Construction & Building

The Realities of Buying Unbuildable Properties(再建築不可) in Japan: What Every Investor Should Know

Understanding Unbuildable Properties

(再建築不可物件) in Japan

 

 

Unbuildable properties, known as “Saikenchiku Fuka Bukken” (再建築不可物件) in Japan,

refer to parcels of land where new construction is legally prohibited.

This restriction remains in place even if there is an existing structure on the land—once that structure is demolished,

no new building can be built.

These properties are often located in areas where modern building codes and regulations have evolved, making older properties

non-compliant with current standards.

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Asbestos in Real Estate: Understanding the Risks and Compliance in Light of Recent Law Changes

 

 

Asbestos in Real Estate: Understanding the Risks

and Compliance in Light of Recent Law Changes

 

Introduction

Purpose and Overview

In October 2023, new regulations made asbestos inspections mandatory for many property-related activities.

Understanding these requirements is crucial for anyone planning renovations or demolition.

Failing to comply with the law can lead to significant penalties, making it essential to be informed and prepared.

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Japanese real estate essentials: What is the Building Standards Law?

What is the purpose of the mission of the Building Standards Law?

The Building Standards Law (建築基準法)was created for the MLIT to provide basic rules for construction during a building and the stipulates minimum engineering safety requirements concerning fire earthquake and other natural disasters.

It also stipulates the types of buildings we can build according to each zoning district(用途地域)

under the city planning law.

A building not contracted to meet this requirement is regarded as an illegal building however a building previously constructed in compliance with a standard existing at the time of the construction but which no longer meet current construction standards is not considered as an illegal building but rather called non-conforming building. (既存不適格)

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When you find the cheap property, please make sure if it is a non-conforming building or not. It is not a fatal mistake to buy such a property, but you have to understand what you are running into beforehand. 

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What to Know About Defects Problems and Industry Issues in Japan Before You Buy a Condo

In Japan’s condominium industry, there are some serious issues.
In 2015,  there was a huge scandal involving the condo complex called
“Park city La La Yokohama” developed by Mitsui Fudosan.

Mitsui Fudosan is the top developer in Japan.

Construction based on false data was carried out in October 2015, and a scandal where the building was inclined was discovered because the plurality of piles did not reach the appropriate depth in the ground. Safety for earthquake resistance was suspected.Read more