An Affordable Central Tokyo Condo After Recent Renovation

For those intrigued by the prospect of living in the heart of Tokyo, this recently renovated 1DK (one bedroom with a combined dining/kitchen area) condo unit offers an intriguing option at 1,680万円 ($106,000 USD).

Located in Sumida-ku in central Tokyo, the 24m² (260 sq ft) corner unit is in an 8th floor walk-up in an older 1972 building, but has been fully modernized with a new kitchen, bathroom, flooring and more as of May 2024.

Check out the listing here

While compact by Western standards, the updated 1DK layout is typical for the dense urban neighborhoods of central Tokyo. The location is extremely convenient, just a 4-minute walk from the Monzen-Nakacho station on the Tozai subway line, and 11 minutes from the iconic Tokyo Skytree tower. A 7-Eleven convenience store sits right next door.

The unit’s efficient footprint includes a combined living/dining room with a new system kitchen (2-burner stovetop) and bathroom with a drying ventilation unit.

Other features include wall-mounted air conditioning units, automated bathroom facilities, and a small balcony. At ¥70,390 ($4,400 USD) per square meter, it aligns with pricing for renovated resale condos in the area.

The 8th floor corner position offers some openness with windows on two sides, though be aware the building has no elevator. The trade-off is more privacy without street-level pedestrians able to see directly inside. The building was constructed in 1972 using reinforced concrete, which is aging but still the standard for older mid-rise residential buildings across Tokyo.

Monthly homeowner association fees are ¥8,030 ($51 USD), plus ¥2,170 ($14 USD) for the building’s repair reserve fund. Utilities are separate. The unit is offered for outright purchase only, without options for ground leasing or other financing from the seller.

While snug by international standards and located in an older building, renovated condos like this offering affordable urban living in central Tokyo locations. The convenient access to multiple rail lines makes it an option for commuting across the city. The price point of 1,680万円 ($106,000 USD) could appeal to budget-conscious singles, couples or investors intrigued by the unique Tokyo lifestyle despite the small footprint.