[Aoba-ku, Yokohama] Vacant House and Used Property Renovation | Costs, Subsidies, and Construction Examples

For those considering renovation of used properties and vacant houses in Totsuka 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 Totsuka Ward, will clearly explain the points for a successful renovation.

Get at least 3 estimates!

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

Totsuka Ward in Yokohama City has a history of thriving as a post town on the Tokaido, characterized by the redevelopment around Totsuka Station and large residential areas spreading across the Kashio River and hills. It is one of the wider wards in the city, with good access to both the city center and Yokohama.

Large residential areas and detached houses such as Dream Heights and Fukaya are entering a period of generational change, with buildings around 40 to 55 years old. This is why the option of “buying used detached houses or apartment units and renovating (reforming) them to fit one’s lifestyle” is expanding in Totsuka 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 a growing interest in living in renovated or remodeled used homes. 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 homes 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 your home to suit 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 homes tend to be valued low as they are, but renovations can enhance their appearance and performance, thereby increasing their value as properties.

Reason 3 To Utilize as an Investment or Business

For purchases made for investment or business purposes, renovations are essential. By transforming properties 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 constructions, and depending on the use and conditions, they may qualify for subsidies or tax incentives, leading to an increase in the number of 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 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 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 have deteriorated and to what extent beforehand. Since the property has been occupied by someone else, internal damage is often not apparent without investigation. Conduct a current condition survey before starting construction to understand 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 construction and be sure to check earthquake resistance and insulation performance.

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 that allow for deductions on part of the costs for certain works even with personal funds. These can sometimes be used in combination, so it is crucial to check in advance and plan to utilize them strategically as a key to successful renovation (for the latest information, please refer to this subsidy section).

04 Cost Estimates for Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

The renovation costs for used properties and vacant houses vary significantly depending on the degree of damage and the scope of work. First, please understand the approximate market prices 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 Facilities

4. Equipment & Infrastructure

5. Waterproofing & 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 the 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 Totsuka Ward

*The following information is as of September 3, 2026. The content, duration, and budget of the systems change each fiscal year, 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 methods and applicants may differ depending on the 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 Totsuka-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 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 extensive 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; evaluate them alongside construction achievements, estimates, and warranty details for a comprehensive judgment.

2. Confirm the presence of warranties and after-sales maintenance

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 after-sales 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 after-sales maintenance and send out annual notification DM, making annual inspections possible.
Click here for more details on Kakeru Koumuten’s warranties and after-sales maintenance

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

When requesting renovations, be sure to obtain estimates from multiple contractors. Even for the same construction content, warranties, after-sales services, and prices can vary significantly. Having multiple estimates makes it easier to negotiate prices.

When comparing estimates, look closely at not just the costs, but also the “items in the estimate,” “confirmation of undercoating materials, sealing materials, and auxiliary paint,” and “confirmation of the process.” Lowering the rank of auxiliary parts or skipping steps can reduce costs, so it’s important not to 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 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 performs the construction, it is important to confirm whether the contracted company understands the construction details and has clearly defined responsibilities for quality control and guarantees. With self-construction, it is easier to coordinate with the site, allowing for quick responses in the event of any troubles.

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 turned out differently than I imagined.” Since it is difficult to redo once construction is done, it is advisable to choose a company that can accommodate flexible simulations.

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

One reason is that “Kakeru Koumuten is also close to Totsuka-ku,” but
“Our unique approach to renovating vacant and used properties that cannot be imitated by other companies”
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 in Kanagawa and Tokyo, including Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and Machida City, Tokyo.

In-House Scaffold Material Ownership

We can construct temporary scaffolding, which is essential for exterior renovations, using our own scaffold materials and in-house scaffold team. By not outsourcing, this leads to cost reductions in scaffold construction. We own enough scaffold materials for approximately 50 single-family homes.

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 Material Sorting

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

Exterior Renovation Dedicated Showroom

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 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 sales or project management. We carry out the work primarily with our own craftsmen, from temporary scaffolding installation 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 and painting technicians 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 every year, and we send out notification DM each year. 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 at high places, 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 improvement and conduct practical training. Since the construction methods and materials used for exterior renovations differ based on existing materials and shapes, we conduct regular skill enhancement training so that each staff member can handle various sites.
Click here for company information

7. Flexible Simulation for Both Exterior and Interior!

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

7-1. Exterior Renovation Simulation

We offer 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 “arranging paint boards” 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 from actual floor plans.

8. Solar Panel and Storage Battery Installation Work Also 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 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 Totsuka Ward | Frequently Asked Questions

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

View Kakeru Koumuten’s project examples
View our service menu and price list

10Features of Totsuka-ku

Totsuka-ku in Yokohama has a history of flourishing as a post town on the Tokaido route, characterized by the redevelopment around Totsuka Station and large residential areas spreading across the Kaba River and hills, making it one of the wider wards in the city. It also has good access to both the city center and Yokohama.

As large residential areas and single-family homes reach a generational transition, the choice of continuing to live through used properties and renovations has taken root. Kakeru Koumuten is headquartered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and serves Totsuka-ku 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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