[Aoba-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 Sakae-ku

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 Sakae Ward, will clearly explain the points for a successful renovation.

Get estimates from at least 3 companies!

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

Sakae Ward in Yokohama City is adjacent to Ofuna, featuring a lush and tranquil area centered around Hongodai, with the clear stream of Itachigawa and hilly residential areas. It is popular for its many parks and green spaces, making it a comfortable place to live.

Residential complexes and houses developed during the Showa era, such as the Koutamachi complex and Kamigou Neopolis, are entering a period of generational change, reaching 40 to 55 years old. This is why the option of “buying a used house or complex and renovating (renovating) it to suit one’s lifestyle” is expanding in Sakae 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 in 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 at lower costs than a new build.

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 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 them from other properties, and depending on the location and planning, you can also expect improved profitability. Initial costs can be lower than new builds, 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 choose a contractor you can trust to handle your renovation. For used properties, since there were previous occupants, the internal structure and condition are often not clear until you actually see them. Select a contractor who can perform the work thoroughly according to your wishes, the structure of your home, 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 confirm which parts are deteriorating and to what extent beforehand. Since other people have lived there before, the internal damage is often not apparent without investigation. Make sure to understand any hidden deterioration through a current condition survey before starting the work.

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 Deductions

To keep construction costs down, it is important to check for subsidies and renovation tax deductions. Subsidies are provided by the national and local governments, and part of the costs for earthquake retrofitting, energy-saving construction, and barrier-free renovations can be supported. Tax deductions include the “housing loan tax deduction” when using a mortgage, as well as 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 understand the approximate market rates 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 specified scope of work. Actual estimates will be provided after a site survey).

1. Roof and Exterior Walls

2. Interior (Interior Finishing)

3. Water 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 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.

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

05[Latest 2026] Subsidies and Grants Available in Sakae 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 with our company or the respective offices for the latest information before applying. Kakeru Koumuten can assist with confirming the systems and necessary documents, but the application process and requirements 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 combined subsidies.

Yokohama City Program

06Customer Voices

Exterior Renovation Case Studies in Sakae-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. Rich experience in renovation work

Many renovation contractors publish their work results on their websites. If a contractor provides detailed explanations of the process with photos, it makes it easier to visualize the project after hiring and provides 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 work results, estimates, and warranty details for a comprehensive judgment.

2. Confirm the presence of warranties and aftercare services

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

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. provides a warranty for exterior renovations and sealing work. We also conduct aftercare services and send out annual reminder 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 renovations, be sure to obtain estimates from multiple contractors. Even for the same work, warranties, aftercare services, and costs can vary significantly. Having multiple estimates makes price negotiations easier.

When comparing estimates, look closely at not just the costs but also the “items in the estimate,” “check the undercoat materials, sealing materials, and paint for ancillary parts,” and “confirm the process.” Lowering the rank of ancillary parts or skipping steps can reduce costs, so it’s important to not judge solely based on price.
Click here to see detailed points for comparing estimates

4. Confirm whether the company performs renovations in-house

At Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd., we conduct detailed hearings and surveys regarding 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 carries out the construction, it is essential to confirm whether the contracting 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, making it quicker to respond in case of any troubles.

5. Do they offer color simulations and perspective drawings?

Choosing colors and envisioning the look after construction can be challenging for both exterior and interior projects. Having simulations can reduce the risk of mistakes like “it looks different than I imagined.” Since it is difficult to redo once construction is done, it is recommended to choose a company that can provide flexible simulations.

08Reasons Why Kakeru Koumuten is Chosen for Renovations of Used Houses in Sakae-ku

One reason is that “Kakeru Koumuten is also close to Sakae-ku,” but
there are “initiatives in renovating vacant houses and used properties that cannot be imitated by other companies,”
which have received high praise from many customers.

1. Equipment Specialized for In-House Renovations

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. has organized warehouses and material storage areas to provide high-quality renovations at low cost. We have five bases located 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 enough scaffolding materials for approximately 50 houses.

Materials stored in our large in-house warehouse

We store roofing materials and paints. By placing large orders at once, we can purchase materials at lower prices, and since we always have stock available, we can respond quickly in emergencies. We also have a variety of tools, such as compressors and cleaning machines, to handle various construction tasks.

In-house waste separation

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

Showroom dedicated to exterior renovations

In the 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 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. Since one representative handles everything from the estimate to project completion, there is no change in personnel for sales and construction management, allowing for smooth communication. 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 construction industry licenses as well as permits for industrial waste collection and transportation. We also have nationally certified sheet metal workers and painting specialists, 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 repairs for sudden leaks only.

6. Human Resource Development

We create various models for skill enhancement and conduct practical training. Since exterior renovations differ in construction methods and materials based on existing materials and shapes, we conduct regular technical 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, 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 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 based on actual floor plans.

8. Solar Panel and Storage Battery Installation Work Available!

More customers are introducing solar power systems, which have generous subsidies, in line 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 provide estimates and power generation simulations upon request.

09Frequently Asked Questions about Renovating Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Sakae-ku

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

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

10Features of Sakae-ku

Sakae-ku, Yokohama, is adjacent to Ofuna and centered around Hongodai, featuring the clear streams of the Itachi River and hilly residential areas with condominiums and single-family homes, making it a green and tranquil district. With many parks and green spaces, it is popular for its livability.

Condominiums and single-family homes developed during the Showa era, such as the Kōden-chō district and Kamigō Neopolis, are now entering a generational transition, and the choice of buying used properties and renovating them is becoming established. Kakeru Koumuten is headquartered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and serves Sakae-ku from its five bases in Kanagawa and Tokyo. We primarily handle in-house construction for exterior work such as roofs and walls.

Areas Available for Renovation

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests from all over Kanagawa and Tokyo.

We welcome consultations via LINE◎

We are also updating our Instagram regularly◎ Please follow us!