Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Japan Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Fukuoka's property market is included in our pack
Fukuoka's rental market offers some of Japan's best value with average studio rents starting at ¥50,000 per month and strong rental yields reaching 4.2-6%.
As Japan's fastest-growing major city, Fukuoka combines affordable living costs with robust rental demand from students, young professionals, and the growing expat community of 45,000 foreign residents. Central districts like Tenjin and Hakata command premium rents 20-30% above the city average, while suburban areas offer family-friendly options with excellent value.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Japan, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Studio apartments in Fukuoka rent for ¥50,000-¥70,000 monthly, while 2LDK family units average ¥78,500-¥120,000 depending on location and amenities.
Central districts like Tenjin and Hakata command the highest rents with 20-30% premiums, while suburban areas offer more affordable family housing options.
| Property Type | Average Monthly Rent | Typical Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/1K Apartment | ¥50,000-¥70,000 | 3.8-4% |
| 1LDK/2DK Apartment | ¥55,000-¥65,000 | 4-4.5% |
| 2LDK/3K Apartment | ¥78,500 | 4-4.5% |
| 3LDK/4K Apartment | ¥103,557 | 4.5-5% |
| 4LDK+ House | ¥166,029 | 5.5-6.5% |
| Detached House (Suburban) | ¥100,000-¥150,000 | 5-6% |
| Luxury Central Property | ¥180,000-¥250,000 | 4-5% |
What's the current average rent in Fukuoka by property type?
Studio and 1K apartments in Fukuoka rent for ¥50,000-¥70,000 per month as of September 2025.
One-bedroom apartments (1LDK/2DK) average ¥55,000-¥65,000 monthly, while 3DK units reach approximately ¥70,000. For families, 2LDK/3K/3DK properties average ¥78,500 per month, and larger 3LDK/4K/4DK apartments command ¥103,557 monthly.
The premium segment starts with 4LDK+ apartments and houses averaging ¥166,029 per month. Detached houses vary significantly by location - suburban properties rent for ¥100,000-¥150,000 monthly, while central detached houses can reach ¥150,000-¥200,000.
These figures represent Fukuoka's position as one of Japan's most affordable major cities for renters. The rental market offers excellent value compared to Tokyo where similar properties cost 50-100% more.
It's something we develop in our Japan property pack.
How do average rents differ across Fukuoka's main districts?
Chuo district, including the prestigious Tenjin area, commands the highest rents with premiums of 20-30% above the city average.
Studio apartments in Tenjin range from ¥55,000-¥80,000 monthly, while larger apartments easily exceed ¥100,000. Hakata district, the business hub, maintains similar premium pricing due to ongoing redevelopment projects and strong demand from young professionals and expats.
Sawara, Minami, Western, and Jonan districts offer more affordable options, with apartments typically renting for ¥60,000-¥78,000 monthly. These family-friendly areas attract younger demographics seeking value without sacrificing urban amenities.
Luxury neighborhoods like Momochi and areas near Ohori Park represent the premium tier, where properties can command rents of ¥180,000-¥250,000 monthly for high-end condominiums. These areas reflect purchase prices reaching ¥700,000-¥800,000 per square meter, with some luxury houses selling for up to ¥80 million.
What's the rent breakdown per square meter for different property sizes?
Fukuoka's average rent per square meter ranges from ¥2,300-¥2,500 for studios and smaller units.
This represents exceptional value compared to Tokyo's ¥4,200-¥6,000 per square meter for similar properties. The cost efficiency improves with larger units, as fixed costs like management fees are spread across more space.
| Property Size | Rent per sqm | Total Monthly Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Studio (20-30 sqm) | ¥2,300-¥2,500 | ¥50,000-¥70,000 |
| 1LDK (40-50 sqm) | ¥1,800-¥2,200 | ¥70,000-¥95,000 |
| 2LDK (50-65 sqm) | ¥1,600-¥2,000 | ¥80,000-¥120,000 |
| 3LDK (70-90 sqm) | ¥1,400-¥1,800 | ¥100,000-¥150,000 |
| Luxury (100-150 sqm) | ¥1,800-¥2,500 | ¥180,000-¥250,000 |
Central Fukuoka new condominiums in premium locations can reach purchase prices of ¥1,500,000 per square meter, though rental rates remain more moderate due to market competition.
