[Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo] Renovation of Vacant Houses and Used Properties | Cost Estimates, Subsidies, and Construction Results

For those considering renovation of used properties and vacant houses in Bunkyo-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 serves the Bunkyo Ward area, will clearly explain the points to consider when planning a renovation.

Let’s compare estimates from multiple companies

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

Bunkyo Ward in Tokyo is known as an educational district where institutions like the University of Tokyo are concentrated, with residential areas spreading across Hongo, Koishikawa, and Mejirodai. The area features slopes and varying elevations, and you can find older wooden houses as well.

For older homes, it may be necessary to review earthquake resistance, insulation, and plumbing. Therefore, purchasing a used detached house or condominium and renovating it (renovation) according to the building’s condition and lifestyle is an option.

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 utilizing renovated used properties. There is growing interest in lifestyles that involve purchasing and renovating used homes. Here, we explain the typical reasons for renovating vacant houses and used properties.

Reason 1 To Live Comfortably as Your Own Home

A typical reason for purchasing and renovating a used property is “to live comfortably.” In older homes, there may be issues with the roof, exterior walls, and plumbing. By renovating and updating the facilities and interiors, you can enhance the livability. Additionally, by changing the layout and refreshing the interior, you can aim for a home that suits your family’s lifestyle. Total costs vary depending on the property price, scope of work, and condition of the building, so comparisons with new constructions are necessary.

Reason 2 To Increase Asset Value for Sale

There are cases where a used property is purchased and renovated for the purpose of selling. Renovations can improve appearance and performance, but it is not always guaranteed that the increase in sale price or asset value will exceed the renovation costs. It is important to check the surrounding market and buyer demand and consider the cost-effectiveness.

Reason 3 To Utilize as an Investment or Business

For investment or business purposes, renovations may be carried out according to the condition of the building and the expected tenants. Renovations for rental housing or share houses can lead to differentiation from other properties, but profitability varies based on location, acquisition costs, construction costs, rent, and vacancy rates. Depending on the use and conditions, there may also be eligibility for subsidies and tax incentives, so it is advisable to consider this alongside your business plan.

03Precautions 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. For used properties, since there were 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 in accordance with 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 confirm which parts are deteriorating 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 identify any hidden deterioration.

Point 3 Review Earthquake Resistance and Insulation Performance

In the renovation of used or vacant houses, it is particularly important to review 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 performance.

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 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 significantly depending on the extent of damage and the scope of work. First, please familiarize yourself with the approximate market prices by area to serve as a guideline for your financial planning (the table below provides general estimates for typical 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 the area and method. Please confirm the exact costs through a free on-site survey and estimate.

For more details, please check the construction menu and price list!

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

*The following information is as of September 1, 2026. The content, duration, and budget of the systems change annually, and some may end once the budget limit is reached. Please check the latest information on the official pages or at the contact points of each system before applying. The application method, applicants, and timing of contracts or construction may 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.

Tokyo Metropolitan Program

Bunkyo Ward Programs

06Customer Voices

Kakeru Koumuten’s Roof Overlay Construction Examples

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

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

1. Extensive 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 can help you visualize the outcome after your request, giving you peace of mind. If you have concerns, choose a contractor with extensive experience.

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

2. Check for warranties and after-sales maintenance

When selecting a contractor, be sure to check for warranties. If within the warranty period, repairs 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 by warranties). Some contractors also offer after-sales services separate from warranties, so be sure to check that as well.

