmed, the majority of expats have found their Japan posting to be a richly rewarding experience, personally and professionally. For those with children, although kids are quite resillent and usually the party most opposed to moving (not wanting to leave friends and change schools), be advised that they are usually the ones who do not want to leave Japan once it is time to head back or to go onto the next posting!

Residential properties in Tokyo are on par with some of the most expensive real estate in the world (London, New York, Mumbai, Moscow, Hong Kong, Paris, etc.). Most expatriate transferees receive a housing allowance from $4,000 up to $20,000 (per month) depending on their position in the company and family situation. It is not unusual to see rents in the 1 million yen ($8,350) per month range for a nice flat/apartment in central Tokyo with only three bedrooms, living room, dining room and kitchen (aka 3LDK) although prices have come down due to the current market situation.

On the high end, houses in Tokyo remain a viable option especially for those who don’t like being confined in a large tower-type structure or simply prefer not to be in an apartment complex with its inherent issues. There are more pet-friendly buildings available of late so there is more choices for pet owners but having pets will eliminate clients from some properties and usually requires a larger deposit, typically one additional month.

As I have lived in Tokyo for over 20 years, I know the city and country quite well and have been in many apartment complexes and houses. I understand the importance of convenience, be it for the breadwinner’s commute or proximity to schools (if applicable), shopping and dining options, and for the spouse, nearness to friends and other social opportunities. We will take into account all the variables/factors to find the Japan housing that you seek. Some of these probably include:

• Budget – of course a very important factor which will determine what’s available.
• How do you intend to commute – train/subway (most common), bus, car or motorbike, bicycle, on foot?
• Proximity to train/subway stations and dining/entertainment/shopping.
• Which school will child/children attend, if decided? How will child/children commute to school?
• Intending to buy or lease a car?
• Do you have a pet or pets?  If so, kindly advise the type and size.
• Number of rooms/bedrooms required  and floor space size (if known).
• Like to entertain a lot – prefer a large dining area, balcony (perhaps a yard) for such things as barbecue parties?
• Any Special Requirements: Nearness to parks, open spaces, Tokyo Bay, rooftop balcony or yard, a lot of sunshine, etc?
• Approximate move-in date

If you are needing search/consultation for a residential property in Tokyo, be it a purchase or a lease, do not hesitate to contact us.