What properties can you buy in Osakawith $100k, $300k, $500k and more? (January 2026)

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

What can I realistically buy with $100k in Osaka right now?

Are there any decent properties for $100k in Osaka, or is it all scams?

For around $100,000 (about ¥15.7 million at early 2026 exchange rates), you can realistically purchase a small but decent used condo in Osaka, typically a studio or compact 1K apartment between 15 and 30 square meters in an older building.

The best value neighborhoods in Osaka for a $100k budget include Konohana-ku (around Bentencho station), Nishiyodogawa-ku (near Tsukamoto), and outer wards like Hirano-ku or Suminoe-ku, where prices per square meter are significantly lower than in central areas.

Buying in popular Osaka neighborhoods like Kita-ku (Umeda) or Chuo-ku (Shinsaibashi) for $100k is technically possible, but you would be looking at very small units of around 12 to 16 square meters, often in older buildings, which limits livability.

The good news is that Japan has strong ownership registration through the Ministry of Justice, and foreign buyers must report acquisitions through official channels, which makes fraud much harder than in some other markets.

What property types can I afford for $100k in Osaka (studio, land, old house)?

At the $100k (¥15.7 million) price point in Osaka, the most common option is a used condo studio or 1K apartment, though you might occasionally find very small 1LDK units or, rarely, an older detached house in the outer wards.

For a $100k property in Osaka, buyers should expect buildings that are typically 25 to 35 years old, with interiors that may need cosmetic updates like new flooring, fresh paint, or updated fixtures.

Among property types at this budget, used condos near train stations tend to offer the best long-term value in Osaka because they maintain steady rental demand and resale liquidity, while detached houses at this price often come with hidden renovation costs that can quickly exceed the purchase price.

What's a realistic budget to get a comfortable property in Osaka as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the realistic minimum budget for a comfortable property in Osaka is around ¥36 million ($230,000 or approximately €210,000), which gets you into the range where you can find properly sized apartments in decent locations.

Most buyers in Osaka looking for a comfortable standard typically need between ¥36 million and ¥55 million ($230,000 to $350,000, or €210,000 to €320,000) for value-oriented neighborhoods, while prime central areas push that range to ¥55 million to ¥79 million ($350,000 to $500,000).

In Osaka, "comfortable" generally means a 45 to 65 square meter apartment with a 1LDK or 2LDK layout, in a well-maintained building with proper management, and located within reasonable walking distance to a train station.

The required budget can vary dramatically across Osaka's neighborhoods: the same money that buys a spacious 2LDK in Konohana-ku might only get you a compact 1LDK in Kita-ku (Umeda) or Chuo-ku (Shinsaibashi).

What can I get with a $200k budget in Osaka as of 2026?

What "normal" homes become available at $200k in Osaka as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a $200,000 budget (about ¥31.5 million) in Osaka opens up what most people would consider "normal" housing: livable 1LDK apartments that do not feel cramped, or smaller 2LDK units in non-prime wards, typically in older but well-maintained buildings.

For ¥31.5 million in Osaka, buyers can typically expect properties between 35 and 60 square meters depending on the ward, with value-oriented neighborhoods like Konohana-ku or Nishiyodogawa-ku stretching closer to 50 to 60 square meters while more central areas stay in the mid-30s range.

By the way, we have much more granular data about housing prices in our property pack about Osaka.

What places are the smartest $200k buys in Osaka as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the smartest $200k (¥31.5 million) buys in Osaka are often found in Tennoji-ku (around Uehommachi and Tennoji stations), Fukushima-ku (near Fukushima station), and parts of Naniwa-ku on the edges of the tourist-heavy Namba area.

These Osaka neighborhoods offer smarter value than other $200k options because they combine strong train connectivity, established local amenities, and relatively lower per-square-meter pricing compared to ultra-central Kita-ku or Chuo-ku, without sacrificing accessibility.

The main growth factor driving value in these areas is Osaka's ongoing infrastructure investment and population concentration around well-connected transit hubs, which supports both rental demand and future resale liquidity.

What can I buy with $300k in Osaka in 2026?

What quality upgrade do I get at $300k in Osaka in 2026?

As of early 2026, moving from $200k to $300k (about ¥47 million) in Osaka typically upgrades you from a compact 1LDK to a proper 2LDK with 50 to 65 square meters, often with better building quality, newer construction, and more desirable station proximity.

A $300k budget in Osaka can buy a property in a newer building, especially if you target slightly less central wards or accept a smaller floor plan, though brand-new construction in prime areas like Kita-ku still remains mostly out of reach at this price.

