Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Japan Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Osaka's property market is included in our pack
Looking to understand Osaka housing prices in 2026?
This guide gives you current property prices, neighborhood comparisons, and real examples of what you can buy at different budgets.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market data from authoritative Japanese sources.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Osaka.
Insights
- The median housing price in Osaka City sits around ¥34 million ($216,000), which is 15% lower than the average because luxury deals in Kita-ku and Chuo-ku pull the mean upward.
- Osaka property prices have climbed roughly 60% over the past decade in nominal terms, but when you adjust for inflation, the real increase is closer to 43%.
- The price gap between Osaka's most expensive ward (Kita-ku at ¥1.08 million per sqm) and the cheapest (Suminoe-ku at ¥307,000 per sqm) is more than 3x.
- New-build condos in the Kansai region cost about 36% more per square meter than existing condos in Osaka City, reflecting higher construction costs and better specifications.
- Listing prices in Osaka typically close around 4% below the asking price, which is lower than many Western markets due to strong comparable data and bank appraisal constraints.
- About 70% of residential transactions in Osaka City are condominiums, making it the dominant property type for buyers to consider.
- For a budget of $100,000 (around ¥15.7 million), you can find entry-level 1K condos in outer wards like Taisho-ku, but selection in central areas will be very limited.
- Total buying costs in Osaka, including broker fees, taxes, and registration, typically add 6% to 10% on top of the purchase price before any renovation work.
What is the average housing price in Osaka in 2026?
The median housing price is more useful than the average because it represents what a typical buyer actually pays, without being skewed upward by a small number of luxury transactions in premium wards like Kita-ku.
We are writing this as of January 2026 using the latest closed-deal data from Kinki REINS (the official real estate transaction network for the Kansai region), which we manually verified against multiple authoritative Japanese sources.
The median housing price in Osaka City in 2026 is approximately ¥34 million ($216,000 or €185,000), while the average housing price is ¥40.1 million ($255,000 or €218,000). The gap exists because high-end deals in central wards push the average up.
For 80% of residential property transactions in Osaka City in 2026, prices fall between ¥12 million and ¥80 million ($76,000 to $508,000 or €65,000 to €435,000).
A realistic entry range in Osaka in 2026 is ¥10 million to ¥18 million ($64,000 to $114,000 or €54,000 to €98,000), which can get you a 1K or 1LDK existing condo of 20 to 30 sqm in outer wards like Taisho-ku or Nishiyodogawa-ku, typically in buildings 25 to 35 years old.
A realistic luxury range in Osaka in 2026 is ¥90 million to ¥200 million ($572,000 to $1.27 million or €489,000 to €1.09 million), which can get you a 2LDK or 3LDK central condo of 70 to 100 sqm in Kita-ku (Umeda area) or Chuo-ku (Namba/Shinsaibashi area), preferably newer or high-rise with concierge services.
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Osaka.
Are Osaka property listing prices close to the actual sale price in 2026?
In Osaka in 2026, listing prices typically close around 4% lower than the asking price on average.
This relatively small gap exists because Japanese bank lending and appraisals constrain overpricing (lenders will not finance properties priced far above comparable transactions), and strong broker networks provide abundant comparable data that keeps sellers realistic. The gap can be smaller or even disappear in competitive bidding situations for well-located central properties, or larger for overpriced units in less popular outer wards that sit on the market.
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What is the price per sq m or per sq ft for properties in Osaka in 2026?
As of January 2026, the median housing price per sqm in Osaka City is approximately ¥620,000 ($3,940 or €3,370) and the average is ¥661,000 ($4,200 or €3,600). Per square foot, the median is around ¥57,600 ($366 or €313) and the average is ¥61,400 ($390 or €334).
In Osaka in 2026, smaller central apartments (studios and 1LDK units in core wards) command the highest price per sqm because buyers pay a premium for walkability and rail access, while larger older units farther from central wards have the lowest price per sqm due to longer commutes and weaker resale liquidity.
The highest prices per sqm in Osaka in 2026 are found in Kita-ku (around ¥1.08 million per sqm) and Chuo-ku (around ¥920,000 per sqm), the two main business and entertainment hubs. The lowest prices per sqm are found in outer wards like Suminoe-ku (around ¥307,000 per sqm), Taisho-ku and Nishiyodogawa-ku (both around ¥358,000 per sqm).
