Is it worth it buying property in Nagoya in 2025?

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

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 Nagoya. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

What kinds of properties are actually available to buy in Nagoya right now?

As of September 2025, Nagoya's property market offers apartments, detached houses, investment buildings, and commercial spaces across all price ranges.

Renovated 3-5LDK houses in various wards cost between ¥15M and ¥32M, while mid-sized apartments in the city center range from ¥20M to ¥31M. For luxury buyers, upscale towers like PROUD Tower Sakae reach around ¥100M.

The market includes starter units beginning at approximately ¥10M, making entry accessible for first-time foreign buyers. Family-sized properties dominate the ¥20M-¥35M range, featuring recent renovations and proximity to transit stations. High-end properties exceeding ¥60M offer premium locations and luxury amenities.

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

Is it generally smarter to buy or just rent if you're planning to stay there?

Buying becomes financially advantageous if you plan to stay in Nagoya for three years or longer, given the steady 2.8% annual price growth and healthy rental yields.

Purchasing offers unrestricted foreign ownership, entry levels from ¥10M, capital appreciation potential, and protection against inflation. The Nagoya residential market has maintained consistent growth with properties building wealth over time.

Renting suits short-term stays of 1-2 years, offering lower upfront costs and flexibility. Monthly rents for one-bedroom apartments range ¥80,000-¥100,000 in the city center, while luxury apartments in Meieki cost ¥250,000-¥350,000 monthly.

The break-even point typically occurs around the three-year mark, when buying costs become comparable to cumulative rental expenses. Beyond this timeframe, ownership provides superior long-term value and equity building.

How have property prices moved in the past few years, what are they like today, and what do forecasts say for 2025?

Nagoya property prices experienced rapid growth from 2021-2023, reaching up to 3.3% year-on-year increases during peak periods.

The market stabilized in 2024-2025 with moderate growth of approximately 2.8% annually. Current pricing reflects this steady appreciation, with apartments and houses showing consistent value increases across all neighborhoods.

Forecasts through 2027 predict continuation of moderate rises between 2.5-3.0% yearly, driven by infrastructure development and urban renewal projects. The weak yen continues boosting foreign investment interest in the Nagoya residential market.

Rental yields averaged 3.5% in Q1 2025, slightly lower than previous years but still exceeding Tokyo averages. This combination of price appreciation and rental income makes Nagoya attractive for both living and investment purposes.

What are the main trends in Nagoya's real estate market at the moment?

The Nagoya real estate market shows strong momentum with 14+ new residential project launches in 2024 and ongoing urban upgrades around transit hubs.

Redevelopment projects concentrate around major transportation nodes, creating modern residential complexes with enhanced connectivity. Student housing and professional accommodation drive steady rental demand, particularly near universities and business districts.

Foreign investment continues increasing due to the weak yen and Japan's stable property laws. Expat families particularly favor western areas like Shidami and Moriyama for international amenities and school proximity.

Short-term rental regulations remain manageable compared to other Japanese cities, with the 180-day annual limit for minpaku operations providing viable investment opportunities for properly registered properties.

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How does the buying process work step by step for a foreigner or expat?

Foreign buyers enjoy full property ownership rights in Japan with no restrictions, making the purchase process straightforward for international investors.

1. Find properties through English-supported platforms like RealEstate.co.jp, Japan-Property.jp, or local agents
2. Conduct due diligence including property inspection, legal checks, and building standard verification
3. Submit offer and contract with proper identification and potentially a local contact or notarized power of attorney if abroad
4. Arrange financing through bank transfer or mortgage with required documentation
5. Complete closing with deed registration using passport (Roman letters plus katakana/kanji as required from 2024)
6. Handle post-sale requirements including tax registration and utility setup

The entire process typically takes 30-60 days from offer to closing, with most documentation available in English through experienced agents specializing in foreign buyer services.

Where can someone realistically start their property search — which real estate agencies or platforms are the most reliable?

RealEstate.co.jp provides the most comprehensive multilingual platform with extensive inventory specifically designed for foreign buyers navigating the Nagoya property market.

Japan-Property.jp offers excellent direct agent contacts and investment-focused options, while Akiya Japan specializes in English listings for properties typically inaccessible without Japanese language skills. These platforms cover everything from starter apartments to luxury developments.

Reliable agencies include RISE Property, Daiwa House, and Blackship Realty, all offering English support and experience with international clients. Local Nagoya agents provide neighborhood expertise and often exclusive listings not found on major platforms.

Starting with online platforms allows initial screening, while connecting with established agencies ensures proper guidance through legal requirements and local market nuances. Many successful buyers combine both approaches for comprehensive market coverage.

What types of properties can you get for different budget ranges?

The Nagoya property market accommodates diverse budgets from entry-level investors to luxury buyers across all neighborhoods and property types.

