What is the average price per sqm in Osaka?

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

Who is the author of this content?

BAMBOOROUTES

A team specialized in real estate investing in APAC countries (Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Osaka. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At BambooRoutes, we explore the Japanese real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Osaka, Tokyo, and Kyoto. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What's the current average price per square meter in Osaka?

As of September 2025, the average price per square meter in Osaka varies significantly by property type and location.

For existing condominiums, the current average stands at ¥477,000 per square meter, which translates to approximately $3,167 USD. This represents the most accessible entry point into Osaka's condo market and has shown remarkable growth with a 9.4% year-over-year increase.

New condominium developments command a premium at ¥875,000 per square meter ($5,810 USD), reflecting the higher construction costs and modern amenities these properties offer. Despite a slight cooling from the massive gains seen in 2024, new condos remain popular among buyers seeking contemporary living spaces.

Detached houses present a different pricing structure, with the average total price reaching ¥24.33 million ($161,561 USD) for a typical 100-square-meter property. This effectively translates to approximately ¥243,000 per square meter for the building itself, making detached homes an attractive option for families seeking more space.

How do prices differ between property types like apartments, single-family homes, and commercial spaces?

Property prices in Osaka show distinct patterns across different asset classes, reflecting varying demand dynamics and investment characteristics.

Residential properties offer the most accessible price points, with existing condos at ¥477,000/m² representing the entry level for most buyers. New condos at ¥875,000/m² cater to those seeking modern amenities and prime locations. Detached houses at approximately ¥243,000/m² provide excellent value for space, though total purchase prices can be substantial due to larger property sizes.

Commercial land commands the highest prices in the market, averaging ¥2,237,200 per square meter citywide, with premium districts like Umeda reaching up to ¥3.92 million per square meter. These prices reflect Osaka's position as a major business hub and the limited availability of prime commercial real estate.

Residential land falls between these extremes, ranging from ¥265,000 to ¥282,800 per square meter depending on the ward, with central locations commanding premium prices due to proximity to business districts and transportation hubs.

What are the price variations across central, suburban, and up-and-coming neighborhoods in Osaka?

Osaka's property market displays significant price variation based on location and accessibility to key amenities and transportation networks.

Area Type	Price Range (¥/m²)	Key Characteristics
Central Districts (Kita, Chuo, Naniwa)	Up to ¥3.9M for land, ¥2M for premium condos	Prime business locations, excellent transport
Suburban/Outer Wards	Under ¥190,000 for houses	Family-friendly, larger properties
Emerging Hotspots (Joto, Kita, Bay areas)	1.5x growth since 2022	Expo-driven development, new infrastructure
Budget Areas (Ikuno, Konohana, Hirano)	¥18-19M total for 100m² houses	Affordable entry points, developing areas
Premium Zones (Umeda, Namba, Osaka Business Park)	¥2M-¥3.9M/m²	Luxury developments, commercial centers

Which areas are the most expensive, which are budget-friendly, and which ones are emerging hotspots?

Osaka's property landscape is clearly divided into distinct price tiers that reflect accessibility, development status, and investment potential.

The most expensive areas include Umeda, Namba, Chuo, and Osaka Business Park, where prime condos and land can reach ¥2 million to ¥3.9 million per square meter. These areas command premium prices due to their central location, excellent transportation links, and proximity to major business and entertainment districts.

Budget-friendly options are found in areas like Ikuno, Konohana, and Hirano, where detached homes are available for ¥18-19 million for 100-square-meter properties, with land prices often under ¥200,000 per square meter. These areas offer excellent value for families and first-time buyers.

Emerging hotspots include Joto-ku with 10.5% price growth, Kita-ku with 10.2% increases, and various bay areas including Konohana and Minato, which have seen 1.5x growth since 2022. These areas benefit from Expo 2025 preparations and major transit infrastructure projects that are enhancing connectivity and attractiveness.

It's something we develop in our Japan property pack.

How much does the total purchase price usually come to when you include fees, taxes, and registration costs?

When purchasing property in Osaka, buyers should budget an additional 6-7% of the purchase price for various fees, taxes, and registration costs beyond the property's listed price.

