[Kamakura City] Renovation of Vacant Houses and Used Properties | Costs, Subsidies, and Case Studies

For those considering renovations of used properties and vacant houses in Kamakura

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 available.

For such concerns, Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd., which also serves Kamakura City, will clearly explain the key points for a successful renovation.

Get at least 3 estimates!

01Reasons for the Increase in Renovations of Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Kamakura City

Kamakura City is known as the ancient capital of the Kamakura Shogunate, surrounded by hills on three sides and Sagami Bay to the south, a town rich in history and nature. Areas like Kamakura, Ofuna, and Koshigoe each have their unique charm, making them popular residential areas.

In old wooden houses built on the slopes of valleys (yato) or along the coast, it is necessary to consider earthquake resistance, insulation, salt damage, and humidity based on the age and location of the building. Therefore, when purchasing a used detached house in Kamakura City, checking the condition of the building and considering renovation (rehabilitation) options to suit your lifestyle is a viable choice.

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 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.” Old houses often have issues with the roof, exterior walls, and plumbing, making them difficult to live in as they are. By renovating and upgrading the facilities and interior, 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

There are cases where used properties are purchased and renovated for the purpose of resale. Depending on the condition of the building and demand, appropriate renovations can enhance the appearance and performance, leading to an increase in property valuation.

Reason 3 To Utilize as Investment or Business

Another method is to purchase and renovate used properties for investment or business purposes. By transforming them into stylish rentals or share houses, you can differentiate from other properties, and depending on the location and business plan, you may expect improved profitability. Depending on the use and conditions, there may be subsidies or tax incentives available.

03Points to Note 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 second-hand 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 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 second-hand properties and vacant houses, it is crucial to check which parts are 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 work to identify any hidden deterioration.

Point 3 Review Earthquake Resistance and Insulation Performance

Particularly important in the renovation of second-hand 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 earthquake resistance and insulation performance.

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-resistant renovations, energy-saving construction, and barrier-free renovations are supported. Tax deductions include “housing loan tax deductions” when using a housing loan, and there are systems that allow for partial deductions of 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, see this subsidy section).

04 Cost Estimates for Renovating Vacant Houses and Second-Hand Properties

The renovation costs for second-hand properties and vacant houses vary significantly based on the extent of damage and the scope of work. First, please understand the approximate market prices 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 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 based on 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 Kamakura City

*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 the official pages or contact points for the latest information before applying. Kakeru Koumuten can assist with confirming systems and necessary documents, but the applicant and application methods 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 when used in combination.

Kamakura City Program

06Customer Voices

Examples of Roof Overlay Construction in Kamakura City

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

There are many renovation companies that serve Kamakura City, and it can be difficult to decide which one to choose. When requesting a renovation, be sure to check the following 5 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 can help you visualize the outcome after the project, giving you peace of mind. If you have concerns, choose a contractor with ample 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 are useful, 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 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 in addition to warranties, so be sure to check that as well.

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. offers warranties tailored to the scope of work and materials used. We also provide after-sales maintenance, sending out annual notification DM for inspection consultations. The warranty period and coverage vary by project, so please confirm during the estimate.
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 a renovation, be sure to obtain estimates from multiple contractors. Even for the same scope of work, warranties, after-sales services, and prices can vary significantly. Having multiple estimates can also make price negotiations easier.

When comparing estimates, it’s important to look closely at not only the cost 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 components or skipping steps can reduce costs, so it’s essential to not judge solely based on the amount.
Learn more about the points to compare in estimates

4. Check if the company performs renovations in-house

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. conducts detailed hearings and surveys regarding the existing “condition,” “location,” “base materials,” “desired durability,” and “design” to propose the optimal 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 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 a quicker response in case of any troubles.

5. Check if they offer 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 renovations of used houses in Kamakura

One reason is that “Kakeru Koumuten also serves Kamakura City,” but
there are also “initiatives in the renovation of 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 Renovation

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. has organized warehouses and material storage areas to provide high-quality renovations at low cost. We have 5 bases located in Kanagawa Prefecture and Tokyo, including Aoba-ku, Yokohama and Machida City, Tokyo.

In-House Scaffolding Materials

We can construct the temporary scaffolding necessary 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 have scaffolding materials for approximately 50 detached houses.

Storage of Materials 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. While many contractors dispose of them all together, our company significantly reduces waste disposal costs by sorting and recycling waste materials.

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 color simulation and heat insulation paint testing equipment. The showroom is a 3-minute walk from Eda Station in Aoba-ku, Yokohama.

2. Complete In-House Construction

A major strength of Kakeru Koumuten is our complete in-house construction. 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 are no changes in the sales or construction management personnel, allowing for smooth communication. From temporary scaffolding installation to exterior wall painting and roof renovations, all work is carried out by our own skilled craftsmen. We are confident in our plans and costs, so we welcome competitive estimates.

3. Various Permits Obtained & Skilled Workers on Staff

We have obtained licenses for construction work and 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 can handle large-scale painting projects for factories and apartment complexes.

4. Warranty and Aftercare

For exterior wall painting and joint sealing work, we offer warranties tailored to the specifics of the project and materials used. We send out annual notification DM and are available for aftercare consultations. Warranty periods and coverage vary by project, so please click on the image above for details.

5. Flexible and Prompt Response

We are equipped to handle various exterior troubles and situations. If access to the roof is not possible, we can use a drone. For leak investigations, we also utilize a thermal imaging camera. We respond according to customer requests and can provide emergency measures for sudden leaks from exterior walls.

6. Human Resource Development

To enhance skills, we create various models and conduct practical training. Since exterior renovations require different methods and materials based on existing materials and shapes, we conduct regular skill enhancement training to ensure each staff member can adapt to various sites.
Click here for company information

7. Flexible Simulations for Both Exterior and Interior!

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

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 color patterns based on our recommendations. We also accommodate requests for “test painting” and “sample board arrangements” to check the actual color tones.

7-2. Interior Renovation Simulation

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

8. Solar Panel and Storage Battery Installation Work Available!

There are ways to incorporate solar power systems along with renovations of used properties. Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also handles solar power system installations and can 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 Kamakura City | Frequently Asked Questions

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

View Kakeru Koumuten’s project examples
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10Features of Kamakura City

Kamakura City is known as the ancient capital of the Kamakura Shogunate, surrounded by hills on three sides and Sagami Bay to the south, a town rich in history and nature. It is a popular residential area with different characteristics in regions such as Kamakura, Ofuna, and Koshigoe.

In the sloped areas of the valleys and along the coast with old wooden houses, renovations that consider earthquake resistance, insulation, salt damage, and humidity are important. Kakeru Koumuten is headquartered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and we undertake exterior and interior renovations primarily in Kanagawa and Tokyo. We handle exterior renovations such as roofs and walls with in-house construction.

Areas We Can Serve for Renovations

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests primarily in Kanagawa and Tokyo. The availability of services may vary depending on the region and type of work, so please contact us for more details.

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