[Kohoku-ku, Yokohama] Vacant House and Used Property Renovation | Costs, Subsidies, and Case Studies

For those considering renovation of used properties and vacant houses in Kohoku 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., which has numerous achievements close to Kohoku Ward, will clearly explain the key points for a successful renovation.

Always obtain at least 3 estimates!

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

Kohoku Ward in Yokohama City is an area that boasts popular residential neighborhoods such as Hiyoshi, Tsunashima, Okurayama, and Kikuna, along with the urban functions of Shin-Yokohama. It has many universities and sports facilities, combining vibrancy with livability.

Residential areas developed during the Showa era are now entering a period of generational change, with many homes reaching 40 to 50 years old. This is why the option of “buying a used house or apartment and renovating (renovation) it to suit one’s lifestyle” is expanding in Kohoku Ward.

02Reasons for Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

In recent years, the Japanese housing market has expanded options not only for new builds but also for renovating used properties. There is a growing interest in living by purchasing and renovating 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 difficult to live in as they are. By renovating and updating the facilities and interiors, you can create a comfortable living environment. Additionally, by changing the layout and refreshing the interior, you can finish 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 tend to be valued low 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

For purchases made for investment or business purposes, renovations are essential. By transforming them into stylish rentals or share houses, you can differentiate from other properties, and depending on the location and planning, you can also expect improved profitability. Initial costs can be lower than new construction, and depending on the use and conditions, they may also qualify for subsidies and tax incentives, leading to an increase in people utilizing vacant houses for business.

03Points to Consider When Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

Point 1 Choose a Reliable Construction Company

First and foremost, it is essential to select a contractor you can trust to handle your renovation. Since used properties have had previous occupants, the internal structure and condition are often not clear until you actually see them. Choose a contractor who can carry out the work thoroughly according to your wishes, the structure of the house, and the surrounding environment, and who 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 check which parts have deteriorated and to what extent in advance. Since other people have lived there before, internal damage is often not apparent without investigation. Conduct a current condition survey before starting construction 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 houses 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 construction and be sure to check earthquake resistance and insulation.

Point 4 Check Subsidy Programs and Renovation Tax Deductions

To reduce construction costs, it is important to check for subsidies and renovation tax deductions. 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 deductions include the “housing loan tax deduction” when using a mortgage, 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 use them strategically to ensure the success of your renovation (for the latest information, see this subsidy section).

04Cost Estimates for Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

The renovation costs for used properties and vacant houses vary significantly depending on the extent of damage and the scope of work. First, please understand the approximate costs by area to use 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 Equipment

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 of 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.

Please see the construction menu and price list for more details!

05[Latest 2026] Subsidies and Grants Available in Kohoku 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 necessary documents, but the applicants and application methods vary by system.

National Program: Housing Energy Saving 2026 Campaign

The government is implementing multiple subsidy programs 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 Kohoku-ku

07How to Choose a Renovation Contractor for Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Aoba-ku

There are many renovation companies that serve Aoba-ku, and it can be confusing to decide which one to choose. When requesting renovations, be sure to check the following five points.

1. Experience in Renovation Work

Many remodeling contractors publish their construction results 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, which is reassuring. 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 results, estimates, and warranty details for a comprehensive evaluation.

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 generally ranges from 1 to 10 years (emergency repairs and partial repairs are often not covered). Some contractors also offer aftercare services separately, so be sure to check for those as well.

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. provides warranties for exterior renovations and sealing work. We also conduct aftercare services and send out annual notification DM, making annual inspections 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 remodeling, 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, it’s important to look at not just the costs, but also the “items in the estimate,” “check the undercoat 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 crucial to not make decisions based solely on price.
Click here for detailed points on comparing estimates

4. Confirm whether the contractor performs the work in-house

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. conducts detailed hearings and surveys on the existing “condition,” “location,” “materials,” “desired durability,” and “design” to propose the optimal plan. While there is no inherent issue with the system of subcontractors, it is essential to confirm whether the contracted company understands the construction details and clearly defines the responsibilities for quality control and guarantees. If the work is done in-house, it becomes easier to coordinate with the site, allowing for quick responses in case of any troubles.

5. Do they support color simulations and perspective drawings?

Choosing colors and envisioning the look after construction can be challenging for both exterior and interior projects. With simulations, you can reduce the risk of mistakes like “it turned out differently than I imagined.” Since it is difficult to redo once the work is done, it is advisable to choose a company that can provide flexible simulations.

08Reasons why Kakeru Koumuten is chosen for remodeling used houses in Kohoku-ku

One reason is that “Kakeru Koumuten is also close to Kohoku-ku,” but
“our unique approach to remodeling vacant and used properties that cannot be imitated by other companies”
has received high praise from many customers.

1. Equipment specialized for in-house remodeling

Kakeru Koumuten has established warehouses and material storage to provide high-quality remodeling at low costs. We have five bases in Kanagawa 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 single-family homes.

Materials stored in our large in-house 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 insulation properties using a heat insulation 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 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 will handle everything from the estimate to project completion, ensuring smooth communication without changes in sales or construction management. We carry out construction 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 permits for the construction industry and for the collection and transportation of industrial waste. 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 as well.

4. Warranty and Aftercare

Exterior painting and joint sealing work come with a warranty. Aftercare is available annually, and we send out notification DM every year. If you have concerns about the warranty, please click on 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 at high places, we can respond with 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 improvement and conduct practical training. Since exterior renovations vary in construction methods and materials based on existing materials and shapes, we conduct regular technical training so that each staff member can respond to 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, both exterior and interior, to ensure your satisfaction.

7-1. Exterior Renovation Simulation

We can create 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 combinations. We also accommodate “test painting” and “sample board arrangements” to confirm the 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 based on actual floor plans.

8. Solar Panel and Storage Battery Installation Work Available!

More customers are introducing solar power systems, which have abundant subsidies, in conjunction with renovations of used properties. Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also handles solar power system installations 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 Kohoku Ward | Frequently Asked Questions

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

See Kakeru Koumuten’s construction examples
See construction menu and price list

10Features of Kohoku-ku

Kohoku-ku in Yokohama City is home to the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Shin-Yokohama, featuring popular residential areas such as Hiyoshi, Tsunashima, Okurayama, and Kikuna, along with urban functions expanding in Shin-Yokohama. It has many universities and sports facilities, combining vibrancy and livability.

Residential areas developed during the Showa period are now undergoing generational changes, and the choice of living on through used properties and renovations has taken root. Kakeru Koumuten has its headquarters in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and serves Kohoku-ku from its five bases in Kanagawa and Tokyo. We can handle exterior construction such as temporary scaffolding, roofing, and painting with in-house construction.

Areas Available for Renovation

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests throughout Kanagawa and Tokyo.

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