Approximately 33% of new condominium buyers in the Tokyo metropolitan area are now selecting mortgage repayment periods of 36 years or more [1].
This shift reflects a growing struggle for households to afford housing in Japan's capital region. As property prices climb, buyers are extending their debt timelines to reduce monthly payments and maintain a manageable cost of living.
For decades, the standard maximum term for residential mortgages in Japan was 35 years [1]. However, recent data from a national survey conducted in January 2026 shows a surge in contracts that exceed this traditional limit [2]. The trend is most pronounced among buyers of new apartments in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama.
Market analysts said that the rise in "ultra-long-term" loans is a direct response to soaring real estate costs [3]. By stretching the principal repayment over a longer duration, buyers can lower the immediate financial burden on their monthly budgets.
Among younger borrowers, there is a specific increase in the adoption of 50-year loans [3]. These extended terms allow first-time buyers to enter the market who would otherwise be priced out by the monthly requirements of a standard 35-year plan.
While these loans provide immediate relief, they increase the total interest paid over the life of the loan. Financial observers said this trend creates potential long-term risks for household stability as borrowers carry debt well into their senior years [1].
“Approximately 33% of new condominium buyers in the Tokyo metropolitan area are now selecting mortgage repayment periods of 36 years or more.”
The transition toward 50-year mortgages signals a decoupling of housing prices from average wage growth in the Tokyo metropolitan area. While ultra-long-term loans increase homeownership accessibility in the short term, they shift the financial risk to the later stages of a borrower's life, potentially creating a future crisis of debt among retirees.
