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2026 LIFULL HOME'S Living Area Rankings in Kinki Region

LIFULL, a company dedicated to tackling social issues through its real estate and housing information services, has recently released its highly anticipated "2026 LIFULL HOME'S Most Desired Living Areas Ranking in the Kinki Region." Unlike previous surveys, this ranking is based on the number of inquiries to listed properties on LIFULL HOME'S, which accurately reflects where users genuinely wish to live.

Top Rentals in Kinki Region

For two consecutive years, "Esaka" takes the top spot, marking its fourth time leading the rankings over the past five years. Following closely is "Demachiyanagi" in second place, while "Shin-Osaka" makes a notable climb to third, improving its position by two ranks from fifth place last year.

New entrants into the top ranks include "Kusatsu" and "Minami-Kusatsu" in Shiga Prefecture, which have gained significant attention and moved into the top ten. Over recent years, these towns have emerged as popular suburbs of Kyoto, offering an affordable living alternative as rental prices in Kyoto rise. The rental prices make these options competitive, with Kusatsu averaging only ¥57,469 and Minami-Kusatsu at ¥57,600 for a typical 40m² apartment, significantly lower than the rental prices in the central Kinki area.

Rankings Summary for Rentals:

1. Esaka
2. Demachiyanagi
3. Shin-Osaka
4. Sannomiya
5. Kusatsu

Among the most remarkable surges is "Nara," which jumped an impressive 71 ranks to the 85th position on the rise ranking list, highlighting its renewed appeal as a residential area supported by the increasing inbound tourism and lower rental costs around ¥45,849.

Buying Preferences in Kinki Region

In a shift from last year, "Tanimachi Rokuchome" claims the first position in the buy-to-live category, dethroning three-year champion "Himeji," which has now fallen to second place. Tanimachi Rokuchome has drawn attention due to its calm environment and several successful small-scale condominium developments.

Himeji remains attractive due to its relatively affordable prices, appealing to families and semi-retired individuals. Another standout in this year's ranking is "Kyobashi," which jumped from 73rd to the third position after significant redevelopment surrounding its station.

Rankings Summary for Purchases:

1. Tanimachi Rokuchome
2. Himeji
3. Kyobashi

Analysis of Trends

Toshirou Nakayama, Deputy Director and Chief Analyst at LIFULL HOME'S, states that the rankings reflect both the shifts in rental and purchasing markets influenced by ongoing urban development and changes in living preferences among buyers and renters. The central Osaka area is experiencing rising rental prices that push housing needs toward surrounding districts, emphasizing a trend toward increasingly desirable suburbs.

The Kinki region's overall rankings results were collated from inquiries made between January and December 2025, covering Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Shiga, and Wakayama Prefectures, illustrating diverse residential needs across these areas.

For detailed rankings and more information on the LIFULL HOME'S service offerings, you can visit their official site.

Conclusion

LIFULL HOME'S continues to be a vital resource for those seeking housing solutions, emphasizing the importance of understanding market trends. Its comprehensive data-driven approach sheds light on the evolving landscape of residential choices in the Kinki region, making it easier for potential residents to find their ideal homes.