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

For those considering renovation of used properties and vacant houses in Shinjuku

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 serves Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, will clearly explain the points to consider when planning a renovation.

Let’s compare estimates, guarantees, and proposals from multiple companies

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

Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, is a city where a skyline of skyscrapers coexists with quiet residential areas such as Ochiai, Kagurazaka, and Ushigome. The hilly terrain retains wooden single-family homes and alleys, creating a charming historical streetscape.

In Shinjuku-ku, there are wooden houses and apartments that have aged, making it important to consider seismic, fire prevention, and thermal insulation performance before planning renovations. When purchasing a used property, it is essential to plan renovations (renovations) while checking the condition of the building and legal requirements.

02Reasons for Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

In recent years, the housing market in Japan has expanded options not only for new builds but also for utilizing renovated used properties. There is a growing interest in living in renovated or refurbished used homes. Here, we explain typical reasons for renovating vacant houses and used properties.

Reason 1 To live comfortably as your own home

One of the main reasons for purchasing and renovating a used property is “to live comfortably.” Older homes may have issues with the roof, exterior walls, or plumbing, making them difficult to live in as they are. By renovating and improving the facilities and interior, and possibly changing the layout, you can aim for a home that suits your family’s lifestyle. Costs vary depending on the property’s condition and the scope of renovations, so it is important to compare the purchase price and construction costs together.

Reason 2 To enhance asset value for resale

There are cases where a used property is purchased and renovated for the purpose of resale. Renovations can improve appearance and performance, but the resale price and ease of sale are also influenced by location, demand, and the scope of work. Since it is not guaranteed that you will recover the construction costs, it is advisable to decide on the scope of renovations in consultation with a real estate company.

Reason 3 To utilize as an investment or business

There are also methods to renovate used properties for investment or business purposes, utilizing them as rental housing or share houses. Consider the income and expenses, including acquisition costs, renovation costs, maintenance costs, and expected rent, and confirm compliance with building codes and fire laws. Depending on the use and conditions, there may be cases where subsidies or tax incentives apply.

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 carry out 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 confirm which parts are deteriorating and to what extent in advance. 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 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 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, supporting part of the costs for earthquake retrofitting, energy-saving construction, and barrier-free renovations. 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 essential to check in advance and plan to utilize them strategically for a successful renovation (for the latest information, please refer to 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 typical single-family homes. The interior is based on a room of about 6 tatami mats, and the exterior is based on the stated 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 and Infrastructure

5. Waterproofing and 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 an on-site survey and estimate.

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

05[Latest 2026] Subsidies and Grants Available in Shinjuku 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 the official pages and contact points for the latest information before contracting or starting work. The application conditions, methods, and compatibility with other systems vary by system.

National System: Housing Energy Saving 2026 Campaign

The government is implementing multiple subsidy programs targeting energy-efficient renovations as part of the “Housing Energy Saving 2026 Campaign.” Renovations involving insulation, windows, and water heaters may be eligible for these subsidies.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Programs

Shinjuku Ward Programs

06Customer Feedback

Roof Overlay Construction Case in Shinjuku Ward

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

There are many renovation companies that serve Shinjuku, 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 project results on their websites. If a contractor provides detailed explanations of the process with photos, it can help you visualize the outcome after the request, 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 the posts. Google reviews are particularly useful, but do not make your decision based solely on reviews; consider the project results, 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. The scope, duration, and disclaimers of the warranty vary depending on the work performed, materials used, and the scope of construction. Some contractors also offer after-sales services separate from warranties, so be sure to confirm the details in writing.

Kakeru Koumuten provides warranties and after-sales maintenance tailored to the scope of work. You can check the detailed conditions regarding coverage and duration in the warranty and estimate before signing the contract.
Click here for more details on Kakeru Koumuten’s warranties and after-sales maintenance

3. Obtain estimates from multiple contractors

When requesting renovations, be sure to obtain estimates from multiple contractors. Even for the same scope of work, warranties, after-sales service, and costs may vary. By comparing multiple proposals, it becomes easier to assess the scope of work and the reasonableness of costs.

