Exploring the Impact of the Osaka-Kansai Expo on Real Estate Prices in Surrounding Areas

Exploring Real Estate Trends Around Osaka-Kansai Expo

As the Osaka-Kansai Expo approaches its closing date in October 2025, a significant focus is being placed on the area's land utilization. LIFULL HOME'S, a leading real estate and housing information service operated by LIFULL, conducted research on the price evolution of used condominiums nearby the expo site. This investigation has highlighted the trends surrounding condominium prices in the area and the implications for future property developments.

Changes in Accessibility and Its Effects

The Osaka-Kansai Expo has initiated changes in transportation, including the opening of the Osaka Metro Chuo Line's "Yume-shima" station, enhancing accessibility to the venue. Following the event, the nearby land is anticipated to transform into a site for Integrated Resorts (IR), including casinos, which would further improve access from downtown Osaka to Yume-shima through planned railway extensions. This mirrors the infrastructure uplift witnessed during the 1970 Osaka Expo, which significantly promoted residential development in the adjacent Senri Newtown, underlining the impact of major events on surrounding areas’ livability and infrastructure.

In this context, LIFULL HOME'S analyzed condominium price movements in neighborhoods of Konohana, Minato, Taisho, and Suminoe, from the expo's decision announcement in 2018 to August 2025.

Price Trends of Used Condominiums

The data revealed that the price of used condominiums in the Osaka-Kansai Expo surrounding area showed a modest increase. In November 2018, around the time of the expo decision, prices averaged 21.67 million yen, rising to approximately 26.9 million yen by August 2025, marking a 1.3-fold increase in comparison. In contrast, the overall Osaka city average surged from 21.67 million to 37.24 million yen (about 1.7 times), and the six central wards witnessed an even higher jump from 24.25 million to 58.83 million yen (about 2.5 times). Notably, the surrounding area's growth rate remains relatively moderate compared to the explosive price increases in central Osaka, attributed to its blend of boutique industries and residential uses.

Minato Ward: Leading Price Increases

Among the examined areas, Minato Ward experienced the highest price ascent, with an increase from 22.38 million yen to 34.69 million yen, representing 155% growth since the expo was announced. Following behind were Suminoe (29.8% increase), Konohana (19.0% increase), and Taisho (15.2% increase). Minato's price escalation is also reflective of infrastructural improvements, including upgrades around the “Bentencho” station, which provides a transfer to the Osaka Metro Chuo Line—indicating the expo's significant influence on the locality.

Future Development Potentials

According to LIFULL HOME'S Chief Analyst Toshihiro Nakayama, the rapid property development trend seen in the area is reminiscent of the 1970 Osaka Expo, which catalyzed residential projects in neighboring Uemachi. The upcoming expo's site, constructed on a landfill, reportedly does not have immediate residential development plans post-event. However, there is potential for the adjacent Osaka Bay Area, which includes numerous residential units, especially condominiums, to experience an uptick in demand due to relatively affordable prices compared to central Osaka.

The current demand reflects a unique blend of residential comfort alongside industrial operations, paving the way for future development opportunities. If the trend gains momentum, the Osaka Bay area might evolve into a new residential hub similar to Tokyo's bay area, further stimulated by the expo. Given the rising property prices across both the Kinki region and central Osaka, the anticipated demand in the Bay area could lead to the development of high-rise condominiums, driven by its potential as a desirable living space.

Conclusion

The Osaka-Kansai Expo serves as a catalyst for examining future property trends and developments around the venue, and expectations remain high for potential growth in light of accessibility and planned developments. With the supportive economic environment shown by the forecasted increases in condominium prices, the Bay area is poised for an invigorated real estate market stemming from the expo's influence and legacy.