A Traditional Japanese Home with Investment Potential in Kure, Hiroshima
All discovered defects and concerns from the time of purchase are disclosed transparently. The property is located in a hilly area of Kure, within a designated "yellow zone." A significant issue is a suspected gas leak from a pipe on the premises, which currently restricts the use of city gas. Hiroshima Gas has indicated that a temporary switch to propane gas is possible, though eventual repairs are necessary (no specific timeline was given). Additionally, the main water shut-off valve on the property is stuck and requires repair by a designated waterworks contractor, which involves breaking concrete near the entrance and excavating slightly before work can begin.
The main structure is generally sound, but the glass doors at the entrance and rear garden are broken and need repair. The interior is in a condition typical of an akiya (vacant house), though one room with loose tatami mats has been prepared for easy conversion to flooring; the tatami and degraded subfloor have been removed, and new reinforcing joists have been installed, ready for the new flooring material of the buyer's choice. The seller confirms there are no psychological defects or issues with living in the property, as verified with neighbors.
Charming features include a traditional sunken kotatsu (heated table), a bathroom and toilet that do not require renovation (featuring a large bathtub), and both a small front and rear garden. The property is also exempt from fixed asset tax as it falls below the taxable threshold. With repairs focused primarily on the gas, water, and the glass doors, the house could be made livable relatively quickly.
The property's appeal lies in its balance of a "livable location" and "kominka living." It is about a 15-minute walk from Kure Station, which is undergoing redevelopment, with a former Sogo department store site slated to become a high-rise condominium and commercial facility by 2027. Despite this proximity, the area maintains a very calm atmosphere. The local community is friendly and welcoming. New amenities like a supermarket, drugstore, and a Kura Sushi restaurant have recently opened nearby, upgrading the living environment. The house itself retains classic kominka character with impressive entrance beams, the original wooden pillars, and transom windows. Perched on the hillside of Kure, it offers views of the sunset over Kure Port, allowing one to feel the historical air of the city's past as a naval port. The seller has factored the cost of the necessary gas and water repairs into a discounted asking price.
