Buying Property in Yokohama and Kanagawa as a Foreigner: Complete Guide

Yokohama and Kanagawa prefecture offer one of Japan's most attractive real estate markets for foreign buyers. Just 30 minutes from central Tokyo yet with a distinct cosmopolitan identity, Yokohama—Japan's second-largest city with approximately 3.7 million residents—has long been a gateway for international residents. With no legal restrictions on foreign property ownership and a growing network of English-speaking real estate agents, buying property in Yokohama and Kanagawa as a foreigner is more accessible than many expect.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know: popular neighborhoods, price ranges, the purchase process, mortgage options, and practical tips for navigating one of Japan's most dynamic property markets.

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Yokohama and Kanagawa?

The short answer is yes—completely and without restriction. Japan grants foreigners equal property ownership rights as Japanese nationals. You can purchase land, condominiums, detached houses, or commercial properties anywhere in Yokohama or Kanagawa prefecture regardless of your nationality, visa status, or residency situation.

Key legal points for foreign buyers:

• No nationality-based restrictions on real estate ownership
• Both land and buildings can be owned outright (freehold / 所有権)
• Non-residents can purchase property without being physically present in Japan
• A Bank of Japan notification must be filed within 20 days of completing a real estate purchase
• No special licenses or permits required for residential purchases

For a detailed breakdown of Japan's property ownership laws, see our guide on Can Foreigners Buy Property in Japan? Legal Rights Explained.

Kanagawa Ward in Yokohama ranks #5 among the top areas where foreigners search for properties outside Tokyo, according to Real Estate Japan data. The broader Kanagawa prefecture consistently attracts international buyers due to its proximity to Tokyo, international schools, and established expat communities.

Popular Neighborhoods in Yokohama for Foreign Buyers

Yokohama's 18 wards offer vastly different living experiences. Here's a breakdown of the most popular areas among foreign residents:

Nishi-ku (西区) — Minatomirai

The modern waterfront district of Minatomirai is the most iconic part of Yokohama. High-rise condominiums with bay views, walking distance to luxury shopping malls, and excellent transport links make this area highly sought-after. Expect premium pricing: new condominiums in Minatomirai regularly exceed ¥100 million.

Naka-ku (中区) — Yamate / Motomachi / Chinatown

Yamate (山手) has historically been the heart of Yokohama's expat community since the Meiji era when foreign settlements were established here. It still hosts two major international schools (Yokohama International School and St. Joseph International School) and features elegant Western-style homes with stunning harbor views. Motomachi, the Western-style shopping street below Yamate, and Yokohama Chinatown are walkable from here.

Kanagawa-ku (神奈川区)

The northeastern ward borders Tokyo Bay and serves as a commercial hub and bedroom community. Home to the Keihin Industrial Zone, major employers like Nissan and JVC maintain offices here. More affordable than central Yokohama while maintaining strong transport access.

Tsurumi-ku and Kohoku-ku

These eastern and northern wards offer more affordable options with good access to both Yokohama city center and Tokyo via multiple rail lines. Popular with families seeking larger homes at lower prices.

Seya-ku (瀬谷区) — Most Affordable

For budget-conscious buyers, Seya Ward consistently offers the lowest prices in Yokohama. Studio apartments rent from approximately ¥38,000/month, making it one of Kanagawa's most affordable residential areas.

Beyond Yokohama: Key Areas in Kanagawa Prefecture

Kanagawa extends well beyond Yokohama and offers diverse options for foreign property buyers:

Kawasaki (川崎市)

Directly adjacent to Tokyo's southern border, Kawasaki has become one of the most sought-after locations in the greater Tokyo area. Musashi-Kosugi station area has seen massive redevelopment with luxury high-rises and is extremely popular with professionals commuting to Tokyo. Real estate demand is particularly strong around Kawasaki Station and Musashi-Kosugi.

