Tokyo, Japan

The average price of new apartments in Tokyo surpassed 100 million yen annually for the first time in 2023. The Real Estate Economic Institute revealed a substantial 39.4 per cent year-on-year increase, setting a record at 114.8 million yen ($778,041).

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The surge in apartment prices is attributed to multiple factors. Elevated labour and construction costs play a role, but a significant influence comes from the influx of foreign investors, taking advantage of the yen's decline to a multi-decade low, reported news agency Reuters.

Japan's resilient property and stock markets are experiencing an investment boom after years of deflation and stagnant growth.

The country's low-interest rates create an appealing environment, drawing foreign buyers to capitalise on the weak yen. At a 33-year low, the yen's depreciation becomes a driving force for international investors.

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Additionally, individuals seeking to shift funds from China, amidst a real estate crisis and geopolitical concerns, contribute to the surge in Tokyo's property prices.

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Staggering price tags and affordability challenges

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With the average apartment price now at 114.8 million yen, it reflects a stark reality: Tokyo apartments cost approximately 25 times the country's nationwide salary average of 4.6 million yen ($31,175.87). The escalating prices pose challenges to local residents and prospective buyers.

The Tokyo metropolitan area witnessed a notable trend in 2023, with over 4,000 units of luxury apartments priced over 100 million yen. Notable examples include Mita Garden Hills in central Tokyo, where a 376.50 square-meter unit sold for a staggering 4.5 billion yen.

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As demand for apartments expands beyond central Tokyo, the greater Tokyo area experienced a surge in average apartment prices, reaching a new record at 81 million yen. This 28.8 per cent increase further underscores the broader impact of Tokyo's property boom.

Japan's property market, buoyed by low-interest rates and heightened investor interest, stands as a dynamic player in the global real estate landscape, attracting attention and reshaping the city's skyline.

(With inputs from agencies)