[Shibuya-ku, Tokyo] Vacant & Used Homes: Renovation Costs, Grants & Projects

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

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 these concerns, Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd., which also serves Shibuya-ku, will clearly explain the key points for a successful renovation.

Always obtain at least 3 estimates!

01Reasons for the Increase in Renovations of Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Shibuya-ku

Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, is a sophisticated urban area that includes Shibuya, Ebisu, Yoyogi, and Sasazuka. From high-end residential areas like Shoto and Hiroo to residential neighborhoods in Sasazuka and Hatagaya, a diverse living environment is available.

The housing in Shibuya-ku has reached a time when seismic and thermal insulation improvements and equipment updates are necessary. This is why the option of “buying used detached houses or apartments and enhancing their quality through renovation” is expanding in Shibuya-ku.

02Reasons for Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

In recent years, the Japanese housing market has expanded options not only for new builds but also for utilizing renovated used properties. There is growing interest in living in renovated or refurbished 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 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 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

More people are purchasing and renovating used properties with the intention of selling them. Used homes 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 aimed at investment or business, renovations are essential. By transforming properties into stylish rentals or share houses, you can differentiate them from others, and depending on the location and planning, you may also expect improved profitability. Initial costs can be lower than new construction, and depending on the purpose and conditions, there may also be subsidies and tax incentives available, leading to an increase in those 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 Condition of the Building

For used properties and vacant houses, it is crucial to check which parts have deteriorated and to what extent in advance. Since there have been other occupants, internal damage is often not apparent without investigation. Conduct a current condition survey before starting work to understand any hidden deterioration.

Point 3 Review Earthquake Resistance and Insulation Performance

In the renovation of used and vacant houses, it is particularly important to review earthquake resistance and insulation. The earthquake resistance standards were significantly revised in 1981, and homes built before then 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 retrofitting, energy-saving renovations, and barrier-free modifications are supported. 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 crucial 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 costs 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 for 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 Shibuya Ward

*The following information is as of September 2, 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 the respective offices before applying. Kakeru Koumuten can assist with confirming the systems and providing necessary documents, but the applicant and application methods may vary by system.

National Program: Housing Energy Saving 2026 Campaign

The government is implementing several 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.

Tokyo Metropolitan Program

Shibuya Ward Programs

06Customer Voices

Roof Renovation Case Studies in Shibuya-ku

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

There are many renovation companies that serve Shibuya, and it can be confusing to decide which one to choose. When requesting renovations, 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 makes it easier to visualize the project after hiring and provides 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; evaluate them comprehensively along with the company’s track record, estimates, and warranty details.

2. Confirm whether there is a warranty and aftercare service

When choosing a contractor, be sure to check for warranty availability. 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 aftercare services separate from the warranty, so be sure to check that as well.

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. provides a warranty for exterior renovations and sealing work. We also conduct aftercare services and send out annual notification DM, making annual inspections possible.
Click here for more details on Kakeru Koumuten’s warranty and aftercare services

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, aftercare services, and costs can vary significantly. Having multiple estimates makes price negotiations easier.

When comparing estimates, it is important to look at not just the costs, but also the “items in the estimate,” “check the undercoat materials, sealing materials, and auxiliary paint,” and “confirm the process.” Lowering the rank of auxiliary parts or skipping steps can reduce costs, so it is crucial to not make decisions based solely on price.
Click here for detailed points on comparing estimates

4. Confirm whether the work is done in-house

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. conducts detailed hearings and surveys on the existing “condition,” “location,” “materials,” “desired durability,” and “design” to propose the most suitable plan. While there is no inherent problem with the system where partner companies perform the construction, it is essential to confirm whether the contracted company understands the construction details and clearly defines the responsibilities for quality control and guarantees. If the construction is done in-house, it becomes easier to coordinate with the site, allowing for a quicker response in case of any troubles.

5. Do they support color simulations and perspective creation?

Choosing colors and envisioning the post-construction image can be challenging for both exterior and interior work. 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 construction is done, it is recommended to choose a company that can provide flexible simulations.

08Reasons why Kakeru Koumuten is chosen for remodeling used houses in Shibuya-ku

One reason is that “Kakeru Koumuten also serves Shibuya-ku,” but
“our unique approach to remodeling vacant and used properties that cannot be imitated by other companies”
has received high praise from many customers.

1. Equipment specialized for in-house remodeling

Kakeru Koumuten has established warehouses and material storage to provide high-quality remodeling at low costs. We have five bases mainly in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, covering Kanagawa Prefecture and Tokyo.

In-house ownership of 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 detached houses.

Materials stored in our large in-house warehouse

We store roofing materials and paints. By placing large orders at once, 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. Our company is committed to separating waste by type for recycling, working towards proper disposal and cost reduction.

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 insulation paint testing machine and color simulation. The showroom is a 3-minute walk from Eda Station in Aoba-ku, Yokohama. It is also accessible from within Tokyo.

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 delivering 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 setup 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 and painting specialists on staff, ensuring confidence in our construction techniques. We are capable of handling large-scale painting projects for factories and apartment complexes.

4. Warranty and Aftercare

Exterior painting and joint sealing work come with a warranty. Aftercare is available annually, and we send out notification DM every year. If you are concerned 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. Even if you cannot access the roof at high places, we can respond using a drone. For leak investigations, we also use a thermal imaging camera. 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 exterior renovations differ in construction methods and materials based on existing materials and shapes, we regularly implement technical training to ensure each staff member can handle various sites.
Click here for company overview

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 “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 image, such as a modern style, we will propose recommended simulations. We create realistic perspectives based on actual floor plans.

8. Solar Panel and Storage Battery Installation Work Available!

More customers are introducing solar equipment with generous 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 Shibuya Ward | Frequently Asked Questions

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

See Kakeru Koumuten’s case studies
View our service menu and price list

10Features of Shibuya-ku

Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, is a sophisticated urban area that includes Shibuya, Ebisu, Yoyogi, and Sasazuka. From upscale residential areas like Shoto and Hiroo to residential neighborhoods like Sasazuka and Hatagaya, a diverse living environment spreads across the area.

In Shibuya-ku, reviewing the seismic and insulation standards of homes and updating facilities can lead to renovations that enhance the quality of purchased second-hand houses and apartments. Kakeru Koumuten is headquartered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and we broadly accept exterior and interior renovations throughout Kanagawa and Tokyo. We can perform all work in-house, including wall covering methods.

Areas We Serve for Renovations

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests throughout Kanagawa and Tokyo.

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