[Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo] Renovation of Vacant Houses and Used Properties | Costs, Subsidies, and Case Studies

For those considering renovations of used properties and vacant houses in Shinagawa-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

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd., which serves Aoba-ku, Yokohama, will clearly explain the key points for a successful renovation to address these concerns.

Get at least 3 estimates!

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

Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, is a city in the southern area where wooden single-family residential areas coexist with areas undergoing redevelopment, centered around Oi, Osaki, Gotanda, and Togoshi. The charm lies in shopping streets like Togoshi Ginza and tranquil residential neighborhoods.

Wooden houses are now at a point where they require updates for earthquake resistance, insulation, and plumbing due to their age. This is why the option of “buying a used single-family home or condominium and renovating (renovating) it to suit your lifestyle” is expanding in Shinagawa-ku.

02Reasons for Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

In recent years, the housing market in Japan has expanded options not only for new constructions but also for utilizing renovated used properties. There is a 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 the roof, 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 evaluated at a low asset value as they are, but renovations can enhance their appearance and performance, increasing their value as properties.

Reason 3 To Utilize as Investment or Business

When purchasing for investment or business purposes, renovations are essential. By transforming into stylish rentals or share houses, you can differentiate 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 purpose and conditions, there may be subsidies or tax incentives available, leading to an increase in people utilizing vacant houses for business.

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 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 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 check which parts are deteriorating and to what extent in advance. Since the property has been lived in by someone else, internal damage is often not apparent without investigation. Conduct a current condition survey before starting construction to understand 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 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 construction 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 a portion of the costs for earthquake retrofitting, energy-saving renovations, and barrier-free modifications. Tax deductions include “housing loan tax deductions” when using a mortgage, and there are systems that allow for a portion of costs to 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 understand 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 of rooftops and updates to plumbing and wiring for the entire house may exceed the above estimates depending on area and method. Please confirm the exact costs through a free on-site survey and estimate.

Please check the construction menu and price list for more details!

05[Latest 2026] Subsidies and Grants Available in Shinagawa 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 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 related to insulation, windows, and water heaters may be eligible for these subsidies.

Tokyo Metropolitan Program

Shinagawa Ward Programs

06Customer Feedback

Roof Renovation Case Study in Shinagawa-ku

07How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor for Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Shinagawa-ku

There are many remodeling companies that serve Shinagawa-ku, and it can be confusing to choose the right one. When requesting remodeling, be sure to check the following five points.

1. Experience in Remodeling Work

Many remodeling 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’re uncertain, choose a contractor with ample experience.

Google and review sites can also be helpful. It’s important to check the content of low ratings, the company’s responses, and the timing of posts. Google reviews are particularly useful, but don’t 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 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 fixes 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. provides a warranty for all exterior renovations and sealing work. We also conduct aftercare maintenance and send out annual notification DM to ensure annual inspections are possible.
Click here for more details on Kakeru Koumuten’s warranty and aftercare maintenance

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-sales service, 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 undercoating materials, sealing materials, and paint for auxiliary parts,” and “confirm the process” in detail. Lowering the rank of auxiliary parts or skipping steps can reduce costs, so it is essential to not make judgments based solely on price.
Click here for detailed points on comparing estimates

4. Confirm whether the company performs renovations in-house

At Kakeru Koumuten, we conduct detailed hearings and investigations 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 work details 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 troubles.

5. Check if they offer color simulations and perspective drawings

Choosing colors and visualizing the image after construction 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 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 Shinagawa Ward

One reason is that Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. serves Shinagawa-ku, but
our unique approach to vacant house and used property renovations that cannot be imitated by other companies
has received high praise from many customers.

1. Equipment Specialized for In-House Renovations

At Kakeru Koumuten, we have organized warehouses and material storage to provide high-quality renovations at low costs. We have five bases for material storage and showrooms within Yokohama City.

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 own scaffolding materials for approximately 50 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 a lower cost, and since we always have stock available, we can respond quickly in emergencies. We are also equipped with various tools that can handle different types of construction, including compressors and cleaning machines.

In-house waste separation

During exterior renovations, various types of waste such as paint, wood, and metal are generated. While many contractors dispose of them all together, our company separates and recycles waste, significantly reducing waste disposal costs.

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 resistance using color simulations and heat-resistant paint testing machines. 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 project management. All work, from temporary scaffolding installation to exterior 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 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, 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

Exterior painting and joint sealing work come with a warranty. Aftercare is available annually, and we send out notification DM each year. If you have concerns about the warranty, please click the image above for more information.

5. Flexible and Prompt Response

We are equipped to handle various exterior troubles and situations. If access to the roof is not possible due to height, we can respond using a drone. For leak investigations, we also use a thermal imaging camera. We respond according to our customers’ wishes and we also accept emergency measures for sudden leaks from the exterior walls.

6. Human Resource Development

We create various models to enhance skills 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 create color simulations for exterior wall painting, as well as simulations for metal siding and roof overlays. We can generate simulations from actual photos of your building and propose several color patterns based on 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 provide simulations and perspective drawings for interior renovations. Based on your preferred style, such as modern, we suggest recommended simulations. We create realistic perspectives from actual floor plans.

8. Solar Panel and Storage Battery Installation Services Available!

More customers are introducing solar equipment with generous subsidies in conjunction with renovations of used properties. Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also handles solar equipment installation and proposes solar panels tailored to the shape of your roof. We can also accept requests for estimates and the creation of power generation simulations only.

空き家を放置すると、劣化や損傷が進行しやすく、周辺環境にも悪影響を及ぼす可能性があります。特に、雨漏りやシロアリの被害が発生することが多く、これらは放置すると修繕費用が高額になることがあります。また、空き家は不法侵入や火災のリスクも高まるため、早めの対策が重要です。