[Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama] Renovation of Vacant Houses and Used Properties | Costs, Subsidies, and Case Studies

For those considering renovation of used properties and vacant houses in Tsurumi Ward

I bought a used property, but I’m not sure if the renovation estimate I received is reasonable.

This is my first full renovation, and I’m worried about making mistakes.

I want to make the most of subsidies and grants.

For such concerns, Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd., with numerous achievements close to Tsurumi Ward, will clearly explain the key points for a successful renovation.

Obtain estimates from at least 3 companies!

01Reasons for the Increase in Renovations of Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Tsurumi Ward

Tsurumi Ward in Yokohama is located at the northeastern edge of Yokohama, where the Keihin Industrial Zone’s coastal area and residential areas like Namamugi and Shioda are spread out. It is a vibrant town where a multicultural culture is rooted, coexisting with the Tsurumi River, factories, and shopping streets.

The wooden houses in the downtown area near the coastal region are at a stage where they require improvements for earthquake resistance, insulation, and protection against salt damage. This is why the option of “buying an old wooden house and renovating it to suit one’s lifestyle” is expanding in Tsurumi Ward.

02Reasons for Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

In recent years, the Japanese housing market has expanded options not only for new constructions but also for renovating used properties. There is growing interest in living in renovated or refurbished used houses. Here, we explain the typical reasons for renovating vacant houses and used properties.

Reason 1 To Live Comfortably as Your Own Home

The most common reason for purchasing and renovating a used property is “to live comfortably.” Older houses often have issues with the roof, exterior walls, and plumbing, making them less livable as they are. By renovating and upgrading the facilities and interiors, you can create a comfortable living environment. Additionally, by changing the layout and refreshing the interior, you can achieve a home that suits your family’s lifestyle while keeping costs lower than new construction.

Reason 2 To Increase Asset Value for Sale

More people are purchasing and renovating used properties with the intention of selling them. Used houses are often evaluated as having low asset value in their current state, but renovations can enhance their appearance and performance, thereby increasing their value as properties.

Reason 3 To Utilize as Investment or Business

When purchasing for investment or business purposes, renovations are essential. By transforming properties into stylish rentals or share houses, you can differentiate them from others, and depending on the location and planning, you can also expect improved profitability. Initial costs can be lower than new constructions, and depending on the use and conditions, there may be cases where subsidies or tax incentives apply, leading to an increase in those utilizing vacant houses for business.

03Points to Consider When Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

Point 1 Choose a Trustworthy Construction Company

First and foremost, it is essential to select a contractor that you can trust to handle your renovation with peace of mind. Since used properties have had previous occupants, the internal structure and condition are often not clear until you actually see them. Choose a contractor that can carry out the work thoroughly according to your wishes, the structure of your home, and the surrounding environment, and also provides aftercare following the construction.

Point 2 Always Check the Deterioration of the Building

For used properties and vacant houses, it is crucial to confirm which parts have deteriorated and to what extent beforehand. Since the property has been lived in by someone else, internal damage is often not apparent without investigation. Conduct a current condition survey before starting work to identify any hidden deterioration.

Point 3 Review Earthquake Resistance and Insulation Performance

Particularly important in the renovation of used and vacant houses is the review of earthquake resistance and insulation. The earthquake resistance standards were significantly revised in 1981, and homes built before that may not meet current standards. Furthermore, in 2000, regulations regarding joints and foundations were strengthened, making older buildings more likely to lack earthquake resistance. Check the condition of the building before starting work and be sure to check the earthquake resistance and insulation.

Point 4 Check Subsidy Programs and Renovation Tax Reductions

To keep construction costs down, it is important to check for subsidies and renovation tax reductions. Subsidies are provided by the national and local governments, supporting part of the costs for earthquake retrofitting, energy-saving construction, and barrier-free renovations. Tax reductions include the “housing loan tax reduction” when using a housing loan, and there are systems where part of the costs can be deducted for certain works even with personal funds. These can sometimes be used in combination, so it is essential to check in advance and plan to utilize them strategically for a successful renovation (for the latest information, see this subsidy section).

04 Cost Estimates for Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

The renovation costs for used properties and vacant houses vary greatly depending on the extent of damage and the scope of work. First, please familiarize yourself with the approximate costs by area to serve as a guideline for your financial planning (the table below provides general estimates for single-family homes. The interior is based on a room of about 6 tatami mats, and the exterior is based on the indicated scope of work. Actual estimates will be provided after a site survey).

