Taiwanese Buyers Dominate Tokyo Real Estate Market, Controlling Two-Thirds of Foreign Purchases in H1 2025

According to Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism cited by Nikkei Asia, Taiwanese buyers accounted for roughly two-thirds of foreign purchasers of newly built condominiums in central Tokyo as of the first half of 2025. Taiwanese investors acquired 192 new apartments across Tokyo's 23 wards during this period, marking an 82% increase from full-year 2024 sales.

The surge reflects Taiwan's semiconductor boom centered on TSMC, which has driven strong demand in AI chips and bolstered the local economy. Taiwan's Taiex index gained 62% in 2026 year-to-date. Combined with favorable exchange rates, geopolitical hedging concerns, and reduced competition from mainland Chinese investors, Japanese real estate has emerged as a natural investment destination for wealthy Taiwanese. The Japan Ministry of Justice will require foreign property buyers to present passports and declare nationality starting October 2026.