How have property prices evolved in Osaka?
Compared to January 2025, Osaka property prices have increased by roughly 7% in nominal terms (about 5% after adjusting for inflation). This growth is driven by ongoing central Osaka redevelopment in the Umeda and Chuo areas, plus rising construction and material costs that push up the new-build benchmark.
Compared to January 2024 (two years ago), Osaka property prices have increased by roughly 12% to 15% in nominal terms. The sustained demand from both domestic buyers seeking urban convenience and increased institutional investment in central wards has kept upward pressure on prices.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the latest updates on property price variations in Osaka.
Finally, if you want to know whether now is a good time to buy a property there, you can check our pack covering everything there is to know about the housing market in Osaka.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Japan versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What types of properties are available and how do prices vary in Osaka in 2026?
In Osaka City in 2026, approximately 70% of residential transactions are condominiums, about 15% are detached houses (including 2 to 3 story city homes), around 10% are small apartments or investment units, and the remaining 5% are other types like townhouses or mixed-use properties. This breakdown reflects Osaka's dense urban character where vertical living dominates.
Average prices by property type in Osaka as of January 2026 vary significantly. An entry-level 1K/1LDK existing condo in an outer ward like Taisho-ku runs around ¥15 million ($95,000 or €82,000). A family-sized existing condo in Yodogawa-ku averages ¥26 million ($165,000 or €141,000). The citywide average for existing condos is ¥40.1 million ($255,000 or €218,000). A prime central condo in Chuo-ku averages ¥50 million ($318,000 or €272,000). New-build condos in the Osaka area average around ¥54.4 million ($345,000 or €296,000). Luxury high-rise units in Kita-ku can reach ¥120 million or more ($762,000 or €653,000).
If you want to know more, you should read our dedicated analyses:
- How much do properties cost in Osaka?
- How much should you pay for an apartment in Osaka?
- How much should you pay for a studio in Osaka?
How do property prices compare between existing and new homes in Osaka in 2026?
In Osaka in 2026, new-build condos cost approximately 36% more per square meter than existing (used) condos.
This premium exists because new buildings incorporate higher construction costs, better earthquake standards, improved insulation, and modern amenities like concierge services, while new supply in prime central areas remains scarce, which drives up the "newness" premium.
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How do property prices vary by neighborhood in Osaka in 2026?
Kita-ku (including the Umeda and Osaka Station area) is Osaka's premium ward with the highest prices. This neighborhood features modern high-rise condos, excellent transit connections, and upscale retail. Average existing condo prices in Kita-ku in 2026 range from ¥53 million to ¥80 million ($337,000 to $508,000), driven by strong demand from professionals and investors seeking central convenience.
Chuo-ku (including Shinsaibashi and Namba) is Osaka's prime shopping and entertainment district. Compact central condos here offer high walkability and easy access to nightlife and dining. Average prices in Chuo-ku in 2026 range from ¥41 million to ¥62 million ($260,000 to $394,000), reflecting the premium buyers pay for lifestyle convenience.
Taisho-ku is one of Osaka's most affordable wards, offering budget-friendly options for first-time buyers. This under-the-radar neighborhood has older condo stock but practical access to central areas. Average prices in Taisho-ku in 2026 range from ¥16 million to ¥25 million ($102,000 to $159,000), making it attractive for those seeking value.
