Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Japan Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Japan Property Pack
If you're wondering whether January 2026 is the right time to buy a property in Hiroshima, you're not alone, and the answer isn't as simple as "yes" or "no."
We've spent time digging into transaction data, interest rate movements, and local infrastructure projects to give you a clear picture of what's happening in the Hiroshima real estate market right now.
This article covers the current housing prices in Hiroshima, and we constantly update it as new data becomes available.
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 Hiroshima.
So, is now a good time?
Rather yes, January 2026 looks like a reasonable time to buy property in Hiroshima, especially if you're a careful buyer who does proper due diligence rather than rushing in out of fear of missing out.
The strongest signal is that Hiroshima resale condo prices were already cooling in late 2025, with year-on-year declines in both average deal prices and price-per-square-meter, which suggests you're not buying into an overheated market.
Another strong signal is the completion of major infrastructure upgrades around Hiroshima Station in 2025, including the new "Minamoa" station building and the elevated tram platforms, which should support property values and rental demand in central areas.
Other factors to consider include the Bank of Japan's policy rate now at 0.75% (the highest in 30 years), which makes financing less generous than before but also discourages speculative buying, plus Hiroshima's rental yields around 4.5% to 5.5% for condos, which remain reasonable compared to the compressed yields in Tokyo or Osaka.
The best investment strategy in Hiroshima right now would be to focus on well-located condos in Naka-ku (central Hiroshima) or Minami-ku (near Hiroshima Station), prioritize properties with good transit access that can attract tenants, and plan for a medium to long-term hold of at least five years.
This is not financial or investment advice; we don't know your personal situation, risk tolerance, or goals, so please do your own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions.
Is it smart to buy now in Hiroshima, or should I wait as of 2026?
Do real estate prices look too high in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Hiroshima property prices don't look broadly overheated, though the picture is different depending on whether you're looking at condos or detached houses.
One clear on-the-ground signal is that resale condo prices in Hiroshima Prefecture showed year-on-year declines in late 2025 according to REINS West Japan data, which suggests sellers are already having to adjust their expectations downward.
Meanwhile, resale detached houses tell a different story: fewer transactions but higher average prices, which typically happens when buyers are being picky and only the best-located family homes are actually selling.
You can also read our latest update regarding the housing prices in Hiroshima.
Does a property price drop look likely in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the likelihood of a meaningful property price decline in Hiroshima over the next 12 months is low to medium, with a sharp crash appearing unlikely unless financing conditions tighten much faster than expected.
A plausible price change range for Hiroshima over the next year would be around minus 3% to plus 2% for condos, with detached houses potentially holding steadier in desirable family areas but softening slightly in less convenient locations.
The single most important macro factor that could increase the odds of a price drop in Hiroshima is the Bank of Japan's interest rate path: the BOJ raised its policy rate to 0.75% in December 2025, and further hikes would squeeze buyer affordability and likely push prices down.
However, the BOJ has signaled a gradual approach, with core inflation expected to ease below 2% by mid-2026, which makes aggressive rate hikes less likely in the near term.
Finally, please note that we cover the price trends for next year in our pack about the property market in Hiroshima.
Could property prices jump again in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the likelihood of a renewed price surge in Hiroshima within the next 12 months is low to medium, though selective pockets near infrastructure improvements could see stronger gains.
A plausible upside price change range would be around 2% to 5% for the best-located properties near Hiroshima Station or in central Naka-ku, while outer areas are more likely to stay flat.
The single biggest demand-side trigger that could drive prices higher in Hiroshima would be a weaker yen continuing to attract foreign investment into Japanese real estate, combined with the ongoing infrastructure catalyst from the completed Hiroshima Station redevelopment.
Please also note that we regularly publish and update real estate price forecasts for Hiroshima here.
Are we in a buyer or a seller market in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the Hiroshima property market is split: resale condos lean toward buyers (with softening prices and steady inventory), while desirable detached houses in good locations still favor sellers.
Months-of-inventory in Hiroshima for resale condos appears to be edging above the typical "balanced market" level of around four to six months, meaning buyers have more negotiating room and less pressure to rush, though exact figures vary by neighborhood.
The share of listings with price reductions has been growing in the condo segment, based on the year-on-year price softness reported in REINS data, which suggests that sellers are having to meet the market rather than dictate terms.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Japan. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Are homes overpriced, or fairly priced in Hiroshima as of 2026?