1. Roof and Exterior Walls

2. Interior (Interior Finishing)

3. Water-related Facilities

4. Equipment and Infrastructure

5. Waterproofing and Earthquake Resistance

6. Exterior Works

*The above are general estimates. Costs may vary depending on the presence of scaffolding, the condition, grade, and area of the building. Waterproofing for rooftops and updates to plumbing and wiring for the entire house may exceed the above estimates depending on area and method. Please confirm the exact costs through a free on-site survey and estimate.

For more details, please see our construction menu and price list!

05[Latest 2026] Subsidies and Grants Available in Tsurumi Ward

*The following information is as of September 3, 2026. The content, duration, and budget of the systems change annually, and many will end once the budget limit is reached. Please check for the latest information with our company or the respective offices before applying. Kakeru Koumuten can assist with confirming the systems and providing necessary documents, but the application methods and applicants may vary by system.

National Program: Housing Energy Saving 2026 Campaign

The government is implementing multiple subsidy projects targeting energy-saving renovations under the “Housing Energy Saving 2026 Campaign.” Construction for insulation, windows, and water heaters may be eligible for these subsidies.

Yokohama City Program

06Customer Voices

Exterior Renovation Case Studies in Tsurumi-ku

07How to Choose a Renovation Contractor for Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Tsurumi

There are many renovation companies that serve the Tsurumi area, and it can be difficult to decide which one to choose. When requesting renovations, be sure to check the following five points.

1. Experience in Renovation Work

Many renovation contractors publish their construction achievements on their websites. If a contractor provides detailed explanations of the process with photos, it makes it easier to visualize the outcome after the request, giving you peace of mind. If you’re feeling uncertain, choose a contractor with ample experience.

Google and review sites can also be helpful. It’s important to check the content of low ratings, the company’s responses, and the timing of the posts. In particular, Google reviews are useful, but don’t make your decision based solely on reviews; consider the construction achievements, estimates, and warranty details for a comprehensive assessment.

2. Confirm the presence of warranties and aftercare services

When choosing a contractor, be sure to check for warranties. If repairs are needed within the warranty period, they may be done for free. The duration varies by contractor and paint type, but typically ranges from 1 to 10 years (emergency repairs and partial repairs are often not covered). Some contractors also offer aftercare services separate from warranties, so be sure to check that as well.

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. provides warranties for exterior renovations and sealing work. We also conduct aftercare services, sending out annual notification DM to ensure annual inspections are possible.
Click here for more details on Kakeru Koumuten’s warranties and aftercare services

3. Obtain estimates from multiple contractors (at least 3)

When requesting renovations, be sure to obtain estimates from multiple contractors. Even for the same construction content, warranties, aftercare services, and prices can vary significantly. Having multiple estimates makes price negotiations easier.

When comparing estimates, look at not just the costs but also the “items in the estimate,” “check the undercoating materials, sealing materials, and paint for auxiliary parts,” and “confirm the process” in detail. Lowering the rank of auxiliary parts or skipping processes can reduce costs, so it’s important to not judge solely based on price.
See detailed points for comparing estimates

4. Confirm whether the company conducts renovations in-house

At Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd., we conduct detailed hearings and surveys on the existing “condition,” “location,” “materials,” “desired durability,” and “design” to propose the optimal plan. While there is nothing inherently wrong with a system where a partner company performs the construction, it is essential to confirm whether the contracted company understands the construction details and clearly defines the responsibilities for quality control and guarantees. With in-house construction, it is easier to coordinate with the site, allowing for a quicker response in case of any issues.

5. Do they support color simulations and perspective drawings?

Choosing colors and envisioning the appearance after construction can be challenging for both exterior and interior projects. With simulations, you can reduce the risk of mistakes like “it looks different from what I imagined.” Since it is difficult to redo once construction is completed, it is advisable to choose a company that can provide flexible simulations.

08Reasons Why Kakeru Koumuten is Chosen for Renovations of Used Houses in Tsurumi Ward

One reason is that “Kakeru Koumuten is also close to Tsurumi Ward,” but
we have unique initiatives in “renovating vacant houses and used properties” that cannot be imitated by other companies,
which has received high praise from many customers.

1. Equipment Specialized for In-House Renovations

At Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd., we have established warehouses and material storage areas to provide high-quality renovations at low costs. We have five bases located in Kanagawa Prefecture and Tokyo, including Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and Machida City, Tokyo.