At this budget level in Osaka, buyers typically gain access to features like modern kitchens, updated bathroom units, better soundproofing, and buildings with stronger management reserves, which matter a lot for long-term maintenance in Japan.

Can $300k buy a 2-bedroom in Osaka in 2026 in good areas?

As of early 2026, finding a 2-bedroom (2LDK) property for $300k (¥47 million) in good areas of Osaka is quite realistic, though you will likely be looking at older buildings or making small compromises on size if you want the most central locations.

Good Osaka areas where $300k can secure a 2LDK include Tennoji-ku (Uehommachi area), Naniwa-ku (near Namba edges), and Fukushima-ku, while very prime spots in Kita-ku or Chuo-ku will typically offer smaller units or older buildings at this price.

A $300k 2LDK in Osaka typically offers between 50 and 65 square meters in these good-but-not-top-priced wards, which is enough space for a couple or small family to live comfortably.

Which places become "accessible" at $300k in Osaka as of 2026?

At the $300k (¥47 million) price point, Osaka neighborhoods that become genuinely accessible include Fukushima (Fukushima-ku), Horie and Awaza (Nishi-ku), Uehommachi (Tennoji-ku), and the edges of Kitahama and Honmachi in Chuo-ku.

What makes these newly accessible Osaka areas desirable is their combination of walkability, dining and shopping options, direct metro access to Umeda and Namba, and a local character that feels more authentically Osaka than purely commercial districts.

In these newly accessible Osaka neighborhoods, $300k typically buys a well-maintained used 2LDK condo between 50 and 65 square meters, often in buildings from the 1990s or early 2000s with established management.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Osaka.

What does a $500k budget unlock in Osaka in 2026?

What's the typical size and location for $500k in Osaka in 2026?

As of early 2026, a $500,000 budget (about ¥79 million) in Osaka typically unlocks properties between 60 and 100 square meters depending on location, with prime central wards offering around 60 to 75 square meters and inner-ring or value wards stretching to 80 to 100 square meters.

A $500k budget can buy a family home with outdoor space in Osaka, though "outdoor space" for condos usually means a balcony or terrace rather than a yard, and actual houses with gardens become more realistic if you look outside the most expensive central pockets.

At the $500k level in Osaka, buyers typically access 2LDK to 3LDK layouts with 2 bathrooms, which comfortably accommodates families and offers the flexibility of a dedicated home office or guest room.

Finally, please note that we cover all the housing price data in Osaka here.

Which "premium" neighborhoods open up at $500k in Osaka in 2026?

At the $500k (¥79 million) price point, premium Osaka neighborhoods that open up include Umeda, Dojima, and Nakanoshima-adjacent areas in Kita-ku, Kitahama, Yodoyabashi, and Shinsaibashi side-streets in Chuo-ku, and Horie in Nishi-ku.

These Osaka neighborhoods are considered premium because they offer direct access to major business districts, high-end retail and dining, riverfront settings (especially Nakanoshima and Kitahama), and buildings with superior specifications and management standards.

For $500k in these premium Osaka neighborhoods, buyers can realistically expect a well-maintained 2LDK of 60 to 75 square meters in a quality building, or occasionally a compact 3LDK if the building is older or the micro-location is slightly less central.

What counts as "luxury" in Osaka in 2026?

At what amount does "luxury" start in Osaka right now?

Luxury real estate in Osaka generally starts at around ¥100 million ($635,000 or approximately €580,000), which is the threshold where properties begin to exceed typical new-build pricing and offer truly premium specifications.

Entry-level luxury in Osaka is defined by features like high-floor units with city or river views, concierge services, premium finishes such as natural stone and high-end fixtures, and locations in trophy buildings or marquee developments like those in Dojima or near Nakanoshima.

Compared to Tokyo, where luxury often starts above ¥150 million, Osaka's luxury threshold is more accessible, making it attractive to buyers seeking premium Japanese real estate without Tokyo's extreme pricing.

Mid-tier luxury properties in Osaka typically range from ¥100 million to ¥200 million ($635,000 to $1.27 million), while top-tier luxury penthouses and flagship units can exceed ¥300 million ($1.9 million or €1.75 million).

Which areas are truly high-end in Osaka right now?

The truly high-end areas in Osaka right now are concentrated in Kita-ku (Umeda, Dojima, and Nakatsu edges), Chuo-ku (Kitahama, Yodoyabashi, Shinsaibashi, and around Honmachi), Nishi-ku (Horie), and select pockets of Tennoji-ku (Uehommachi).

