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Tokyo Market Insights

Analysis, strategy, and deep-dives for the Tokyo and Japan property market.

Market Insights

Why Tokyo's Minato Ward Is Outpacing All 23 Special Wards

At ¥1,850,000 per sqm and climbing 6.8% year-on-year, Minato has pulled away from Chiyoda and Chuo to become the single ward every foreign buyer wants in. A structural look at why Roppongi, Azabu and Akasaka keep rewriting the top of the Tokyo price ladder.

19 April 20269 minRead →
Regulations

Understanding Japan's Fixed Asset Tax + City Planning Tax

Two separate annual taxes, one combined bill. A practical breakdown of the 1.4% fixed asset tax plus the 0.3% city planning tax, how assessed value differs from market value, and where the residential-land reductions actually apply.

15 April 20267 minRead →
Locations

Roppongi vs Shibuya vs Ginza: Tokyo's Prime Districts Compared

Roppongi offers embassies and expat demand. Shibuya offers the strongest young-professional rental pool. Ginza offers flagship retail and ultra-prime scarcity. A head-to-head on capital growth, rental demand, and which profile actually wins over a ten-year hold.

11 April 202610 minRead →
Regulations

Foreign Buyer Guide: Tokyo Property 2026

No residency requirement, no nationality restriction, and freehold title for non-residents — Japan is one of the most open developed markets in the world. The full 2026 process: banking, tax registration, financing options, and the common mistakes that cost foreign buyers six months.

7 April 202612 minRead →
Strategy

Why Tokyo Yields Beat Most Asian Capitals

Gross yields of 3.9% on average — and 4.5-5.2% in the outer wards — put Tokyo ahead of Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul and Taipei. Factor in 0.9% variable-rate mortgage financing and the net-yield picture looks closer to mid-tier European markets than to Asian prime.

3 April 20268 minRead →
Strategy

Inside Japan's Variable-Rate Mortgage Culture

Over 70% of Japanese borrowers still choose variable-rate loans despite a slow normalising BoJ. Why sub-1% variable rates persist, how non-resident pricing differs, and which lenders will actually underwrite a foreign buyer on a Tokyo ward-level purchase.

29 March 20269 minRead →