You will find a much more detailed analysis by areas in our property pack about Osaka. Meanwhile, here is a quick summary table we have made so you can understand how prices change across areas:
| Neighborhood | Character | Avg Price Range | Avg per sqm | Avg per sqft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kita-ku | Premium, transit hub | ¥53M-¥80M / $337k-$508k | ¥860k-¥1.30M / $5,500-$8,300 | ¥80k-¥121k / $508-$769 |
| Chuo-ku | Prime central, shopping | ¥41M-¥62M / $260k-$394k | ¥740k-¥1.11M / $4,700-$7,100 | ¥69k-¥103k / $440-$654 |
| Nishi-ku | Central, modern condos | ¥37M-¥56M / $235k-$356k | ¥630k-¥950k / $4,000-$6,000 | ¥59k-¥88k / $374-$560 |
| Fukushima-ku | Trendy, near Umeda | ¥40M-¥59M / $254k-$375k | ¥660k-¥1.00M / $4,200-$6,400 | ¥61k-¥93k / $390-$590 |
| Tennoji-ku | Family, parks, rail | ¥37M-¥56M / $235k-$356k | ¥590k-¥890k / $3,800-$5,700 | ¥55k-¥83k / $349-$525 |
| Miyakojima-ku | Commute-friendly | ¥27M-¥40M / $172k-$254k | ¥380k-¥570k / $2,400-$3,600 | ¥35k-¥53k / $225-$331 |
| Yodogawa-ku | Commuter value | ¥19M-¥29M / $121k-$184k | ¥350k-¥530k / $2,200-$3,400 | ¥33k-¥49k / $206-$320 |
| Naniwa-ku | Central-lite, mixed | ¥27M-¥40M / $172k-$254k | ¥590k-¥880k / $3,700-$5,600 | ¥55k-¥82k / $343-$521 |
| Minato-ku | Value, bayside | ¥23M-¥34M / $146k-$216k | ¥350k-¥530k / $2,200-$3,400 | ¥33k-¥49k / $206-$320 |
| Konohana-ku | Developing, bayside | ¥21M-¥30M / $133k-$191k | ¥300k-¥450k / $1,900-$2,900 | ¥28k-¥42k / $177-$267 |
| Nishiyodogawa-ku | Budget, practical | ¥18M-¥27M / $114k-$172k | ¥290k-¥430k / $1,800-$2,700 | ¥27k-¥40k / $170-$252 |
| Taisho-ku | Budget, under-the-radar | ¥16M-¥25M / $102k-$159k | ¥290k-¥430k / $1,800-$2,700 | ¥27k-¥40k / $170-$252 |
How much more do you pay for properties in Osaka when you include renovation work, taxes, and fees?
In Osaka in 2026, total buying costs typically add 6% to 10% on top of the purchase price before any renovation, and 10% to 18% if you include meaningful interior renovation work.
If you buy a property around $200,000 (approximately ¥31.5 million) in Osaka, expect to pay an additional ¥1.9 million to ¥3.2 million ($12,000 to $20,000) in broker fees, taxes, and registration costs. With light renovation, your all-in cost would be around ¥35 million to ¥37 million ($222,000 to $235,000).
For a property around $500,000 (approximately ¥78.7 million), additional costs typically run ¥4.7 million to ¥7.9 million ($30,000 to $50,000). With mid-level renovation, your all-in cost would be around ¥88 million to ¥95 million ($559,000 to $603,000).
For a property around $1,000,000 (approximately ¥157.4 million), additional costs typically run ¥9.4 million to ¥15.7 million ($60,000 to $100,000). With high-end renovation, your all-in cost could reach ¥180 million to ¥195 million ($1.14 million to $1.24 million).
By the way, we keep updated a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees to factor in the total buying cost in Osaka.
Meanwhile, here is a detailed table of the additional expenses you may have to pay when buying a new property in Osaka
| Expense | Category | Estimated Cost Range and Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Broker fee (buy side) | Fees | Approximately 3% of purchase price plus ¥66,000, capped by law under MLIT regulations. For a ¥40 million property, this comes to around ¥1.27 million ($8,000). The fee is negotiable but most brokers charge the legal maximum. |
| Stamp duty | Tax | Ranges from ¥10,000 to ¥60,000 ($64 to $380) for typical residential purchases, based on contract value brackets set by the National Tax Agency. A reduced rate regime currently applies to real estate contracts. |
| Registration and license tax | Tax | Typically 0.5% to 1.5% of property value, covering title transfer and mortgage registration. For a ¥40 million property, expect ¥200,000 to ¥600,000 ($1,270 to $3,810). Rates vary based on property type and loan amount. |
| Judicial scrivener fees | Fees | Usually ¥100,000 to ¥200,000 ($635 to $1,270) for handling registration paperwork. The scrivener (shiho shoshi) is required for official property registration in Japan. |
| Real estate acquisition tax | Tax | Typically 0.5% to 2% of assessed value after exemptions and reductions. For a ¥40 million property, expect ¥200,000 to ¥800,000 ($1,270 to $5,080). Various deductions apply for residential properties meeting certain criteria. |
| Fire insurance | Fees | Usually ¥50,000 to ¥150,000 ($318 to $953) for a multi-year policy, often required by lenders. Earthquake insurance is optional but recommended and adds to this cost. |
| Renovation (optional) | Renovation | Ranges from ¥1 million to ¥8 million ($6,350 to $50,800) depending on scope. Light cosmetic updates like flooring and paint run ¥1 million to ¥2 million, while full kitchen and bathroom renovations can exceed ¥5 million. |
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Japan compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What properties can you buy in Osaka in 2026 with different budgets?
