Even if you are considering building a home on a 60-tsubo lot, many people find it difficult to picture the actual size. This article explains how many square meters 60 tsubo represents, along with the basics of building restrictions and layout ideas that make the most of that space.
How many square meters is 60 tsubo? Understanding the size at a glance
Converted to square meters (㎡), 60 tsubo is approximately 200 square meters. That is about 1.6 times the average total floor area of a custom-built home in Japan (national average: about 124㎡) and about twice that of a spec home (national average: about 101㎡).
How large a family can live comfortably on 60 tsubo?
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's inducement standard for residential area, a family of four in a detached house outside urban areas needs about 38 tsubo, while a family of seven needs about 61 tsubo. This is a level at which seven people can live comfortably while still securing generous living space.
How large a house can be built on a 60-tsubo lot? Understanding building restrictions
Even if you own a 60-tsubo lot, the size of the building you can construct is subject to restrictions under the Building Standards Act.
What is the building coverage ratio?
The building coverage ratio is the percentage of the lot area that can be occupied by the building footprint. Depending on the area, the upper limit is set between 30% and 80%. For example, in an area with a building coverage ratio of 50%, the maximum building footprint on a 60-tsubo lot is 30 tsubo.
What is the floor area ratio?
The floor area ratio is the percentage of the total floor area (the combined area of all floors) relative to the lot area. Depending on the area, it is generally set at around 50% to 200%, and with a floor area ratio of 100%, you can build up to 60 tsubo of total floor area.
What is the ideal balance between building coverage ratio and floor area ratio?
A 1:2 balance between building coverage ratio and floor area ratio is ideal. For example, in an area with a 50% building coverage ratio and a 100% floor area ratio, you can build a full two-story home with 30 tsubo on the first floor + 30 tsubo on the second floor = 60 tsubo of total floor area.
6 layout ideas for homes that can be built on a 60-tsubo lot
Fully separated two-family home
With 60 tsubo, it is possible to create a two-family home with completely separate entrances and water areas. This can reduce stress caused by different daily schedules while also making use of available tax advantages.
A spacious LDK of more than 20 tatami mats
When used by a single household, you can secure an LDK of more than 20 tatami mats while still keeping each private room comfortably sized. It also allows for an open layout suitable for hosting home parties.
A home with many rooms in a 6LDK layout
If designed as a 6LDK for a family of four, there is still plenty of room even after including a master bedroom, two children's rooms, a study, a Japanese-style room, and a Western-style room.
A large parking area that can accommodate guests
If the house itself is kept to around 30 tsubo, the remaining space can accommodate parking for two to three standard passenger cars. This is a highly practical option in car-dependent areas.
A large garden for home gardening and BBQs
With a larger garden, you can enjoy home gardening and BBQs. Adding an inner courtyard can also help secure natural light and privacy.
A design with ample storage
Even if you include a shoe-in closet by the entrance, a kitchen pantry, and walk-in closets in each room, there is still plenty of space left.
When considering a design that makes the most of a spacious lot, please also refer to the comprehensive decision-making criteria for real estate investment.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the typical price range for a 60-tsubo lot?
It varies significantly by area. In central urban locations, prices may exceed 1 million yen per tsubo, while suburban areas may range from about 100,000 to 300,000 yen, depending on road valuation and zoning.
Q2. How much does it cost to build a custom home on 60 tsubo?
It depends on the total floor area, specifications, and construction method, but a general guideline is about 20 million to 50 million yen. Costs may be higher for two-family homes or specialized specifications.
Q3. Where can I check the building coverage ratio and floor area ratio?
You can confirm them with your local municipal urban planning department, a real estate company, or the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "City Planning Information Provision Service."