What's the total monthly cost including fees, utilities, and taxes?
Beyond base rent, tenants must budget for management fees typically ranging ¥6,000-¥8,000 monthly for apartment buildings.
Utility costs vary by household size - single-person households average ¥12,000-¥13,000 monthly for water, gas, electricity, and other services. Two-person households face ¥15,000-¥19,000 monthly, while larger families can expect up to ¥20,000 monthly utility costs.
Property taxes are paid by owners rather than renters, though these costs are factored into rental pricing. For a complete monthly budget, a 1LDK apartment totals approximately ¥75,000-¥85,000 including all costs.
Two-bedroom properties (2LDK) require ¥95,000-¥105,000 monthly budgets, while 3LDK apartments or houses need ¥115,000-¥135,000 including all expenses. These comprehensive costs still represent excellent value in Japan's major city context.
How do mortgage payments compare to rental income for investors?
A ¥40 million mortgage for a suburban house with 35-year terms at 0.9% interest generates monthly payments of approximately ¥111,000.
The same property typically generates ¥100,000-¥150,000 monthly rental income, creating break-even or slightly positive cash flow scenarios for investors. This balance makes Fukuoka attractive for property investment compared to negative-yield markets in Tokyo.
Investors can achieve positive cash flow with careful property selection, especially in suburban areas where purchase prices remain moderate while rental demand stays strong. The key lies in targeting properties with rental yields above 4.5% to ensure positive returns after financing costs.
Financing costs remain historically low in Japan, making leveraged property investment viable for those who qualify for Japanese mortgages. Foreign investors should factor in higher down payment requirements and potentially higher interest rates.
Don't lose money on your property in Fukuoka
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
What are concrete examples of rental prices by property type?
A modern studio apartment in central Tenjin rents for ¥55,000-¥80,000 monthly for 20-30 square meters.
In Hakata's business district, a contemporary 1LDK apartment of 40-50 square meters commands ¥70,000-¥95,000 monthly. Family-oriented 2LDK apartments in Sawara or Minami districts, spanning 50-65 square meters, rent for ¥80,000-¥120,000.
Suburban 3LDK houses or apartments of 70-90 square meters typically rent for ¥100,000-¥150,000 monthly, offering excellent space for families. At the luxury end, premium condominiums in Momochi spanning 100-150 square meters command ¥180,000-¥250,000 monthly.
These examples demonstrate Fukuoka's rental market accessibility across different budgets and lifestyle needs. The variety ensures options for students, professionals, families, and luxury seekers within the same city.
Who are the main renter profiles in Fukuoka currently?
Students represent a major renter segment due to Fukuoka's large university presence, particularly concentrated in Sawara, Higashi, and Jonan districts.
Young professionals form the core demand in central districts like Tenjin and Hakata, attracted by business opportunities and urban amenities. Families increasingly choose suburban districts including Sawara, Minami, and Western areas for space and value.
The expat and digital nomad community has grown significantly, with approximately 45,000 foreign residents as of 2025. This group typically concentrates in central, English-friendly neighborhoods and contributes to premium rental demand.
Each renter profile creates distinct demand patterns - students seek affordable proximity to universities, professionals prioritize location and commute efficiency, families need space and schools, while expats value international amenities and services.
It's something we develop in our Japan property pack.
What are current vacancy rates by area and property type?
Central areas maintain exceptionally low vacancy rates of 3-5%, with premium units experiencing even lower availability.
Suburban districts show higher vacancy rates of 7-10%, though this represents healthy market conditions rather than oversupply concerns. The variation reflects different demand dynamics between urban convenience and suburban value propositions.
Short-term rental markets including Airbnb show occupancy rates around 84% for well-managed properties, though entry-level units can experience occupancy as low as 32%. This disparity highlights the importance of property quality and management in vacation rental success.
The low vacancy rates in central areas reflect Fukuoka's continued population growth and economic development, creating sustained rental demand. Investors benefit from predictable occupancy in well-located properties.
