The Rising Popularity of Used Detached Houses in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area

In recent years, the Tokyo Metropolitan area has seen a significant rise in the interest for used detached houses, particularly noted in a study conducted by LIFULL HOME'S, a renowned real estate information service operated by LIFULL Co., Ltd.. The research highlights that inquiries for used detached houses, defined as those under 40 years old with a land area of more than 50 square meters, have surged to 135.9% in 2024 compared to 2019.

The Appeal of Used Detached Houses

As housing prices continue to climb, both for new and used properties, used detached houses are being recognized for their relative affordability. In 2025, the average price per square meter for used detached houses is projected to be 398,000 JPY, while used condominiums are expected to reach 519,000 JPY per square meter, showcasing a remarkable difference of 121,000 JPY. This price gap is sparking interest among buyers, particularly those in Tokyo looking to purchase properties in neighboring prefectures. The average listing prices reveal that Tokyo's used detached houses are priced at approximately 82.19 million JPY, while those in Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama hover around 38.41 million JPY, 37.39 million JPY, and 25.07 million JPY, respectively.

According to data derived from the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, the average annual income for residents of Tokyo stands at about 5.02 million JPY. This income translates to a purchasing capacity for used detached houses in Kanagawa and Chiba at a multiple of 5 to 7.7 times their annual income, reinforcing the notion that buyers are increasingly able to consider properties beyond the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Ranking of Inquiries for Used Detached Houses

From January to August 2025, LIFULL HOME'S compiled a ranking of areas with the highest number of inquiries for used detached houses across the Tokyo Metropolitan area. The rankings reveal that Hachioji City in Tokyo takes the lead, followed by Kawaguchi City in Saitama and Yokosuka City in Kanagawa. Notably, many of the top-ranking municipalities are located in suburban areas, suggesting a growing preference for homes outside the densely populated urban centers.

Insights from Toshiro Nakayama at LIFULL HOME'S

Toshiro Nakayama, Deputy Director and Chief Analyst at LIFULL HOME'S, commented on the current housing trends, pointing out that the surge in prices for new and used condominiums has shifted buyer interest towards used detached houses, often seen as the