08/28/2026
🏡 Are there really no old homes in Japan?
Many Japanese homes lose most of their market value after only a few decades and are then demolished. The land may remain valuable, while the house itself is eventually replaced.
Meanwhile, Canadian homes can easily remain standing for 150 plus years. Imagine considering a 30-year-old home ready for demolition...Here in Canada, we might just call it a great renovation project.
That doesn’t mean Japan has no historic homes. It does. But compared with Canada, homes are much more likely to be torn down and rebuilt rather than renovated and preserved.
Earthquake standards, changing building codes and a preference for new construction also contribute to Japan’s rebuild culture.
Real estate is fascinating. What feels completely normal in one country can be very different somewhere else!
Christine | Your Key to Real Estate 🔑