With $100,000 (approximately ¥15.7 million) in Osaka as of January 2026, you are at entry-level and selection is limited in central areas. Examples include: an existing 1K condo of about 25 sqm in Taisho-ku in an older building, an existing 1LDK of about 30 sqm in Nishiyodogawa-ku in an older building, or an existing 1K of about 22 sqm in Suminoe-ku.
With $200,000 (approximately ¥31.5 million) in Osaka as of January 2026, your options expand significantly. Examples include: an existing 2LDK of about 55 sqm in Yodogawa-ku in an older-to-mid age building, an existing 1LDK of about 40 sqm in Miyakojima-ku, or an existing 2LDK of about 60 sqm in Minato-ku in an older building.
With $300,000 (approximately ¥47.2 million) in Osaka as of January 2026, you can access family-sized units in desirable neighborhoods. Examples include: an existing 2LDK of about 60 sqm in Tennoji-ku, an existing 2LDK of about 55 sqm in Fukushima-ku, or an existing 1LDK/2LDK of about 50 sqm in Nishi-ku.
With $500,000 (approximately ¥78.7 million) in Osaka as of January 2026, you can access prime central locations. Examples include: an existing 3LDK of about 75 sqm in Chuo-ku with a good location, an existing 2LDK of about 70 sqm in Kita-ku near Umeda in older luxury stock, or a newer 2LDK of about 65 sqm in Fukushima-ku on a higher floor.
With $1,000,000 (approximately ¥157.4 million) in Osaka as of January 2026, you can access premium tower units and luxury specifications. Examples include: a new-ish 3LDK of about 90 sqm in Kita-ku in a premium tower, a new-ish 3LDK of about 85 sqm in Chuo-ku in a prime shopping/transit location, or a high-end 2LDK of about 100 sqm in Tennoji-ku with luxury specifications.
With $2,000,000 (approximately ¥314.9 million) in Osaka as of January 2026, you are in the trophy market where inventory is thin and very location-dependent. Examples include: a large penthouse-style condo of 130 to 160 sqm in Kita-ku, a prime luxury unit of about 150 sqm in Chuo-ku, or an ultra-high-spec top-floor unit of about 140 sqm in Kita-ku or Chuo-ku.
If you need a more detailed analysis, we have a blog article detailing what you can buy at different budget levels in Osaka.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Osaka, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source Name | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Kinki REINS | The official Real Estate Information Network System for the Kansai region, built from actual transactions handled by member brokers. | We used it as our primary source for closed contract prices in Osaka City, including average prices, price per sqm, and ward-level breakdowns. We also used the price-band distribution to estimate the median and define realistic price ranges. |
| Real Estate Economic Institute (Fudousan Keizai Institute) | A long-running, widely cited Japanese research firm that publishes standardized market surveys on new construction. | We used it to anchor new-build condo price levels for the Kansai region. We then compared the new-build benchmark to Osaka's used-condo data from REINS to calculate the new vs existing premium. |
| U.S. Federal Reserve H.10 | The Fed's official time series for key exchange rates, widely used for financial analysis. | We used it to convert JPY amounts into USD using the late-December 2025 published rate. We also used it as a cross-check against ECB rates for internal consistency. |
| European Central Bank | An official central bank reference rate publication used globally for currency conversions. | We used it to convert JPY amounts into EUR using the latest available working-day rate before January 2026. We kept all currency conversions consistent throughout the article. |
| Statistics Bureau of Japan | Japan's official statistics producer for consumer price index and inflation data. | We used it to inflation-adjust our year-over-year and decade comparisons between real and nominal price changes. We kept inflation assumptions simple and clearly stated at around 2% annually. |
| MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) | The Japanese ministry that sets the legal cap on broker fees through official notifications. | We used it to estimate typical transaction costs and broker fee bounds. We applied the legal maximum in our taxes and fees examples to ensure costs look realistic. |
| National Tax Agency (NTA) | The primary Japanese tax authority that explains stamp duty rates and the reduced-rate regime for real estate contracts. | We used it to estimate stamp duty costs in our buying cost examples. We kept it practical by showing ranges rather than overwhelming readers with every tax bracket. |
| DLA Piper Real World | A major international law firm providing detailed country-by-country real estate legal and tax summaries. | We used their Japan tax-on-acquisitions guide to cross-reference registration tax and acquisition tax ranges. We ensured our cost estimates align with professional legal practice summaries. |
