Existing home transaction volume edges higher
Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism released its July 2026 Existing Home Sales Volume Index on October 30. Nationwide sales volume increased 0.2% from the previous month. The index uses ownership transfer registration records to measure transactions involving existing residential buildings acquired by individuals. Seasonal adjustments help distinguish underlying monthly activity from recurring seasonal patterns. The measure tracks volume rather than completed sale prices or asking prices.
Investment properties are included
The index includes certain second homes, holiday properties and investment properties that are outside the transaction coverage of Japan's periodic Housing and Land Survey. Condominium statistics are published both including and excluding units smaller than 30 square meters. This distinction is relevant because small investment apartments can influence the composition of housing transactions. Users comparing different datasets must therefore examine which types of properties are included.
Transaction volume does not determine resale value
An increase in existing home transactions does not establish that resale prices are rising in every location. Sellers must consider comparable completed transactions, marketing periods and competing listings. Buyers also need to evaluate building condition, maintenance requirements and condominium management arrangements. For overseas purchasers, the government index offers useful national market context but cannot independently determine whether an individual property is fairly priced.