In this page you will find useful information and the replies to the most common questions we receive from our customers.

Don't hesitate to ask us your questions directly via the form a the bottom of this page⬇️
You can also ask us your questions via Instagram and Facebook.

⚖️Legal & Ownership Considerations

1. Can foreigners own property?
   ✅ Yes — there are no restrictions on foreigners owning property or land in Japan.

2. Visa status is not required
   You can buy property even without a residence visa. But it doesn't grant you any Visa.

3. Ownership structure

   • Freehold (所有権 shoyuken) – full ownership of land + building.

   • Leasehold (借地権 shakuchiken) – land is leased, you own only the building.

4. Title registration
   The property must be appropriately registered with the Legal Affairs Bureau.
   You’ll need a judicial scrivener (司法書士 shiho shoshi) to assist

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💴 Financial & Tax Aspects

1. Purchase costs (extra fees)

   • Real estate agent fee: ~3% + ¥60,000

   • Registration & license tax: ~0.4–2%

   • Judicial scrivener/legal fees: ¥50,000–¥150,000

   • Stamp duty: ¥10,000–¥60,000

   • Property acquisition tax: ~3–4%

   • Renovation cost (if an old home): varies widel

2. Ongoing costs

   • Fixed property tax (年固定資産税 nen kotei shisanzei)

   • City planning tax (都市計画税 toshi keikaku zei)

🏠 Property Condition & Location

1. Age of house

   • Japanese homes depreciate quickly. After 20–30 years, most are worth only the land.

   • Earthquake standards changed over time:

     • Post-1981 homes are safer due to new regulations (新耐震基準 shin-taishin kijun).

2. Building inspection
   Highly recommended — especially for older or abandoned homes (空き家 akiya).
   Some may have mold, insect damage, structural issues.

3. Renovation & permits

   • If planning to renovate, ensure the structure allows it.

   • Historic homes (古民家 kominka) may be under cultural protections.

4. Zoning laws
   Check if the property is in a residential, commercial, or industrial zone.
   Some areas may have height/usage restrictions.

5. Land rights & boundaries
   Confirm exact land size, easements, road access.
   Be cautious of shared roads (私道 shido) and unclear boundaries.