Zama (座間市)

Home to Camp Zama, the United States Army base, Zama has an established American military community and is one of Japan's most foreigner-friendly cities. Served by the Odakyu Odawara line, key stations include Zama and Sōbudai-mae. The international infrastructure (English-friendly services, American-style amenities) makes it popular beyond just military personnel.

Kamakura and Hayama

These coastal cities south of Yokohama attract wealthy buyers seeking a slower pace of life while remaining within commuting distance of Tokyo. Kamakura in particular—famous for its Great Buddha and temple culture—is experiencing rising demand from foreign buyers and digital nomads.

Fujisawa and Shonan Coast

The Shonan coastline is Japan's equivalent of a beachside lifestyle destination. Foreigners seeking surf culture, outdoor activities, and a relaxed atmosphere while maintaining access to Tokyo find Fujisawa and the Shonan area increasingly appealing.

Yokohama and Kanagawa Property Price Guide

Understanding current pricing is essential before beginning your property search. Here's a breakdown of typical prices across the region:

Regional averages for Yokohama:

• Average price per square meter: ~¥384,000 (all property types)
• Condominiums/apartments: ~¥475,000 per square meter
• Land only: ~¥242,000 per square meter

The pre-owned condominium market has been on a strong upward trend—average prices reached approximately ¥65.4 million in Q4 2024, representing a 14.6% year-on-year increase. For perspective, new single-family homes averaged about ¥47.2 million in early 2025.

For a broader understanding of market trends across Japan, our Japan Real Estate Market Overview and Trends provides useful context.

Mortgage Options for Foreign Buyers

Securing a mortgage in Japan as a foreigner depends significantly on your residency status.

With Permanent Residency (永住権)

If you hold permanent residency (PR), you can access virtually the same mortgage options as Japanese nationals:

• All major banks (Megabanks, regional banks, online lenders)
• Variable rates from approximately 0.7%
• 35-year fixed rates from approximately 1.9%
• Down payments typically 10-20% of property value

Without Permanent Residency

Non-PR holders face more restrictions but mortgage options do exist:

Typical requirements without PR:

• Minimum 2-3 years continuous residency
• 2+ years at current employer
• Annual income ¥3 million or more
• Down payment of 30%+ of property price

For many non-PR foreign buyers, a higher down payment is the most effective way to secure mortgage approval. See our complete guide on Mortgages and Home Loans for Foreigners in Japan for detailed strategies.

For authoritative guidance on mortgage documentation and approval requirements, Gaijin Buy House's mortgage guide provides an excellent breakdown of required documents and lender options.

The Step-by-Step Purchase Process

Buying property in Yokohama follows Japan's standard real estate purchase process, which typically takes 4-6 months from initial search to deed registration.

Step 1: Define Your Requirements and Budget

Before contacting agents, clarify:

• Target price range and maximum budget (including ~10% for fees)
• Preferred area(s) in Yokohama or Kanagawa
• Property type (condo vs. detached house vs. land)
• Must-have features (proximity to train station, floor number, English-friendly building management)

Step 2: Find a Bilingual Real Estate Agent

Working with a bilingual agent experienced with foreign buyers is strongly recommended. Look for agencies advertising:

• English-language service (英語対応)
• Experience with foreign clients
• Familiarity with the specific area you're targeting

Major agencies with English-language services in Yokohama include Century 21, Housing Japan, and international specialists like Plaza Homes.

Step 3: Property Search and Viewing

Search platforms like SUUMO, AtHome, and Real Estate Japan list properties in English. Once you identify candidates, arrange viewings—agents will typically accompany you and translate as needed.

Step 4: Make an Offer and Sign the Purchase Agreement

When you've found your property, you'll sign a Purchase and Sales Agreement (売買契約書) and pay an earnest money deposit (usually 5-10% of purchase price). A licensed real estate agent must provide you with a Explanation of Important Matters (重要事項説明書) before signing—this is a legal requirement.

Step 5: Secure Financing

If using a mortgage, begin the application process now. Expect 1-3 weeks for pre-approval and another 1-3 weeks for full underwriting.