What rental yields can investors realistically expect?
Fukuoka delivers rental yields averaging 4.2-6%, among Japan's highest for major cities.
Studio and small unit yields typically range 3.8-4%, while 2-3 bedroom apartments achieve 4-4.5% returns. Large houses and luxury units can generate 5.5-6.5% yields, particularly in well-located suburban areas.
| Property Type | Typical Yield Range | Location Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/1K | 3.8-4% | Central +0.5% |
| 2-3BR Apartment | 4-4.5% | Central +0.5% |
| Large House | 5.5-6.5% | Suburban best |
| Luxury Units | 4-5% | Central premium |
| Central Condos | Up to 5.8% | Location dependent |
Central districts often provide higher yields due to strong location demand and tenant willingness to pay premiums. These yields significantly exceed Tokyo's typical 3.4% returns, making Fukuoka attractive for yield-focused 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.
How have rents and yields changed over recent years?
Fukuoka rents have increased 40-80% since 2020, driven by population growth and development projects like Tenjin Big Bang and Hakata Connected.
Year-over-year from 2024 to 2025, central Chuo district experienced resale condominium price surges of 25.7%. However, rental yields decreased slightly from 4.34% in 2024 to 4.22% in 2025 as purchase prices outpaced rental growth.
The rental increases reflect supply shortages in central areas combined with strong demographic trends. Fukuoka's position as Japan's fastest-growing major city continues driving demand across all property segments.
Despite recent price appreciation, yields remain attractive compared to other major Japanese cities. The market demonstrates resilience and continued investor interest in Fukuoka's long-term growth prospects.
What's the forecast for rents and yields over the next decade?
Short-term forecasts predict 1-3% annual rent increases through 2026-2027, with yields remaining stable as rental growth tracks purchase price appreciation.
Mid to long-term projections through 2035 anticipate continued appreciation, especially in improved central neighborhoods benefiting from infrastructure investments. Population influx and economic development should sustain demand growth.
Risks include potential oversupply in the luxury segment as development accelerates, though overall market outlook remains healthy. Infrastructure improvements and Fukuoka's strategic location in Asia support positive long-term trends.
Investors should focus on well-located properties in established neighborhoods to benefit from appreciation while maintaining strong rental demand. The market fundamentals support sustained growth over the next decade.
It's something we develop in our Japan property pack.
How does Fukuoka compare with other major Japanese cities?
Fukuoka offers the highest rental yields among Japan's major cities while maintaining significantly lower rental costs than Tokyo or Osaka.
| City | Studio Rent | 2LDK Family Rent | Average Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | ¥100,000-¥120,000 | ¥250,000-¥380,000 | 3.4% |
| Osaka | ¥60,000-¥80,000 | ¥120,000-¥200,000 | 4.5% |
| Kyoto | ¥53,000-¥70,000 | ¥110,000-¥150,000 | 4-5% |
| Fukuoka | ¥50,000-¥70,000 | ¥100,000-¥150,000 | 4.2-6% |
| Sapporo | ¥45,000-¥65,000 | ¥90,000-¥140,000 | 4.9-5.6% |
While Sapporo offers slightly lower rents, Fukuoka's superior economic growth, climate, and international connectivity make it more attractive for long-term investment. The combination of affordability, yield, and growth potential positions Fukuoka uniquely in Japan's real estate landscape.
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.
Fukuoka's rental market offers exceptional value among Japan's major cities, with studio apartments starting at ¥50,000 monthly and rental yields reaching 6%.
The city's rapid growth, diverse renter demographics, and ongoing development projects create sustainable demand for both investors and residents seeking affordable urban living in Japan.
Sources
- BambooRoutes - Average Rent Japan
- Real Estate Japan - Average Rent Fukuoka
- Home Rent Japan - Fukuoka Market
- X-House - Fukuoka Apartments
- Eaves Japan - Detached Home Rentals
- BambooRoutes - Fukuoka Price Forecasts
- Yes Fudousan - Fukuoka Investment
- Global Property Guide - Japan Rental Yields
- Expatica - Cost of Living Japan
- International Investment - Japan Real Estate Market 2025