Are homes overpriced versus rents or versus incomes in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Hiroshima homes look moderately stretched versus incomes but not wildly overpriced versus rents, with condos being the more affordability-challenged segment compared to detached houses.
The estimated price-to-rent ratio in Hiroshima for resale condos implies gross yields of around 4.5% to 5.5%, which is reasonable for a regional Japanese city and not compressed like the 3% to 3.5% yields seen in central Tokyo.
The estimated price-to-income multiple for a typical Hiroshima resale condo is around 7.5 times a single local earner's annual cash earnings, which is elevated but manageable for dual-income households, while detached houses at around 6 times income look more accessible.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Hiroshima.
Are home prices above the long-term average in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Hiroshima home prices appear to be at or slightly above their long-term trend for detached houses, while resale condos have already started pulling back from their recent peaks.
The estimated recent 12-month price change in Hiroshima shows resale condos down year-on-year by late 2025, which is actually slower growth (or modest decline) compared to the pre-pandemic pace of steady increases.
In inflation-adjusted (real) terms, Hiroshima prices are not dramatically above prior cycle peaks, especially given that Japan's overall price level has risen with inflation running above the BOJ's 2% target for nearly four years.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Hiroshima
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
What local changes could move prices in Hiroshima as of 2026?
Are big infrastructure projects coming to Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the biggest infrastructure catalyst in Hiroshima has just been delivered: the Hiroshima Station South Exit redevelopment, including the new "Minamoa" station building that opened in March 2025 and the elevated tram platforms that opened in August 2025, which together have transformed connectivity between Shinkansen, JR lines, and the city's streetcar network.
This project is now complete, so the timeline risk is behind us; the impact will be felt gradually as improved transit convenience draws more residents and businesses to the Minami-ku and Naka-ku areas closest to the station.
For the latest updates on the local projects, you can read our property market analysis about Hiroshima here.
Are zoning or building rules changing in Hiroshima as of 2026?
Hiroshima City maintains active urban planning designations and district plans that determine where new supply can be added, and the most important ongoing discussion relates to how the compact-city policies will shape redevelopment intensity around the station and core areas.
As of early 2026, the net effect of likely zoning and building rule changes should be supportive for values in constrained central areas (where supply additions are limited) while potentially putting mild pressure on prices in areas designated for higher-density development where new condos can be built more easily.
The areas most affected by these rules in Hiroshima are the central wards of Naka-ku and Minami-ku, where redevelopment permissions and height allowances directly influence how many new units can come to market.
Are foreign-buyer or mortgage rules changing in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the direction of policy changes points toward tighter mortgage conditions (due to the BOJ's rate hikes) and expanded foreign-buyer reporting requirements, though neither is likely to dramatically move prices in Hiroshima specifically.
The most likely foreign-buyer rule change is expanded reporting requirements starting in fiscal year 2026 (from April 2026), as announced by Japan's finance minister in December 2025, which will increase transparency around foreign purchases but is not a ban or restrictive tax.
On the mortgage side, the BOJ's policy rate at 0.75% means variable-rate mortgages are now more expensive than during the ultra-low era, and banks may tighten lending standards slightly as rates normalize, which affects maximum borrowing capacity for all buyers in Hiroshima.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Japan.
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.
Will it be easy to find tenants in Hiroshima as of 2026?
Is the renter pool growing faster than new supply in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the balance between renter demand and new rental supply in Hiroshima appears roughly stable, with demand supported by the city's universities, employers, and improved transit infrastructure, while new construction has been moderated by rising costs.
The estimated recent signal for renter demand in Hiroshima comes from the city's role as a regional employment hub, with steady household formation among young professionals and students, plus increased foreign tourism supporting short-term rental demand in central areas.
On the supply side, new completions in Hiroshima have slowed compared to prior years due to higher construction costs and mandatory energy-efficiency standards introduced in April 2025, which means existing landlords face less competition from brand-new stock.
Are days-on-market for rentals falling in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, days-on-market (time-to-let) for rentals in Hiroshima varies significantly by location, with prime units near Hiroshima Station and central Naka-ku renting quickly while less convenient areas experience longer vacancy periods.