Step 6: Final Settlement and Registration

On the settlement date, you'll pay the remaining balance and associated fees. A judicial scrivener (司法書士) handles the official property registration with the Legal Affairs Bureau. You'll receive your proof of ownership within a few weeks.

For the complete breakdown of each step with required documents, see our Step-by-Step Home Buying Process in Japan for Foreigners guide.

Living in Nihon's buying property and mortgage guide offers comprehensive coverage of the nationwide purchase process in an accessible format, and For Work in Japan's housing guide for foreigners provides useful context on the broader housing landscape.

Costs and Fees When Buying in Yokohama

Budget approximately 10% of the property purchase price in additional costs:

For a detailed breakdown of all ownership costs including annual property taxes, see our guide on Hidden Costs and Fees When Buying Property in Japan and Property Taxes and Annual Costs of Owning Property in Japan.

Practical Tips for Foreign Buyers in Yokohama

1. Get your finances in order early. Whether applying for a Japanese mortgage or transferring funds from overseas, begin the process months before you intend to buy. International transfers for large amounts require proper documentation.

2. Obtain a My Number (マイナンバー) card. While not mandatory for property purchase, the My Number card simplifies administrative processes significantly and is increasingly required for financial transactions.

3. Consider the earthquake resistance standard. Japan's building codes were substantially revised in 1981 (新耐震基準 / new seismic standards). Post-1981 buildings meet significantly higher earthquake resistance requirements. For older buildings, have a structural assessment conducted.

4. Factor in management fees for condominiums. Yokohama condominiums charge monthly management fees (管理費) and building repair reserve funds (修繕積立金) averaging ¥15,000–¥30,000/month. These ongoing costs are mandatory.

5. Research the train line. In Yokohama's market, proximity to train stations—especially Yokohama Station, Sakuragi-cho, Minatomirai, and Shin-Yokohama on the Shinkansen—significantly affects both price and livability.

6. Investigate the legal status of older homes. Some older properties were built under different zoning rules. A real estate lawyer can identify any compliance issues before purchase.

For comprehensive guidance on the legal side of your purchase, see our guide on Legal Procedures and Documentation for Japan Property Purchase.

Yokohama as a Long-Term Investment

Yokohama consistently ranks among Japan's most investment-friendly cities for foreigners. Key factors supporting property values:

• Infrastructure: Major redevelopment projects continue around Yokohama Station and Minatomirai
• Economic base: Headquarters of major corporations (Nissan, NEC, Yokohama Rubber), major port activities
• International connectivity: Strong international community, international schools, multilingual services
• Transport: Direct Shinkansen access via Shin-Yokohama, multiple Tokyo-bound express rail lines
• Tourism appeal: Year-round tourism supporting rental demand in central areas

The region's real estate market has shown strong appreciation—14.6% in the pre-owned condo segment year-over-year—suggesting continued demand pressure, particularly in transit-oriented neighborhoods.

For those comparing options across Japan's major cities, see our comparative guides on Buying Property in Tokyo as a Foreigner and Buying Property in Osaka as a Foreigner.

For additional insights on Yokohama neighborhoods and pricing, Real Estate Japan's Yokohama listings provide up-to-date market data. The Japan Property neighborhood guide for Yokohama also offers detailed area breakdowns useful for narrowing your search.

Summary: Is Yokohama Right for You?

Yokohama and Kanagawa offer a compelling combination of international community infrastructure, competitive pricing relative to central Tokyo, and strong long-term investment fundamentals. Whether you're drawn to the cosmopolitan waterfront of Minatomirai, the historic expat enclave of Yamate, the military-community comfort of Zama, or the beachside lifestyle of the Shonan coast, the region has something for nearly every foreign buyer profile.

The legal framework is welcoming, English-language support is growing, and the purchase process—while requiring patience and due diligence—is well-documented and navigable with the right professional guidance.

For a complete overview of buying property in Japan as a foreigner, start with our Complete Guide to Buying Property in Japan as a Foreigner.