PERE’s 2025 Japan report highlights how the market is adapting to shifting interest rates

Japan’s real estate market is in the midst of a transformation as the Bank of Japan raises its key interest rate. While rising capital costs typically lead to caution, Japan’s real estate fundamentals remain resilient. Investors are closely watching how cap rates will respond, but with robust rental growth across key asset classes and positive yield spreads over debt costs, the market continues to offer compelling opportunities in specific strategies.

INSIDE THE JAPAN REPORT

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Japan remains the top Asia-Pacific destination for investors, who are needed now more than ever as the country looks to decarbonize its real estate sector – an undertaking with no shortage of challenges, but which also presents a great many opportunities.

Stability and scale help Japan’s real estate market hold a competitive edge

Japan remains the top choice in Asia-Pacific, despite tight cap rates and rising interest rates.

Unified Industrial on strong foundations supporting growth in Japan

A steady economy and record occupier demand for Japanese logistics put the sector in a strong position for the future, say Unified Industrial's Joshua Olsan and Hiroshi Takizawa.

The rising role of private J-REITs

Japan’s private real estate investment trusts have been more active than their listed counterparts in recent years, fueled by plentiful, cautious domestic capital.

LaSalle: Stable Japan appeals across multiple sectors

The return of steady inflation to Japan will put pressure on asset management skills, but there are opportunities across the board, says LaSalle’s Kunihiko Okumura.

An uphill battle with decarbonization targets

Owners are working to make their buildings more efficient, but a shortage of regulation and renewable energy is challenging.

Japan’s real estate market remains as diverse as ever. Our latest Japan report showcases a country that despite facing headwinds, is keen to tackle the challenges both creatively and resiliently, to show the world its full potential.

Four key takeaways from the Japan report

Japan’s real estate market is at a crossroads in several key areas: decarbonization, digitalization and J-REIT disruption.

Slim pickings in the J-REIT market

Japan has seen its first real estate investment trust M&A deals, but such transactions are likely to remain a rarity.

GAW Capital: Adding value in Japan

Some of the best real estate investing opportunities can be found in Japan, but investors need to add value in order to counter the impact of rising inflation and potential cap rate expansion, says Gaw Capital’s Isabella Lo.

Japan’s long road to net zero

Real estate managers face important challenges to cut emissions under the country’s latest target, but the ambitious goal is not impossible to achieve.

BentallGreenOak: Japan is a unique opportunity

Japan’s positive lending environment, coupled with great infrastructure and governance reforms, creates a compelling and broad investment opportunity, says BentallGreenOak’s Fred Schmidt.

Warehouses and data centers are surging in popularity as private real estate investors look to capitalize on Japan’s latest trends. The government is driving a data center building boom, while the nation’s logistics facilities are in need of modernizing. Meanwhile, the ever-popular multifamily residential and office sectors both remain attractive to investors, particularly those who can add value through ESG improvements.

Warehouses and data centers are taking center stage in Japan

But a spotlight still shines on multifamily.

Savills Investment Management on seeking stability in multifamily

Japan’s multifamily residential market has weathered the pandemic and continues to offer stable returns, especially in Tokyo’s large and liquid market, say Tadaaki Kurozumi and Tom Silecchia.

Japan’s regional opportunity: looking beyond Tokyo

Highly competitive pricing in Tokyo has led to growing interest in Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka, especially where there are demographic tailwinds.

BentallGreenOak: Japan’s office market is ready for an ESG revolution

Japan’s continued urbanization is driving real estate investment with environmental and social performance in mind, says BentallGreenOak’s Fred Schmidt, and it makes Japan’s largest cities a key focal point for imagining a more sustainable future.

Carbon reduction follows the money

Underscored by aggressive government goals to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, tenants, buyers and investors are driving environmental initiatives for real estate managers in Japan.

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