[Minami-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 Minami-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 Minami Ward, will clearly explain the key points for a successful renovation.

Obtain estimates from at least 3 companies!

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

Minami Ward in Yokohama is located on the southern side of the city center, featuring residential areas like Kōmyōji, Makita, and Idogaya that have a traditional town feel, making it one of the most densely populated wards in the city. Wooden houses are densely packed along the flatlands by the Ōoka River and on hills like Mutsukawa.

Many older wooden houses are at a generational transition point where reassessment of seismic resistance, fire prevention, and insulation is necessary. Therefore, in Minami Ward, there is the option to “buy an old wooden house and renovate (reform) it to suit your lifestyle.”

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 refurbished 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.” Older houses often have issues with roofs, exterior walls, and plumbing, making them less livable as they are. By renovating and upgrading the facilities and interiors, you can create a comfortable living environment. Additionally, by changing the layout and refreshing the interiors, 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 houses are often 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 intended for investment or business, 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 constructions, and depending on the use 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 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 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 work to identify hidden deterioration.

Point 3 Review Earthquake Resistance and Insulation Performance

In the renovation of used and vacant houses, particularly important 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.

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, 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 even with personal funds for certain works. Since these can sometimes be used in combination, it is essential to check in advance and plan to utilize them strategically as a key to 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 degree of deterioration 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 Supply Equipment

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 for 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 the construction menu and price list!

05[Latest 2026] Subsidies and Grants Available in Minami 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 for the latest information with our company or each relevant office before applying. Kakeru Koumuten can assist with confirming the systems and providing necessary documents, but the applicant and application methods 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

Roof Overlay Construction Case in Minami-ku

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

There are many renovation companies serving Aoba-ku, and it can be confusing to choose the right one. When requesting renovations, be sure to check the following five points.

1. Rich experience in renovation work

Many renovation contractors publish their work achievements on their websites. If a contractor provides detailed explanations of the process with photos, it makes it easier to visualize what to expect after the request, providing 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 the posts. In particular, Google reviews are useful, but do not make a decision based solely on reviews; consider the overall picture including work achievements, estimates, and warranty details.

2. Check for warranties and aftercare services

When choosing a contractor, be sure to check for the presence of a warranty. If you are within the warranty period, repairs may be done for free. The duration varies by contractor and paint, but typically ranges from 1 to 10 years (emergency repairs and partial repairs are often not covered). Some contractors also offer after-service separate from the warranty, so be sure to check that as well.

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. provides a warranty for all exterior renovations and sealing work. We also conduct after maintenance and send out annual notification DM, allowing for annual inspections.
For more details on Kakeru Koumuten’s warranty and after maintenance, click here

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 work, warranties, after-service, and prices can vary significantly. Having multiple estimates makes price negotiations easier.

When comparing estimates, it is important to look at not only 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 is crucial to not judge solely by price.
For more details on points to compare estimates, click here

4. Confirm whether the company conducts renovations in-house

At Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd., we carefully listen to and investigate the existing “condition,” “location,” “base material,” “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 work content and clearly defines the responsibilities for quality control and warranty. If the work is done in-house, it is easier to coordinate with the site, making it quicker to respond in case of any issues.

5. Check if they offer color simulations and perspective drawings

Choosing colors and visualizing the finished look for both exterior and interior can be challenging. With simulations, you can reduce the risk of disappointment from “it looks different than I imagined.” Since it is difficult to redo once the work is done, it is recommended to choose a company that can provide flexible simulations.

08Reasons Kakeru Koumuten is Chosen for Renovations of Used Houses in Minami Ward

One reason is that “Kakeru Koumuten is also close to Minami Ward,” 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

Kakeru Koumuten has organized warehouses and material storage to provide high-quality renovations at low costs. We have established five bases, including our Machida branch in Tokyo, centered around Aoba-ku, Yokohama.

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 scaffolding materials for approximately 50 single-family homes.

Materials stored in our large in-house warehouse

We store roofing materials and paints. By placing bulk orders, we can purchase 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 types of waste such as paint, wood, and metal are generated. While many contractors dispose of them all together, we separate and recycle waste materials, significantly reducing waste disposal costs.

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 resistance using color simulations and heat-resistant paint testing equipment. The showroom is a 3-minute walk from Eda Station in Aoba-ku, Yokohama. It is easily accessible from within Yokohama city.

2. Complete In-House Construction

A major strength of Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. 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. A single representative handles everything from the estimate to project completion, ensuring smooth communication without changes in sales or construction management. All work, from temporary scaffolding installation to exterior wall painting and roof renovations, is carried out by our own skilled craftsmen. 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 workers 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 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 confirmation.

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 we also accept emergency measures for sudden leaks from the exterior walls only.

6. Human Resource Development

We create various models to improve skills and conduct practical training. Since exterior renovations differ in construction methods and materials based on existing materials and shapes, we conduct regular skill enhancement training so that each staff member can respond to 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 combinations. 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 suggest recommended simulations. We create realistic perspectives from actual floor plans.

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

More customers are introducing solar equipment with substantial subsidies in line with renovations of used properties. Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also handles solar equipment installation 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 Minami-ku | Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

10Features of Minami-ku

Minami-ku, Yokohama, is located on the southern side of central Yokohama and is one of the most densely populated wards in the city, featuring traditional residential areas such as Kōmyōji, Makita, and Idogaya. Wooden single-family homes are densely packed along the flatlands of the Ōoka River and the hills of Mutsukawa.

As older wooden houses reach the generational transition period, there is a growing demand for renovations and second-hand homes that reassess seismic resistance, fire prevention, and insulation. Kakeru Koumuten has five locations, including our Machida branch in Tokyo, centered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and we also handle renovations in Minami-ku. We can carry out everything from temporary scaffolding to roof and exterior wall work with a comprehensive in-house system.

Areas We Can Renovate

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests from a wide range of areas in Kanagawa and Tokyo. The specifics of our service availability depend on the region and type of work, so please feel free to contact us.

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