Should I buy or rent a home in Tokyo?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Tokyo, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision...

"Buying a home in Tokyo is a good investment, as it is a very desirable and expensive city to live in. However, whether it is better to buy or rent will depend on individual circumstances. Factors to consider include budget, desired location and length of stay. Renting can be a good temporary solution, as it is often less expensive and more flexible than buying. There are also several different types of rentals available in Tokyo, including traditional Japanese apartments and modern condos. Buying a house allows you to build equity and make a long-term investment in real estate, but it requires a large initial deposit as well as regular mortgage payments. Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy or rent in Tokyo should be based on an individual assessment of their needs, financial situation, and lifestyle," remarked another expat in Tokyo, Japan.