Nikkei Asia reports that the majority of penthouse owners in approximately 300 high-rise residential buildings in central Tokyo and Osaka have paid for their properties in cash. This trend is contributing to a surge in luxury real estate demand and rising prices in these key Japanese cities.

One notable example is Emiko Shibamura, owner of a health food retail company, who purchased a 200-square-meter penthouse unit on the top floor of a 48-story condominium in Osaka entirely in cash about ten years ago. The prevalence of cash transactions among wealthy buyers, including foreigners, is a significant factor in the current market dynamics.

This pattern highlights the strong purchasing power within the luxury property segment in Tokyo and Osaka, underscoring a robust appetite for high-end real estate investments.

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