Ongoing Costs and Taxes Owning a property in Japan doesn’t stop at the purchase price. Once the keys are in hand, you’ll face recurring expenses — from local taxes and insurance to building fees and maintenance. This guide breaks down the main costs so you can budget realistically. 💡 Note: For one-time costs like registration fees and the Real Estate Acquisition Tax (不動産取得税),...
Premium Properties In Tokyo & Japan
Buyer’s Guide
After the Purchase: Moving In and Settling Down in Japan You’ve crossed the finish line—settlement is done, title is transferred, and the keys are in your hand. But stepping into ownership in Japan isn’t just about unpacking boxes. From coordinating your first day on-site to navigating neighborhood customs, there’s still groundwork to cover before you can truly call the place...
After Settlement in Japan: Keys, Taxes, and Your Moving Checklist Getting the Keys and Moving In Once the legal title has been registered, the seller (or their agent) will release the keys. In most transactions, this happens on the same day. If you’ve agreed to retain appliances or furnishings, confirm they are still present. In rural homes or akiya...
Closing a Property Deal in Japan: Settlement, Scrivener, and Registration You’ve found the property, negotiated terms, and signed the contract. Now it’s time to close the deal—a multi-step process involving final payments, title transfer, and legal registration. While your real estate agent and judicial scrivener will handle much of the logistics, it’s nice to know...
What Happens After Your Offer Is Accepted in Japan | Real Estate Guide From signing the contract to handling deposits and paperwork—here’s what you need to know. Before You Sign: The Explanation of Important Matters Once your offer is accepted, the process quickly moves into the formal, legally binding stage. Before signing the Real Estate Sale and Purchase Agreement...
Making an Offer on Property in Japan: Timing, Negotiation, and Building Trust A step-by-step guide to making offers in Japan’s property market, from timing and negotiation to building trust as a foreign buyer. When to Make an Offer Once you’ve checked the neighborhood, reviewed hazard and risk maps, and confirmed the property meets your needs, it’s time...
Financing in Japan: Mortgage Eligibility & Loan Sizes for Foreign Buyers Foreign buyers often ask: “Can I actually get a mortgage in Japan?” The answer is yes, but eligibility depends on your visa status, income level, and what you plan to use the property for. Understanding these rules will save you time and prevent costly mistakes. Personal vs Corporate Loans Japanese banks distinguish...
Find out How Much you Can Borrow before you start searching In Japan, buying a home isn’t a case of “find the property, figure out the loan later.” Sellers and agents usually won’t take your offer seriously unless your financing is already in place. This makes mortgage pre-approval (事前審査 / Jizen Shinsa) one of the most important steps for both local and foreign buyers. Why the...
Home Inspections and Legal Guarantees in Japan | Buyer’s Guide Should I Do A Home Inspection? In Japan, home inspections (住宅診断) are not usually required when buying a property. Most purchases proceed without one, especially for new or well-documented homes. However, in some cases an inspection is strongly recommended—sometimes essential—because it can uncover problems that would...
Important Matters Disclosure in Japan | Jusetsu Explained The Buyer's Most Important Legal Protection Before you sign a contract to buy property in Japan, the seller’s agent is legally required to provide and explain the Important Matters Disclosure, known in Japanese as the jūyō jikō setsumeisho (重要事項説明書) or simply “Jusetsu” for short. This document is one of the most...