Rising interest rates spur Japanese banks to rethink mortgages

Finance'You can't compete on the old model of lending broadly,' executive saysRising prices of new homes in Tokyo are making mortgage lending riskier. (Photo by Hazumu Urushiyama)KAI ISHIZAKISeptember 3, 2026 02:15 JSTTOKYO -- Big Japanese banks have reached a turning point in their mortgage strategies, as higher interest rates make corporate loans more lucrative.Read NextEconomyWhat do 3% yields mean for Japan's businesses, Takaichi's spending plans?Trading AsiaAustralia navigates anxiety and relief as housing prices dipTrading AsiaTaiwan's wealth flows into Japan real estate as mainland Chinese retreatPropertyCash buys dominate Tokyo and Osaka penthouses as luxury demand surgesPropertyVietnam pushes rental housing as ownership loses its edgeLatest on FinanceFinanceJapan's corporate pensi