In-House Scaffolding Materials

For exterior renovations, we can construct temporary scaffolding using our own scaffolding materials and in-house scaffolding team. By not outsourcing, this leads to cost reductions in scaffolding work. We own scaffolding materials for approximately 50 houses.

Material Storage in Our Large Warehouse

We store roofing materials and paints. By placing large orders at once, we can procure materials at lower prices, and since we always have stock available, we can respond quickly in emergencies. We also have various tools ready for different types of construction, including compressors and cleaning machines.

In-House Waste Separation

In exterior renovations, various waste materials such as paint, wood, and metal are generated. Our company is committed to separating and recycling waste materials to reduce waste disposal costs.

Exterior Renovation Dedicated Showroom

In our showroom, you can not only have meetings but also check the actual paint colors and a wide variety of catalogs. You can also confirm heat resistance using a heat-resistant paint testing machine and color simulation. The showroom is a 3-minute walk from Eda Station in Aoba-ku, Yokohama. It has good access from within Yokohama city.

2. In-house Construction Focused on Exterior Work

A major strength of Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. is our in-house construction focused on exterior work. By maintaining a consistent system from inquiry to project completion, we can keep costs down while providing high-quality renovations. A single representative handles everything from the estimate to project completion, ensuring smooth communication without changes in the sales or construction management teams. We carry out the work with our own craftsmen, from temporary scaffolding setup to exterior wall painting and roof renovations. We are confident in our plans and costs, so we welcome competitive estimates.

3. Various Permits and Skilled Workers

We have obtained construction industry licenses and permits for industrial waste collection and transportation. We also have nationally certified sheet metal workers and painting specialists on staff, ensuring confidence in our construction techniques. We are capable of handling large-scale painting projects for factories and apartment complexes.

4. Warranty and Aftercare

Exterior painting and joint sealing work come with a warranty. Aftercare is available every year, and we send out notification DM annually. If you have concerns about the warranty, please click the image above for more information.

5. Flexible and Prompt Response

We are equipped to handle various exterior troubles and situations. If you cannot access the roof due to height, we can respond using a drone. We also use a thermal imaging camera for leak investigations. We respond according to our customers’ wishes and also accept emergency measures for sudden leaks only.

6. Human Resource Development

We create various models for skill enhancement and conduct practical training. Since exterior renovations vary in construction methods and materials based on existing materials and shapes, we regularly conduct technical improvement training to ensure each staff member can handle various sites.
Click here for company information

7. Flexible Simulations for Both Exterior and Interior!

Kakeru Koumuten is dedicated to helping you choose colors and designs for your important building renovations, ensuring your satisfaction with both exterior and interior work.

7-1. Exterior Renovation Simulation

We can provide color simulations for exterior wall painting, as well as simulations for metal siding and roof overlays. We can create simulations from actual photos of your building and propose several patterns with our recommended color schemes. We also accommodate “test painting” and “sample board arrangements” to confirm actual color tones.

7-2. Interior Renovation Simulation

We also support simulations and perspective drawings for interior renovations. Based on your preferred style, such as modern, we will propose recommended simulations. We create realistic perspectives from actual floor plans.

8. Solar Panel and Storage Battery Installation Work Available!

More customers are introducing solar power systems with generous subsidies in line with renovations of used properties. Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also handles solar power system installation and will propose solar panels tailored to the shape of your roof. We can also accept requests for estimates and power generation simulations only.

09Renovation of Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Tsurumi Ward | Frequently Asked Questions

We will answer the most frequently asked questions from those considering renovations of used properties and vacant houses in Tsurumi Ward.

View Kakeru Koumuten’s case studies
View our service menu and price list

10Features of Tsurumi Ward

Tsurumi Ward in Yokohama is located at the northeastern edge of Yokohama, featuring the coastal area of the Keihin Industrial Zone and residential neighborhoods like Namamugi and Shioda. It is a vibrant town where multinational cultures thrive, coexisting with the Tsurumi River, factories, and shopping streets.

As wooden houses in the downtown area near the coast reach a generational transition, the demand for earthquake resistance, insulation, and salt damage countermeasures for used homes plus renovations is increasing. Kakeru Koumuten is headquartered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and serves Tsurumi Ward from its five bases in Kanagawa and Tokyo. We primarily focus on in-house construction for exterior work such as roofs and walls.

Areas Available for Renovation

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests throughout Kanagawa and Tokyo.

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