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when buying property in Nagoya?

The biggest mistake involves purchasing without comprehensive building inspection, including flood risk maps, earthquake compliance, and proper legal verification.

Many buyers overlook contract terms including hidden fees, deposit requirements, renovation restrictions, minimum stay periods, and early termination penalties. These details significantly impact total ownership costs and future flexibility.

Ignoring management company reputation creates ongoing headaches with maintenance, tenant relations, and property value preservation. Research previous client experiences and service quality before committing to properties with specific management companies.

Failing to understand local rental demand and short-term rental regulations can devastate investment returns. Minpaku operations require proper registration and compliance with 180-day annual limits, while long-term rental success depends on neighborhood tenant preferences and demographics.

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

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 much does it cost to live there overall, beyond just buying a home?

Living costs in Nagoya remain significantly lower than Tokyo while providing excellent quality of life and international amenities for expat families.

A family of four requires approximately ¥629,000 monthly for comprehensive living expenses, while single professionals need around ¥385,000 monthly. These figures include food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and entertainment but exclude housing costs.

Utilities average ¥15,000-¥25,000 monthly depending on property size and season. Transportation costs stay reasonable with monthly train passes around ¥10,000-¥15,000 for city-wide access. International school fees range ¥1,000,000-¥2,000,000 annually for families with children.

Western amenities and imported goods cost more than local alternatives but remain affordable compared to Tokyo pricing. Restaurant meals range ¥1,000-¥3,000 for casual dining, with upscale establishments reaching ¥8,000-¥15,000 per person.

Which neighborhoods and areas are the most attractive — affordable, upcoming, and upscale — and what are the pros and cons of each?

Nagoya's neighborhoods offer distinct characteristics catering to different lifestyle preferences and budget requirements across the metropolitan area.

What's day-to-day life like as an expat in Nagoya?

Expat life in Nagoya offers a relaxed pace compared to Tokyo or Osaka, with excellent infrastructure and strong international community support systems.

The city provides comprehensive public transportation, safe neighborhoods throughout all wards, and abundant green spaces for outdoor activities. International residents particularly appreciate the manageable city size and shorter commute times compared to larger metropolitan areas.

A vibrant expat community centers around areas like Shidami and near Nagoya International School, offering social networks and cultural activities. The city hosts international festivals, maintains diverse dining options, and celebrates local specialties like miso katsu and hitsumabushi.

Weekend travel opportunities include easy access to Kyoto, Osaka, and the Japanese Alps within 1-3 hours. The cost of living remains reasonable while providing urban amenities, making it attractive for long-term international residents seeking quality of life.

If you rent the property out, what's the picture for long-term tenants and short-term rentals?

Long-term rental demand comes primarily from students, young professionals, and expat families seeking stability and proximity to universities and train stations.

Rental yields average 3.5% as of 2025, slightly lower than previous years but remaining solid for investment purposes. Tenants typically prefer properties near transit links, with modern amenities and reasonable management company reputations.

Short-term rentals (minpaku) require proper registration and face a maximum 180 rental days annually per Japanese law. Local regulations may impose additional restrictions, and operators must provide safety information and comply with neighborhood decorum standards.

High demand exists in central wards near tourist attractions, but failure to comply with regulations risks fines and closure. Success requires understanding both national minpaku laws and local municipal requirements, plus professional property management for consistent bookings and regulatory compliance.

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

Finally, given all that, is it really worth buying in Nagoya in 2025 — for living, for renting, or for buying and reselling later?

Buying property in Nagoya proves worthwhile for living if you plan to stay three years or longer, offering more affordable and spacious options than Tokyo with excellent infrastructure and growing expat amenities.

For rental investment, the combination of healthy 3.5% yields, stable tenant demand, and favorable legal landscape makes Nagoya attractive compared to other Japanese cities. The moderate price appreciation of 2.8% annually provides steady capital growth alongside rental income.

Speculation and resale potential shows moderate upside with consistent annual appreciation likely, though without rapid boom prospects. The strongest resale opportunities exist in redeveloping central districts and up-and-coming neighborhoods benefiting from infrastructure improvements.

Nagoya's unique combination of affordability, convenience, and steady asset growth positions it as an excellent choice for foreign buyers seeking value and lifestyle in Japan's property market. The city offers rare balance between urban amenities and reasonable pricing for long-term wealth building.

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. RISE Property - Japanese Style Homes
2. BambooRoutes - Nagoya Property
3. MF Realty - Residential Property
4. RealEstate.co.jp - Nagoya Properties
5. Matcha-jp - Japan Property Guide
6. Akiya Japan
7. Global Property Guide - Japan Price History
8. Japan Property - Nagoya Neighborhood Guide
9. Unito Life - Cost Analysis
10. Expat Exchange - Nagoya Cost of Living