What makes these Osaka areas truly high-end is their combination of prestige addresses, proximity to corporate headquarters and upscale retail, waterfront or park settings, and the presence of landmark developments such as GRAND GREEN OSAKA and the Dojima tower projects.

The typical buyer profile for high-end Osaka real estate includes successful business owners, corporate executives with Osaka-based companies, wealthy retirees downsizing from large homes, and increasingly, overseas investors seeking quality Japanese assets with better value than Tokyo offers.

How much does it really cost to buy, beyond the price, in Osaka in 2026?

What are the total closing costs in Osaka in 2026 as a percentage?

As of early 2026, total closing costs when buying property in Osaka typically range from 7% to 10% of the purchase price, which means a ¥30 million property would have additional costs of roughly ¥2.1 million to ¥3 million.

The realistic range of 7% to 10% covers most standard resale condo transactions in Osaka, though costs can be slightly lower with tax reductions or slightly higher if you are financing the purchase and paying bank fees.

The main fee categories that make up Osaka closing costs include registration and license tax (set by Japan's National Tax Agency), real estate acquisition tax (administered by the prefecture), stamp duty, judicial scrivener fees for handling the registration, and potentially a buyer-side brokerage commission.

To avoid hidden costs and bad surprises, you can check our our pack covering the property buying process in Osaka.

How much are notary, registration, and legal fees in Osaka in 2026?

As of early 2026, registration, legal, and related fees in Osaka typically cost between ¥300,000 and ¥800,000 ($1,900 to $5,100, or €1,750 to €4,650) depending on the property price and complexity of the transaction.

These fees generally represent about 1% to 2.5% of the property price in Osaka, with the percentage being relatively higher for lower-priced properties due to fixed minimum fees.

In Japan, registration and license tax (calculated based on the property's assessed value and set by the National Tax Agency) is usually the largest single item in this category, followed by judicial scrivener fees for handling the actual registration paperwork at the Legal Affairs Bureau.

What annual property taxes should I expect in Osaka in 2026?

As of early 2026, annual property taxes for a typical Osaka condo run between ¥50,000 and ¥200,000 ($320 to $1,270, or €290 to €1,160) per year, though this varies significantly based on the property's assessed value.

Annual property taxes in Osaka are generally modest, typically representing about 0.3% to 0.5% of the property's assessed value (not the purchase price), which is often significantly lower than market value.

Property taxes in Osaka vary based on location and property type: central ward properties and newer buildings tend to have higher assessed values and therefore higher taxes, while older condos in outer wards often have surprisingly low annual tax bills, sometimes under ¥100,000.

There are reductions available for certain property types in Japan, including reduced rates for residential land and special measures for smaller housing units, which a tax professional or your judicial scrivener can help you understand.

You can find the list of all property taxes, costs and fees when buying in Osaka here.

Is mortgage a viable option for foreigners in Osaka right now?

Mortgages are viable for foreigners in Osaka, but availability depends heavily on your residency status, with Permanent Residents having access to most options while non-PR foreign residents face more limited choices and stricter requirements.

Foreign buyers in Osaka with PR status can typically access loan-to-value ratios of 70% to 90% at interest rates similar to Japanese nationals (currently around 0.5% to 1.5% for variable rates), while non-PR borrowers may be limited to 50% to 70% LTV with additional conditions.

Documentation requirements for foreign mortgage applicants in Osaka typically include residence card, proof of income (Japanese tax returns preferred), employment verification, and often Japanese language ability or a Japanese-speaking co-borrower, with some banks like SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA offering English-language support.

By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Osaka.

What should I predict for resale and growth in Osaka in 2026?

What property types resell fastest in Osaka in 2026?

As of early 2026, the property types that resell fastest in Osaka are mid-sized condos (1LDK to 2LDK layouts) located within a 5 to 10 minute walk of major train stations in liquid wards like Kita-ku, Chuo-ku, Nishi-ku, Fukushima-ku, and Tennoji-ku.

A well-priced, well-located condo in Osaka typically sells within 2 to 4 months, while overpriced or poorly located units can sit on the market for 6 to 12 months or longer.

In Osaka specifically, properties with strong building management histories and healthy repair reserve funds sell faster because Japanese buyers heavily scrutinize these factors, and buildings with deferred maintenance or low reserves can struggle to find buyers at any price.

The slowest-selling property types in Osaka tend to be large family condos (3LDK and above) in non-central wards, older detached houses requiring significant renovation, and units in buildings with problematic management or upcoming major repair assessments.

If you're interested, we cover all the best exit strategies in our real estate pack about 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.