FAQ

Frequently Asked
Questions

Find quick answers to the questions our clients most often ask.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our team is always here to help.

FAQ

  • General Questions ▼
    • Can foreigners buy homes in Japan? ▼
      • Yes! There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Japan, whether for personal use or investment. You don’t need a visa or residency status to purchase real estate.
    • Do I need a Japanese residency status or visa to own property? ▼
      • No. Foreigners can buy and own property in Japan without living in the country. However, securing a mortgage may be difficult without residency.
    • Can I buy land in Japan as a foreigner? ▼
      • Yes. Unlike some countries, Japan allows foreigners to purchase both land and buildings without restrictions.
    • What types of properties can foreigners buy? ▼
      • You can buy:
        – Residential homes (houses & condos)
        – Investment properties (rental apartments, buildings)
        – Commercial properties
        – Land for development
    • What are the upfront costs when buying property in Japan? ▼
      • In general, you should add about 6 to 8% on top of the property purchase price to cover fees such as brokerage fees, title registration fees, taxes, stamp duties, etc. You can download our Guide on How to Purchase a Home in Japan for more detailed information regarding other fees when purchasing property.
  • Financing & Mortgage Questions ▼
    • Can foreigners get a mortgage in Japan? ▼
      • It depends. Japanese banks typically offer mortgages only to residents with a long-term visa, stable income, and a local bank account. Some international banks also provide financing to their citizens who want to purchase property in Japan.
    • Do I need a Japanese bank account to buy property? ▼
      • No. You can make payments via an international bank transfer into our secure Escrow Trust Account. Contact us for more information regarding how to pay for property in Japan.
  • Buying Process & Legal Questions ▼
    • How long does it take to buy property in Japan? ▼
      • The process usually takes 1–3 months, from property search to signing the contract and completing payment. Depending on whether you are paying in cash or obtaining financing from a bank, the process may be shorter or longer.
    • Do I need a real estate agent to buy property in Japan? ▼
      • Yes. It’s highly recommended, as most property listings, contracts, and negotiations are in Japanese. A bilingual agent will guide you through the process. Contact us for more information!
    • What documents do non-resident foreigners need to buy property? ▼
      • Typically, you need:
        – Passport
        – Government issued ID from your residing/home country with name, DOB and current address
        – Affidavit of Identity
        – Proof of funds (for cash buyers)
    • Do I need a Japanese seal (hanko) to buy property?▼
      • If you live in Japan, you may need a registered hanko (inkan). If you live abroad, your signature can be notarized instead.
    • Can I buy property in Japan remotely from overseas? ▼
      • Yes! You can buy property without being in Japan by using a power of attorney or an agent, and handling payments via bank transfer.
  • Ownership & Investment Questions ▼
    • Can I rent out my property in Japan as a short term stay (like Airbnb) ▼
      • If you own your own detached house, whole apartment building or condo building, it depends on the zoning laws and building rules. Short-term rentals (Airbnb) require a Minpaku or hotel license, while long-term rentals are easier to manage. If you own an individual Condo unit, the building management will almost never allow short term stays so please be careful.
    • How do I manage my rental property if I live abroad and don’t speak Japanese? ▼
      • Hire a Property Management Company. A property management company can handle everything on your behalf, including: Finding and screening tenants, Collecting rent, Managing maintenance and repairs, Communicating with tenants and service providers, Handling legal and regulatory matters. Since most tenants and service providers speak only Japanese, hiring a bilingual property manager is highly recommended.
    • Can I use my Japanese property to get a business visa? ▼
      • Not directly. Simply buying property does not qualify you for a business or investor visa, but property ownership can support your visa application if part of a business plan.
    • How can I find a good investment property in Japan? ▼
      • Work with a real estate agent experienced in foreign investments, consider rental demand, location, and resale value, and research tax benefits for investors.
  • Rental Process Questions ▼
    • Can foreigners rent an apartment in Japan? ▼
      • Yes! However, the process can be more complicated than in other countries due to language barriers, guarantor requirements, and landlord preferences. Our team specializes in helping expats secure rental properties smoothly.
    • Do I need a Japanese guarantor to rent an apartment? ▼
      • Many landlords require a guarantor (保証人), but if you don’t have one, we can help you apply for a guarantor company or find properties that do not require one.
    • What are the upfront costs for renting in Japan? ▼
      • Move-in costs typically include:

        – Key money (“礼金”) – 1–2 months’ rent (non-refundable)
        – Security deposit (“敷金”) – 1–2 months’ rent (refundable, minus deductions)
        – First month’s rent
        – Agency fee – Usually 1 month’s rent
        – Guarantor company fee – 50–100% of one month’s rent (if applicable)

        We can help negotiate costs and find no key money properties to save you money!
    • Can I rent a furnished apartment in Tokyo? ▼
      • Most long-term rentals in Japan come unfurnished (no furniture, appliances, or even light fixtures), but we can assist with furnished apartments (usually monthly rentals) or recommend furniture rental options.
    • How long does it take to find and move into an apartment? ▼
      • The entire process—from searching to moving in—typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on availability and paperwork. We recommend starting your search at least one month in advance of your move-in date.
    • Do I need a Japanese bank account to pay rent? ▼
      • Many landlords require rent payments through a Japanese bank account, but some properties allow credit card or international transfers. We can help you navigate payment options.
    • Can I rent an apartment without speaking Japanese? ▼
      • Yes! Our bilingual team will handle the entire process, from property search to contract signing, so you don’t have to worry about the language barrier.
    • Are there pet-friendly apartments in Tokyo? ▼
      • Yes, but pet-friendly apartments are limited and may require an additional pet deposit. Let us know your pet details, and we’ll find the best options for you!
    • What happens if I need to break my lease early? ▼
      • Most rental contracts in Japan are 2 years long, but you can usually break your lease with one to two months’ notice and a possible penalty fee. We can help negotiate early termination terms if needed.