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. offers warranties for eligible exterior renovations and sealing work. Since the warranty coverage, duration, and aftercare details vary by project, please check the warranty conditions before signing a contract.
For more details on Kakeru Koumuten’s warranties and aftercare, click here

3. Obtain estimates from multiple contractors

When requesting renovations, be sure to obtain estimates from multiple contractors. Even for the same scope of work, warranties, after-sales service, 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 undercoating materials, sealing materials, and paint for ancillary parts,” and “confirm the process” in detail. Lowering the rank of ancillary parts or skipping steps can reduce costs, so it’s crucial to not make decisions based solely on price.
For more details on comparison points for estimates

4. Confirm whether they perform renovations in-house

At Kakeru Koumuten, we conduct thorough interviews and investigations regarding the existing “condition,” “location,” “base materials,” “desired durability,” and “design” to propose the best plan. While there is nothing inherently wrong with a system where partner companies perform the work, it is important to confirm whether the contracting company understands the scope of work and has clear responsibilities for quality control and warranties. If the work is done in-house, it is easier to coordinate with the site, allowing for quicker responses in case of any issues.

5. Check if they offer color simulations and perspective drawings

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

08Reasons why Kakeru Koumuten is chosen for renovations of used houses in Bunkyo-ku

One reason is that Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also serves Bunkyo Ward,
and our unique approach to “renovating vacant and second-hand properties”
has received high praise from many customers.

1. Equipment Specialized for In-House Renovations

Kakeru Koumuten has organized warehouses and material storage areas to provide renovation work at appropriate prices and quality. In addition to our headquarters and showroom in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, we have three material storage locations in Aoba-ku and Asahi-ku.

In-House Scaffolding Materials

We can construct the necessary temporary scaffolding for exterior renovations 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.

Storage of Materials in Our Large Warehouse

We store roofing materials and paints, arranging supplies according to the construction details and timing. By utilizing our own warehouse, we have established a system that facilitates smooth material supply to the site and quick initial response in emergencies. We are also equipped with various tools that can handle different types of construction, such as 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 waste and recycling what is possible, striving for proper disposal and cost reduction.

Exterior Renovation Dedicated Showroom

In the showroom, you can not only have meetings but also check the actual paint colors and a wide range of catalogs. You can also confirm heat insulation properties using color simulation and heat-resistant paint testing equipment. The showroom is a 3-minute walk from Eda Station in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and is accessible from Tokyo as well.

2. In-house Construction System Focused on Exterior Work

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. has established a self-construction system focused on exterior work such as temporary scaffolding, exterior wall painting, and roof renovations. From the estimate to the completion of the work, a dedicated representative will serve as the point of contact, ensuring coordination with the site and quality control. For interior and equipment work, we collaborate with specialized partner companies depending on the nature of the project. The scope of work and construction system can be confirmed at the time of the estimate.

3. Acquisition of 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, giving us confidence in our construction techniques. We are capable of handling large-scale painting projects for factories and apartment complexes.

4. Warranty and Aftercare Maintenance

We provide warranties for eligible exterior wall painting and joint sealing work. The warranty period, coverage, and inspection conditions vary depending on the nature of the work. 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 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 from exterior walls.

6. Human Resource Development

We create various models for skill enhancement and conduct practical training. Since the construction methods and materials used for exterior renovations differ based on the existing materials and shapes, we regularly implement technical improvement education to ensure that each staff member can respond to various sites.
Click here for company information

7. Flexible simulations for both exterior and interior renovations!

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. is dedicated to helping our customers choose colors and designs for their important building renovations, both exterior and interior, to ensure their satisfaction.

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. We propose recommended simulations based on your preferred image, such as a modern style. Realistic perspectives are created from actual floor plans.

8. We also handle solar panel and battery installation work!

As part of renovations for used properties, more customers are introducing solar power systems that come with substantial subsidies. Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also handles solar power installation work and proposes 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 Bunkyo Ward | Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

10Features of Bunkyo-ku

Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, is known as an educational district with many institutions, including the University of Tokyo, and residential areas spread across Hongo, Koishikawa, and Mejirodai. Due to the presence of slopes and elevation differences, it may be necessary to check not only the buildings but also retaining walls, drainage, and material delivery.

For older homes, it is essential to consider seismic, insulation, and leak prevention measures according to the condition of the building. Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and offers renovations primarily focused on roofing and exterior work in various regions of Kanagawa Prefecture and Tokyo, including Bunkyo-ku.

Areas Available for Renovation

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests throughout Kanagawa Prefecture and Tokyo.

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