The acquisition tax represents the largest additional cost, ranging from 2-4% of the property value, with reduced rates available for new residential properties. Registration and license taxes add another 0.15-0.3% for the building and 1.5% for land registration.

Brokerage fees typically amount to approximately 3% of the sale price plus ¥60,000 plus tax, which can be significant for higher-value properties. Stamp duty, while dependent on the sale price, usually amounts to several tens of thousands of yen.

Miscellaneous costs including collateral setup, administrative fees, and revenue stamps typically total around ¥350,000-400,000. For a ¥30 million property purchase, buyers should expect total additional costs of approximately ¥1.8-2.1 million, bringing the total investment to around ¥32 million.

What would a typical mortgage look like in Osaka today, considering rates, down payment, and monthly repayment?

Mortgage financing in Osaka currently offers relatively favorable terms for qualified borrowers, with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options.

Banks typically require a down payment of 20-35% of the purchase price, with most lenders preferring at least 25% for foreign buyers. Current fixed interest rates hover around 0.90%, which remains historically low and attractive for long-term financing.

The standard loan term is 35 years, allowing borrowers to spread payments over an extended period and reduce monthly obligations. Lenders generally approve loans up to 6-8 times the borrower's annual income, provided they can demonstrate stable income and repayment capacity.

For a typical example, on a ¥24 million loan (after a 20% down payment on a ¥30 million property) with a 35-year term at 0.9% interest, monthly repayments would be approximately ¥68,000. This represents a manageable payment for middle-income earners and makes property ownership accessible to a broad range of buyers.

Can you give example purchase prices for different property sizes and types?

Understanding real purchase examples helps buyers gauge what different budgets can achieve in Osaka's current market conditions.

Property Type	Size	Purchase Price	Monthly Mortgage (20% down)
1LDK Existing Apartment	45m²	¥21.5M (~$154k)	~¥60,000
2LDK New Condo	70m²	¥55-57M (~$390-410k)	~¥170,000
Detached Family Home	100m²	¥24-30M (~$161-200k)	¥68,000-¥90,000
Premium New Condo	80m²	¥70M (~$500k)	~¥200,000
Commercial Unit	100m²	¥223M-¥392M	Investor finance only

How have property prices changed compared to five years ago and compared to one year ago?

Osaka's property market has experienced substantial growth over both short and medium-term periods, outpacing many other Japanese cities.

Year-over-year changes show existing condos leading the growth with a 9.4% increase, while residential land has risen 5.8% citywide and 7.4% in central wards. New condos experienced a slight decline in 2025 after massive 14.8% gains in 2024, suggesting some market normalization after exceptional growth.

Over the five-year period since 2020, the market has shown remarkable momentum with new condos rising over 40% and land prices experiencing their fastest climb since 1992. Average annual growth rates for condos have ranged from 5.5% to 8.7% since 2021, demonstrating consistent upward pressure.

Detached homes have shown more modest growth, with slight declines in 2025 following 2-5% annual increases in previous years. This pattern reflects changing preferences toward urban living and condo developments, particularly among younger buyers and international investors.

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 are the short-term, mid-term, and long-term forecasts for Osaka property prices?

Osaka's property market outlook reflects a combination of immediate catalysts and longer-term demographic and economic trends that will shape price trajectory over the coming decade.

Short-term forecasts for 1-2 years predict continued strong growth of 5-8% annually, driven primarily by Expo 2025, integrated resort developments, and increased tourism infrastructure. These major events and investments are creating immediate demand and construction activity that supports price appreciation.

Mid-term projections for the next five years suggest growth will moderate to 3-5% annually as the immediate Expo impact diminishes but sustained by improved transportation networks, continued foreign investment interest, and steady rental demand from both domestic and international residents.

Long-term forecasts spanning 10 years anticipate more modest growth of 2-4% annually, contingent on Japan's ability to maintain international attractiveness, global economic stability, and successful post-Expo economic development. Demographic challenges may create headwinds, but Osaka's position as a regional hub should support continued demand.

