[Kanagawa Prefecture, Ashigarakami District, Hakone Town] Renovation of Vacant Houses and Used Properties | Costs, Subsidies, and Case Studies

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

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 in Hakone Town, will clearly explain the key points for a successful renovation.

Obtain at least 3 estimates!

01Reasons for the Increase in Renovations of Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Hakone Town

Hakone Town is a premier hot spring resort area in Japan, surrounded by mountains with many villas and health resorts. Residential homes and villas nestled in nature are scattered across areas with varying elevations such as Gora, Sengokuhara, Miyanoshta, and Yumoto.

Old wooden houses and villas in the mountains are at a stage where they require seismic, insulation, and moisture control improvements, and the demand for relocation, dual residences, and villa revitalization is increasing. This is why the option of “buying a used detached house or villa and renovating (renovating) it to suit your lifestyle” is expanding in Hakone Town.

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 a growing interest in the lifestyle of purchasing used houses and renovating or remodeling them. 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 upgrading the facilities and interior, you can create a comfortable living environment. Additionally, by changing the layout and refreshing the interior, you can achieve a home that suits your family’s lifestyle at a lower cost 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 as they are, but renovations can improve 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 an increase in profitability. Initial costs can be lower than new constructions, and depending on the purpose and conditions, they may also 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 that 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 that can carry out the work thoroughly according to your wishes, the structure of the house, and the surrounding environment, and that also provides aftercare following the construction.

Point 2 Always Check the Condition 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, 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 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 work and be sure to check the 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 retrofitting, energy-saving construction, and barrier-free renovations may be supported. 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 plan to utilize them strategically for a successful 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 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 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 used. Please confirm the exact costs through a free on-site survey and estimate.

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

05[Latest 2026] Subsidies and Grants Available in Hakone Town

* The following information is as of September 8, 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 providing necessary documents, but the applicants 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.

Hakone Town Program

06Customer Voices

Exterior Renovation Case Study in Hakone Town

07How to Choose a Renovation Contractor for Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Hakone Town

There are many renovation companies that serve Hakone Town, and it can be confusing to decide which one to choose. When requesting renovations, be sure to check the following 5 points.

1. Have 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 makes it easier to visualize the outcome after the request, giving you peace of mind. For those who are anxious, it’s advisable to 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 the posts. In particular, Google reviews are useful, but don’t make a decision based solely on reviews; assess 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 generally 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 for those 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, allowing for annual inspections.
Click here for more details on Kakeru Koumuten’s warranties and after-sales maintenance

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

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

When comparing estimates, look 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” in detail. Lowering the rank of ancillary parts or skipping steps can reduce costs, so it’s important not to judge solely based on price.
Click here to see detailed points for comparing estimates

4. Confirm whether the contractor 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 most suitable plan. While there is no inherent problem with the system of subcontractors performing the work, it is essential to confirm whether the contracted company understands the scope of work and clearly defines the responsibilities for quality control and guarantees. If we handle the construction ourselves, it becomes easier to coordinate with the site, allowing for a swift response 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. With simulations, you can reduce the risk of the outcome being “different from the image.” 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 Hakone Town

One reason is that “Kakeru Koumuten also serves Hakone Town,”
but we also have “initiatives in renovating vacant houses and used properties that other companies cannot replicate,”
which has received high praise from many customers.

1. Equipment Specialized for In-House Renovations

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. has organized warehouses and material storage to provide high-quality renovations at low costs. 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 have scaffolding materials for approximately 50 detached houses.

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 are also equipped with various tools such as compressors and cleaning machines to handle different types of work.

In-house waste separation

In exterior renovations, various types of waste such as paint, wood, and metal are generated. Our company strives to reduce environmental impact and disposal costs by properly separating waste and recycling materials that can be repurposed.

Showroom dedicated to exterior renovations

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

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 aim to provide high-quality renovations at reduced costs. One dedicated representative handles everything from estimates to project completion, ensuring smooth communication without changes in sales or construction management. Our skilled craftsmen perform tasks such as temporary scaffolding setup, 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 on staff, ensuring confidence in our construction techniques. We are capable of handling large-scale painting projects for factories and multi-unit residential buildings.

4. Warranty and Aftercare Maintenance

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 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 altitudes, 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 .

6. Human Resource Development

We create various models to enhance skills and conduct practical training. Since exterior renovations differ in construction methods and materials based on existing materials and shapes, we regularly implement technical improvement education 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 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 the actual color tones.

7-2. Interior Renovation Simulation

We also support simulations and perspective drawings for interior renovations. We will propose recommended simulations based on your preferred image, such as a modern style. Realistic perspectives will be created from actual floor plans.

8. Solar Panel and Storage Battery Installation Work Available!

More customers are introducing solar power systems, which have generous subsidies, in conjunction with renovations of used properties. Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also handles solar power installation work 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 Hakone Town | Frequently Asked Questions

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

View Kakeru Koumuten’s project examples
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10Features of Hakone Town

Hakone Town is one of Japan’s leading hot spring tourist destinations, surrounded by mountains with many villas and resorts. In areas with elevation differences such as Gora, Sengokuhara, Miyanoshita, and Yumoto, homes and villas nestled in nature are scattered throughout.

Old wooden houses and villas in the mountains are reaching a generational transition, increasing the demand for seismic and insulation upgrades for used properties, as well as renovation and restoration of villas. Kakeru Koumuten, headquartered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, widely accepts exterior and interior renovations throughout Kanagawa Prefecture. We are capable of in-house construction primarily focused on exterior work such as roofs and walls.

Areas Available for Renovation

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests throughout Kanagawa and Tokyo prefectures.

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