The estimated difference in days-on-market between Hiroshima's best areas (like Kamiyacho, Hatchobori, and the Hiroshima Station vicinity) and weaker outer suburbs can be two to three times longer for the less desirable locations.
One common reason days-on-market falls in Hiroshima's prime areas is the infrastructure-driven demand: the completed station upgrades have made transit-convenient rentals more attractive, especially for tenants who want to minimize commute times without owning a car.
Are vacancies dropping in the best areas of Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, vacancies in the best-performing rental areas of Hiroshima, specifically Naka-ku (Kamiyacho, Hatchobori, Hondori) and Minami-ku (Hiroshima Station area), appear to be stable or slightly tightening, supported by the completed transit improvements.
The estimated vacancy rate in these best areas is likely lower than the Hiroshima Prefecture average, which itself sits in the mid-single digits; prime central rentals can achieve near-full occupancy when priced correctly.
One practical sign that Hiroshima's best areas are tightening is that newer, well-equipped units near the station command rent premiums and fill quickly, while older buildings without modern amenities in the same locations struggle, suggesting flight-to-quality rather than broad demand weakness.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current rent levels in Hiroshima.
Buying real estate in Hiroshima can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
Am I buying into a tightening market in Hiroshima as of 2026?
Is for-sale inventory shrinking in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, we cannot confirm that for-sale inventory in Hiroshima is shrinking dramatically; the resale condo market shows stable-to-soft conditions (with prices declining year-on-year), which usually indicates inventory is not critically tight.
The estimated months-of-supply in Hiroshima for resale condos appears to be at or slightly above the balanced market range of four to six months, suggesting neither a seller squeeze nor a buyer's paradise, though this varies by neighborhood and property type.
For resale detached houses, inventory may be tighter in desirable family areas, which helps explain why average prices rose even as transaction counts fell in late 2025.
Are homes selling faster in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated median time-to-sell for homes in Hiroshima is not noticeably speeding up; the market appears stable, with well-priced properties in good locations moving at a normal pace while overpriced listings sit longer.
The estimated year-over-year change in median days-on-market for Hiroshima suggests little acceleration, consistent with the soft-to-flat price trends reported in late 2025 REINS data.
Are new listings slowing down in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, we are not confident that new for-sale listings in Hiroshima have slowed dramatically, though the combination of higher interest rates and cautious sellers may be keeping some potential listings off the market.
The estimated seasonal pattern for new listings in Hiroshima follows the typical Japanese cycle, with more activity in spring (before the new school/fiscal year) and autumn; January is traditionally a quieter month, so current listing levels may appear low but are likely normal for the season.
One plausible reason listings could be slower is rate lock-in: owners with existing low-rate mortgages may be reluctant to sell and buy at today's higher rates, reducing turnover.
Is new construction failing to keep up in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, new housing construction in Hiroshima appears to be constrained by rising costs, labor shortages, and mandatory energy-efficiency standards, which has slowed the pace of new completions relative to prior years.
The estimated recent trend in permits and starts across Hiroshima Prefecture shows moderation, consistent with the national pattern where higher construction costs and demographic headwinds have reduced developer appetite for new projects outside the hottest urban cores.
The single biggest bottleneck limiting new construction in Hiroshima is the combination of labor shortages and elevated material costs, which has made many potential projects uneconomical at current pricing levels.
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.
Will it be easy to sell later in Hiroshima as of 2026?
Is resale liquidity strong enough in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, resale liquidity in Hiroshima is adequate for standard condos and houses in good locations, meaning that realistically priced properties can find buyers within a few months, though unique or overpriced listings may take considerably longer.
The estimated median days-on-market for resale homes in Hiroshima falls within a range that suggests functional liquidity, typically around two to four months for well-located condos, which is consistent with a "healthy but not frenzied" benchmark.
One property characteristic that most improves resale liquidity in Hiroshima is proximity to transit, specifically being within walking distance of Hiroshima Station, Hiroden streetcar stops, or Astram Line stations, which broadens the buyer pool significantly.
Is selling time getting longer in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, selling time in Hiroshima appears stable compared to a year ago, with no dramatic lengthening, though the late-2025 price softness in condos suggests sellers may need slightly more patience or pricing flexibility than during peak market periods.
The estimated current median days-on-market in Hiroshima ranges from around 60 to 120 days for most listings, with well-priced properties in central locations selling faster and overpriced or awkward properties taking six months or more.
