How Walkability Impacts Property Value in Japan
When searching for a property in Japan, one factor consistently influences both desirability and value: walkability. Walkability refers to how easily residents can access daily necessities such as train stations, supermarkets, schools, parks, restaurants, and medical facilities on foot. In many Japanese cities, especially Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama, a highly walkable neighborhood is often one of the strongest selling points of a property. Why Walkability Matters Convenience
FIRST STEP Co,. Ltd.
11 hours ago2 min read
Flat 35 Interest Rate Reaches 3.21% in June 2026
The interest rate for Japan's Flat 35 fixed-rate mortgage rose sharply in June 2026. According to the Japan Housing Finance Agency, the most common interest rate offered by lenders for Flat 35 loans with a repayment period of 21–35 years and a loan-to-value ratio of 90% or less increased to 3.21%, up from 2.71% in May 2026. This marks one of the largest monthly increases in recent years, with rates rising by 0.50 percentage points in a single month. Flat 35 is Japan's long-t
FIRST STEP Co,. Ltd.
Jun 61 min read
5 Things That Make a Property a Good Investment in Japan
Not all properties are created equal when it comes to investment potential. Whether you're purchasing your first investment property or expanding your portfolio, several key factors can help determine whether a property is likely to generate stable returns. Location Remains King Properties located near train stations, major business districts, universities, and popular residential neighborhoods tend to attract more tenants and maintain stronger resale value. In Japan, even a
FIRST STEP Co,. Ltd.
May 301 min read






