Power Builders: The One Size Fits All Approach to Housing in Japan

Advice

Power Builders? You mean those guys that you see in the gym every Friday with biceps bigger than Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson? No, not them. Then you must be talking about the award-winning software used by developers. Sorry, not that either.

The term Power Builder actually has a different meaning in Japan. You may be unfamiliar with the term "Power Builder" (パワービルダー) because it's a form 'Japanglish' or 'Wasei-Eigo,' English words that were borrowed and repurposed to take on an entirely different meaning in Japan. The word Power Builder is a Japan real estate term.

So What is a Power Builder?

Power Builders are housing companies that quickly build groups of identical, low price single-family homes sitting on a 30 tsubo (1,067 sqf) plot of land. These cookie-cutter homes are usually targeted for budget shoppers like young families, looking for low cost, affordable housing.

How Much Do They Cost?

Power Builder homes range in price from 20-40 million yen.

Who Are the Top Power Builders in Japan?

How Long Have They Been Around?

Power Builders have been around since the 90s in Japan when they had a 10% share of the Tokyo housing market. As of the last poll in 2003, the 5 major Power Builders had increased their market share to 24%.

Conclusion

If you're shopping on a budget, Power Builders may be just the right fit for you. If you are more on the creative side and want a customized place to call your own, then you may find their options to be extremely limited. Regardless of your choice, it’s always best to consult with a reputable real estate agent to go over your options.

Reference

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