When comparing estimates, not only the costs but also the “items in the estimate,” “confirmation of primer materials, sealing materials, and auxiliary paint,” and “confirmation of the process” should be examined closely. Lowering the rank of auxiliary parts or skipping processes can reduce costs, so it is important not to make judgments based solely on price.
Learn more about the points to compare estimates

4. Confirm the Construction System and Responsibility

At Kakeru Koumuten, we conduct detailed hearings and investigations regarding the existing “condition,” “location,” “base materials,” “desired durability,” and “design,” and propose plans that meet the conditions. 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 scope of work and clearly defines the responsibilities for quality control and warranties. If the work is done in-house, it becomes easier to coordinate with the site and respond to any potential issues.

5. Do 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 Shinjuku Ward

One reason is that Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also serves Shinjuku Ward,
and we have a construction system and equipment to support renovations of vacant houses and used properties
which has received high praise from many customers.

1. Equipment Specialized for In-House Renovations

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. has established warehouses and material storage areas for quality control of renovation work and smooth material procurement. We have five bases, including a showroom in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, a Machida store, and material storage areas in Aoba-ku and Asahi-ku, Yokohama.

In-House Scaffolding Materials

We can construct temporary scaffolding, which is often necessary for exterior renovations, using our own scaffolding materials and in-house scaffolding team. This system makes it easier to keep outsourcing costs down depending on the construction conditions. We own scaffolding materials for approximately 50 detached houses.

Storage of Materials in Our Large Warehouse

We store some roofing materials and paints, arranging materials according to the content of the work. By managing the necessary materials and tools in-house, we have established a system that allows for easy responses according to the site conditions. We also have various tools available to handle different types of construction, such as 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 the 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, and is accessible from Tokyo as well.

2. Comprehensive System Focused on Exterior Construction

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. provides a comprehensive response from inquiries to on-site surveys, estimates, construction management, and aftercare. We have established an in-house construction system centered on exterior work such as temporary scaffolding, roofs, and exterior walls, and collaborate with specialized partner companies according to the content of the work. Even for renovations that include interior work and residential equipment, Kakeru Koumuten acts as the point of contact to manage processes and quality.

3. Various Permits Obtained and Skilled Workers on Staff

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

We offer warranties based on the scope of work, materials used, and construction details. The warranty period, coverage, and disclaimers vary for each project, and we will provide this information in writing before the contract. For detailed information on aftercare, please click on the image above.

5. Flexible and Prompt Response

We are equipped to handle various exterior issues and situations. Even if you cannot access the roof at high altitudes, we can respond using a drone. For leak investigations, we also utilize a thermal imaging camera. We respond according to our customers’ wishes 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 involve different 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 information

7. Flexible Simulations for Both Exterior and Interior!

Kakeru Koumuten 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 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 suggest several color patterns based on our recommendations. 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. Based on your preferred image, such as a modern style, we will propose recommended simulations. We create realistic perspectives from actual floor plans.

8. Solar Panel and Storage Battery Installation Work Available!

Some people consider installing solar equipment in conjunction with the renovation of used properties. At Kakeru Koumuten, we propose solar panels after checking the roof shape, sunlight conditions, and the condition of the existing roof. Since there are budgets, deadlines, and eligibility requirements for the system, please check the latest information if you plan to use subsidies. You can also consult us about estimates and creating power generation simulations.

09Renovation of Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Shinjuku Ward | Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

10Features of Shinjuku-ku

Shinjuku-ku in Tokyo is a city where a skyline of skyscrapers coexists with tranquil residential areas such as Ochiai, Kagurazaka, and Ushigome. The hilly terrain retains wooden detached houses and alleys, adding to the charm of its historic streets.

As wooden houses reach a generational transition, there is a growing demand for renovations that reassess seismic resistance, fire prevention, and insulation. Kakeru Koumuten is headquartered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and we undertake exterior and interior renovations primarily in Kanagawa and Tokyo Prefectures. We have established an in-house construction system focused on exterior work such as roofs and walls, and we manage construction in collaboration with specialized partner companies according to the content of the work.

Areas Available for Renovation Services

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests throughout Kanagawa and Tokyo Prefectures.

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