With a household income of ¥12 million,
what kind of condo can you buy in Kyoto City?
Start with what you can comfortably carry—not the maximum a bank will lend. We compare Shimogyo, Nakagyo, and Kamigyo using current existing-condo prices and mortgage assumptions, including interest-rate risk, education costs, management fees, and repair reserves.
Bottom line: even at ¥12M income, do not start with “I can buy up to ¥100M”
A ¥12 million household income gives you many housing options, but price should not be determined by income alone. In central Kyoto condos, also consider management fees, repair reserves, property tax, parking, and future major repairs.The more financial assets you have, the more important it is not to max out borrowing capacity—keep liquidity and choose for property quality is often the more flexible approach.
Working backward from monthly payments: how large is a 35-year mortgage?
A simple illustration using Bank of Kyoto's September 2026 minimum rate, equal principal-and-interest payments, 35 years, and no bonus repayments. This is not an actual underwriting limit.
| Monthly mortgage payment | 変動 年1.425% | 10年固定 年3.90% |
|---|---|---|
| 18万円 | Approx. ¥5,9500,000 | Approx. ¥4,1200,000 |
| 20万円 | Approx. ¥6,6100,000 | Approx. ¥4,5800,000 |
| 22万円 | Approx. ¥7,2700,000 | Approx. ¥5,0400,000 |
| 25万円 | Approx. ¥8,2600,000 | Approx. ¥5,7200,000 |
The figures above assume the interest rate does not change. Variable rates may rise in the future. Management fees, repair reserves, property tax, fire insurance, and other costs are additional.
Shimogyo, Nakagyo or Kamigyo: where does a ¥12M household have the most options?
| 区 | Existing-condo market | 専有面積中央値 | 築年数中央値 | 見方 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimogyo Ward | 4,680万円 | 61㎡ | 24 years | Options stretch from Kyoto Station and Shijo-Karasuma to Umekoji, making it easier to balance central convenience with budget. |
| Nakagyo Ward | 5,680万円 | 63㎡ | 24 years | Central-area premiums are common. With the same budget, decide whether to compromise on age, station distance, or floor area. |
| Kamigyo Ward | 3,599万円 | 65㎡ | 33 years | More floor area is often available, but older stock is common, so management condition and repair history matter. |
In SHUJU consultations, Shimogyo is more about “how to buy” than “can I buy?”
In our actual consultations, some households considering a condo in Shimogyo have dual incomes above ¥12 million and substantial financial savings. This is not an income statistic for Shimogyo Ward; it is a pattern among our clients.
For this group, the more important question is not “how much down payment do I need to pass screening?” but how much cash to keep, whether to prioritize newer construction or more space, and how much weight to give future resaleability.
Around ¥60 million, Shimogyo often becomes a realistic comparison area
For example, combining roughly ¥60 million of borrowing with cash can put you above Shimogyo's median range. In central Nakagyo, the same total budget often requires trade-offs in size, age, or station distance; in Kamigyo, it is easier to preserve floor area or renovation headroom. These differences can matter more than income itself when choosing an area.
Why you should keep cash after the purchase
- Purchase closing costs
- Moving, furniture and appliances
- Renovation and equipment replacement
- Funds you expect to use within a few years, such as education costs
- Emergency reserve for lower income or higher interest rates
A larger down payment reduces the loan, but using up cash narrows your options after purchase. Households with financial assets should also compare scenarios where not all cash is put into the down payment.
If choosing Shimogyo for family life, check the school district at the same time as the property
Shimogyo has many condos, and assigned schools can change by town and lot number even within the same station area. Check the exact address before submitting a purchase application.
Open the Shimogyo elementary school district map →
- Bank of Kyoto Mortgage Rate Plan
- SUUMO Existing Condo Price Market | Shimogyo Ward
- SUUMO Existing Condo Price Market | Nakagyo Ward
- SUUMO Existing Condo Price Market | Kamigyo Ward
Checked September 23, 2026. Mortgages are subject to screening and rate changes; this article is not individualized lending or investment advice.