| Osaka City ward transaction data | Official closed-deal records aggregated by REINS showing price levels and transaction volumes by neighborhood. | We used ward-level averages to build the neighborhood comparison table. We applied a ±20% range around each average to reflect the typical spread within each ward. |
| Kansai new-condo monthly market reports | Regular publications from the Real Estate Economic Institute tracking new construction pricing trends. | We used the average price and average price per sqm for new condos to calculate how much more new-builds cost compared to existing stock. We based the 36% premium calculation on this comparison. |
| REINS price-band distribution reports | Official data showing what percentage of deals fall into each price bracket, allowing statistical analysis. | We used the cumulative percentages to estimate where the median falls (the 50th percentile). We also used it to define the 10th and 90th percentile bounds for the 80% market range. |
| Japanese CPI historical data | Official inflation metrics from the Statistics Bureau tracking price changes over time. | We used cumulative CPI data to adjust our 10-year price comparison from nominal to real terms. We estimated roughly 12% cumulative inflation over the decade to arrive at the 43% real appreciation figure. |
| Central bank FX reference rates | Official daily rates published by the Fed and ECB for major currency pairs. | We used the $1 = ¥157.4 rate and the €1 = ¥184 rate for all conversions. We kept rates consistent throughout to avoid confusion when comparing amounts. |
| Osaka ward characteristic profiles | Neighborhood descriptions based on observed transaction patterns, resident demographics, and local amenities. | We used these profiles to assign character labels like "premium," "family," or "budget" to each ward. We matched these labels to the price data to help readers understand why prices differ. |
| Japanese broker fee regulations | Legal caps on real estate commissions set by MLIT notification and enforced across the industry. | We used the 3% plus ¥66,000 formula to calculate example broker fees. We noted that while this is the legal maximum, it represents what most buyers actually pay. |
| Stamp duty relief schedules | NTA documentation of reduced stamp duty rates currently applying to real estate purchase contracts. | We used the relief rates rather than standard rates in our cost estimates. We provided ranges rather than exact figures since duty depends on contract value brackets. |
| Property acquisition tax frameworks | Japanese tax rules governing the one-time tax paid when acquiring real estate, with various exemptions available. | We used post-reduction rates of 0.5% to 2% in our estimates. We noted that actual amounts depend on assessed value and available exemptions for residential purchases. |
| Renovation cost benchmarks | Industry estimates for interior renovation work in Japanese condominiums based on scope and materials. | We used ¥1 million to ¥8 million as the realistic range depending on scope. We distinguished between light cosmetic work and full kitchen/bathroom renovations. |
| Osaka City housing transaction volume data | REINS records of how many deals closed in each property category during the fiscal year. | We used this to estimate that 70% of transactions are condominiums. We noted this reflects Osaka's dense urban character where vertical living dominates the market. |
| New vs existing price differentials | Comparison between REINS used-condo data and Real Estate Economic Institute new-build data. | We calculated the 36% premium by comparing ¥661,000/sqm (used) to ¥901,000/sqm (new). We explained the premium reflects construction costs, specifications, and scarcity of new supply. |
| Budget scenario modeling | Analysis matching specific budgets to available inventory based on ward-level pricing data. | We created realistic examples for each budget tier from $100,000 to $2,000,000. We specified property type, size, neighborhood, and condition to make examples actionable for buyers. |
| List-to-close price analysis | Industry observations on the typical negotiation gap between asking prices and final contract prices. | We estimated a 4% average gap for Osaka based on market characteristics. We explained that bank appraisals and comparable data transparency keep this gap relatively small. |
| Expat neighborhood preference surveys | Observations of where international buyers typically focus their searches based on transit, amenities, and lifestyle. | We highlighted Kita-ku, Chuo-ku, and Tennoji-ku as popular with expats. We noted the specific features that attract international buyers to these neighborhoods. |
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