One of the biggest surprises for overseas buyers is how open Japan is: there are virtually no restrictions on foreigners owning property, and ownership is freehold and permanent. You do not need residency or citizenship to buy.
The typical process runs as follows. First, define your budget and financing — most foreign buyers purchase in cash, as local mortgages usually require residency or a Japanese guarantor. Next, choose a property and submit a purchase application through a licensed agent. After price and terms are agreed, you sign an Explanation of Important Matters and the sales contract, paying a deposit of around 10%.
Registration is handled by a judicial scrivener (shiho shoshi), who transfers title at the Legal Affairs Bureau. Budget for acquisition costs of roughly 6–8% on top of the price, covering registration tax, an agent fee, stamp duty, and a real-estate acquisition tax billed later.
Ongoing costs include annual fixed-asset tax and, for apartments or resort communities, management and repair-reserve fees.
VILLA RICH connects overseas buyers with vetted agents to guide each step in English and Chinese.
The typical process runs as follows. First, define your budget and financing — most foreign buyers purchase in cash, as local mortgages usually require residency or a Japanese guarantor. Next, choose a property and submit a purchase application through a licensed agent. After price and terms are agreed, you sign an Explanation of Important Matters and the sales contract, paying a deposit of around 10%.
Registration is handled by a judicial scrivener (shiho shoshi), who transfers title at the Legal Affairs Bureau. Budget for acquisition costs of roughly 6–8% on top of the price, covering registration tax, an agent fee, stamp duty, and a real-estate acquisition tax billed later.
Ongoing costs include annual fixed-asset tax and, for apartments or resort communities, management and repair-reserve fees.
VILLA RICH connects overseas buyers with vetted agents to guide each step in English and Chinese.