It's something we develop in our Japan property pack.

How does the cost of buying property in Osaka compare with other major cities like Tokyo, Seoul, or Hong Kong?

Osaka offers significantly better value compared to other major Asian metropolitan areas, making it an attractive alternative for both investors and residents.

Tokyo properties command 60-65% higher prices than Osaka, with new condos in Tokyo's 23 wards ranging from ¥875,000 to ¥1.1 million per square meter compared to Osaka's ¥875,000. Average home prices in Tokyo reach ¥91.4 million versus Osaka's ¥55-57 million, representing substantial savings for similar quality properties.

Seoul shows comparable prime area pricing of ¥700,000-950,000 per square meter, but with limited supply and higher overall home prices than Osaka. Hong Kong remains in a different league entirely, with prices ranging from ¥2.8-5.9 million per square meter, making it roughly 3-6 times more expensive than Osaka for equivalent properties.

This positioning makes Osaka particularly attractive for international buyers seeking exposure to a major Asian market without the extreme capital requirements of Hong Kong or Tokyo, while still offering sophisticated urban amenities and strong growth potential.

What are the best choices if you want to live there yourself versus rent out short-term, long-term, or flip for resale?

Different investment strategies in Osaka require distinct approaches based on your primary objectives and risk tolerance.

For owner-occupiers, central or inner residential neighborhoods offer the best combination of amenities, transportation access, and future value preservation. Areas with established infrastructure and proximity to business districts provide the highest quality of life and strongest resale potential.

Short-term rental operations can achieve annual yields of 4-6.5%, but investors must navigate strict new rental laws in Osaka, particularly with post-Expo regulations. Success requires properties in tourist-friendly locations with proper licensing and compliance with local regulations.

Long-term rental strategies work best with student and family-friendly units near universities or business hubs, offering steady yields with lower vacancy risk. Properties near major universities attract international students, providing stable rental income and minimal management challenges.

Flip and resale strategies should target redevelopment zones or areas near new transportation and Expo infrastructure, particularly in Joto-ku, Kita-ku, Osaka Bay, and Castle area where rapid appreciation is occurring due to development projects and improved connectivity.

Given the current market, what are the smartest investment or lifestyle choices someone could make in Osaka today?

The current Osaka market presents unique opportunities for both investors and lifestyle buyers, with timing being particularly favorable given upcoming major developments.

1. **Target up-and-coming central districts** like Kita, Joto, and Osaka Bay areas near new transport and infrastructure projects for maximum appreciation potential2. **Focus on student-friendly areas** near universities to capitalize on international student demand and maintain steady rental yields3. **Consider emerging neighborhoods** with confirmed development plans rather than established premium areas where growth may be limited4. **Prioritize properties with strong transportation links** as connectivity improvements drive long-term value5. **Balance purchase timing** with Expo 2025 developments while avoiding overpaying for speculative projects

For investment purposes, properties in redevelopment zones offer the strongest capital appreciation potential, while established residential areas provide more stable rental income. The key is matching your strategy to market timing and personal risk tolerance.

For owner-occupation, prioritizing livability, convenience, and access to transportation, schools, and amenities ensures both quality of life and future value. Central urban redevelopment areas offer strong future value but require premium investment.

The bottom line is that Osaka represents Japan's most dynamic property market for 2025, balancing strong growth potential, relatively affordable prices, and high rental yields against Tokyo's ultra-high capital costs. The market benefits from Expo 2025, heavy infrastructure investment, and tight supply in central districts, making well-located urban properties attractive for both income and capital growth.

It's something we develop in our Japan property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Global Property Guide - Japan Price History
2. BambooRoutes - Osaka Price Forecasts
3. BambooRoutes - Average House Price Japan
4. Real Estate Japan - Average Price House Osaka
5. Statista - Japan Residential Land Prices
6. E-Housing - Japan Land Prices Rise
7. E-Housing - House Prices Japan
8. InvestAsian - Real Estate Osaka
9. BambooRoutes - Osaka Real Estate Forecasts
10. Meiji Investment - Real Estate Acquisition Tax Japan