Real estate for sale in Kyoto

Real estate in Kyoto

When considering land, apartments, commercial space and other real estate in Japan, expats often choose Kyoto, a city renowned for its ancient history and vast cultural heritage. Some of the most famous national landmarks are located here, including the Gose Imperial Palace, Nijie Castle, the traditional gardens of Seiryu-en and Ninomaru and Rokuon-ji Temple. In addition, as the former capital of the country (Kyoto held capital status for 11 centuries), it’s a great place to live because:

• It’s home to a large number of prestigious institutions of higher education, including Ryukoku, Sange, Ritsumeikan, Seika and Kyoto University, which ranks among the top 100 universities in the world;
• The city has excellent transport infrastructure, with buses, subways and a railway connecting it to other locations in the Kansai region;
• Expats can rely on a high level of security, thanks to a low crime rate and the locals welcoming attitude to foreigners, largely due to the region’s main income from tourism;
• There are schools, kindergartens and activities for children, such as a monkey park and botanical gardens.

There is a significant difference in property prices in the city depending on the location and type of property in Kyoto. For instance, options in Gion and Higashiyama tend to be less favourable compared to those in Nishijin and Fushimi.

Important considerations include the year of construction of the building and amenities. Traditional matiya houses are available to most buyers but may not always meet their expectations in terms of living comfort. In contrast, modern apartments and townhouses are more expensive, but provide access to the necessary amenities such as a full bathroom and hallway, walls with a high level of sound insulation, etc. It’s also crucial to note that the newer the building, the higher its seismological resistance.

Everyone intending to purchase property for sale in Kyoto should understand the different neighbourhoods:

1. Gion: Gion offers a deep immersion into Japanese history, featuring traditional wooden shops and opportunities to witness geisha performances. The downside is the presence of a large number of tourists. Nevertheless, if you plan to rent out accommodation, then the location is ideal;
2. Higashiyama: Higashiyama features narrow streets, national-style shops, ancient temples and a peaceful atmosphere. However, its abundance of hills makes it less suitable for walking;
3. Arashiyama: Arashiyama is renowned for its stunning bamboo groves and river views, offering a peaceful and beautiful environment. However, it can become crowded during the tourist season;
4. Fushimi: Fushimi is known for its picturesque scenery, the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, numerous breweries and a consistently high tourist flow;
5. Shimogamo: A quiet neighbourhood with a temple of the same name and ample options for outdoor recreation. However, it has few shops and restaurants;
6. Kamigamo: Kamigamo is characterised by historic buildings, minimal noise and a relaxing atmosphere;
7. Kawaramachi and Sidze: Both are lively areas located in the centre, near bus stops, restaurants, bars and shopping centres. Housing is sold in modern complexes that provide a high level of comfort but may lack traditional charm;
8. Nishijin: Nishijin is known for its textile industries where artisans create Nishijin-ori fabrics. This area should be considered when buying commercial space;
9. Kita-ku and Higashiyama: These areas are the most fashionable neighbourhoods in Kyoto, while Fushimi-ku and Uke-ku are best for budget buyers.

Reasons for investing in real estate in Kyoto

Tourism and agriculture are the city's main sources of income, but it’s also home to the headquarters of major corporations such as Nintendo, Omron, Kyocera and Shimadzu. This, combined with gradually rising property prices and no restrictions on foreign ownership, makes Kyoto a good destination for long-term investment and rental income. However, at the initial stage, you should be prepared for transaction costs, which can amount to 12.4–13.4% of the cost of housing. The tax on rental income is 20.42%.

For a successful purchase of investment real estate in Kyoto, it’s necessary to choose the location of the property:

• Within walking distance of JR Kyoto;
• Near one or more universities. Students, both local and foreign, are interested in housing, so you can count on a stable and high income;
• Neat hospitals, where many Japanese and expats are employed;
• Close to places of interest.

It’s vital that the price of properties in Kyoto, Japan, matches the income that can be earned from short- and long-term rentals. On average, landlords receive 3.2–4.8 per cent per annum.

Buying real estate in Kyoto

Our platform helps you choose any object of real estate in Kyoto for investment from the best agencies and developers. We provide buyers with comprehensive information, including price, neighbourhood, area, number of bathrooms and bedrooms, window views, technical equipment and interior design style. Features such as sorting, comparison options, an interactive map and a currency converter make your decision easier. Once you have decided on a property, you can contact the seller in person or by phone.