Yokohama Property for Sale: Condos and Houses Near Tokyo

Minato Mirai, the waterfront business and entertainment district, and Kannai, the historic downtown, have high-rise condos with harbour views. Motomachi and Yamate on the bluff above have an international heritage: foreign merchants settled there after the port opened in the 1850s. Kohoku New Town and Aoba-ku in the north-west are planned suburbs with parks and good rail links, popular with families. Totsuka and Kanazawa-ku to the south have more affordable options, and Kamakura is a short train ride south for beaches and temples.

The Tokyu Toyoko line, JR lines and the Minato Mirai line connect to Shibuya and Tokyo Station, and Haneda Airport is about 30 minutes away. Yokohama has a large port, shipbuilding and automotive industry presence, as well as many international companies.

Japan's annual cycle also affects timing. Prices for new condominium towers around Minato Mirai are often set by developers in launch phases, while resale flats in Kohoku or Totsuka are negotiated individually. Newer buildings usually sell at a premium, whereas condominiums over 30 years old are often much cheaper, though loans on them are harder to arrange and repair reserves matter more.

Non-residents can generally buy property in Japan, but local practice has quirks.

• Condo costs. In addition to the price, expect monthly management fees (kanri-hi) and repair reserve contributions (shūzen tsumitatekin). Review the building's long-term repair plan.
• Earthquake standards. Buildings approved after 1981 meet stricter seismic rules. Older buildings may need reinforcement.
• Hazard maps. Yokohama has areas at risk of flooding, landslides and tsunami. Check municipal maps.
• Title and registration. Sales are completed with a judicial scrivener who registers the transfer. Agent commission is regulated, up to 3% of the price plus tax and a fixed amount for lower-priced deals.
• Finance. Local banks seldom lend to non-resident foreigners. Our Japan financing guide outlines alternatives.

Read the Japan buying guide for the sequence of steps.

Compare Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka for other large-city markets, Sapporo in the north or Okinawa for island living. For resort-style investment see Hirafu. Start at the country page, property for sale in Japan.