One clear reason selling time can lengthen in Hiroshima is affordability pressure from higher interest rates: when borrowing capacity shrinks, some buyers drop out of the market, reducing demand for marginal properties.
Is it realistic to exit with profit in Hiroshima as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the likelihood of selling with a profit in Hiroshima is medium, assuming a typical holding period of at least five to seven years, careful purchase pricing, and selection of a well-located property.
The estimated minimum holding period that most often makes exiting with profit realistic in Hiroshima is around five years, given that transaction costs eat into short-term gains and modest price appreciation requires time to overcome the round-trip friction.
The estimated total round-trip cost drag in Hiroshima, including buying costs (agent fees, registration, taxes) and selling costs (agent commission, transfer taxes), is approximately 8% to 12% of the property value, which translates to roughly 2 to 3 million yen on a 25 million yen condo, or around 13,000 to 20,000 USD (12,000 to 18,500 EUR at current rates).
One clear factor that most increases profit odds in Hiroshima is buying below market through negotiation, motivated sellers, or cosmetic value-add opportunities, which gives you a margin of safety that doesn't depend on market appreciation alone.
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Hiroshima
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.
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 Hiroshima, 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 | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Nishinihon REINS Monthly Summary (Nov 2025) | It's the official REINS network data for real estate agents in West Japan, the closest thing to ground-truth transaction records. | We used it to anchor Hiroshima Prefecture's actual condo and house transaction prices, volumes, and year-on-year changes. We treated it as our core dataset for what's happening in the resale market right now. |
| Bank of Japan December 2025 Policy Statement | It's the BOJ's primary-source statement on Japan's policy rate, which directly drives mortgage pricing nationwide. | We used it to set the interest-rate backdrop for buyers in January 2026. We translated the policy move into its typical effect on affordability and buyer demand. |
| Hiroshima Prefecture Monthly Labour Statistics (Oct 2025) | It's the prefecture's official wage and employment release, based on standard national statistical methods. | We used it to estimate local wage levels for affordability calculations. We annualized the monthly cash earnings figure to benchmark against property prices. |
| Hiroshima City Station South Exit Plaza Redevelopment Page | It's the city's official project page with scope, objectives, and status updates for the station area transformation. | We used it to assess infrastructure-driven demand catalysts around Hiroshima Station. We treated it as evidence of structural support for central property values. |
| Hiroden Ekimae Ohashi Route Official Site | It's the tram operator's official project site, providing definitive routing and service information. | We used it to understand the practical commute convenience improvements for residents. We factored the August 2025 opening into our assessment of rental demand. |
| Reuters Foreign-Buyer Rules Report (Dec 2025) | It's a major wire service report directly attributing policy direction to a government minister. | We used it to frame the foreign-buyer reporting expansion expected in FY2026. We treated it as policy-risk context rather than a Hiroshima-specific price driver. |
| MLIT Real Estate Information Library | It's the national ministry's official platform for real estate transaction information and methodology guidance. | We used it as a methodological cross-check on typical transactions in Japan. We validated REINS patterns against MLIT benchmarks. |
| Hiroshima City Urban Planning Hub | It's the city's official entry point for zoning and urban plan documents. | We used it to identify where supply can expand and where constraints exist. We highlighted zoning as a factor affecting neighborhood-level pricing. |
| CBRE Japan Market Outlook 2026 | It's a professional real estate research firm's comprehensive market forecast with national and regional coverage. | We used it to contextualize Hiroshima within broader Japan market trends. We drew on their investment volume and rent projections as supporting data. |
| Global Property Guide Japan Analysis | It's an independent research platform tracking residential prices, yields, and vacancies across countries. | We used it to benchmark Hiroshima rental yields and vacancy patterns. We cross-checked their affordability metrics against our own calculations. |
| Japan Property 2026 Outlook | It's a bilingual real estate platform with market analysis targeted at international buyers. | We used it to understand foreign investor sentiment and market entry considerations. We incorporated their observations on yen weakness and demand patterns. |
| BambooRoutes Hiroshima Market Analysis | It's a specialized research firm focused on Japan real estate with on-the-ground agent relationships. | We used it to validate local trends and investor perspectives. We drew on their infrastructure and demographic insights specific to Hiroshima. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Japan. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
Related blog posts