Real Estate Q&A

If you have a specific question, please feel free to contact us via our contact page.

• Can a foreigner purchase property in Japan?
• Popular myths and misconceptions about Japanese real estate
• Should I buy or should I rent?
• How to negotiate on the asking price
• Home insurance
• Joint ownership of real estate

• Finance options
• Can I get a mortgage?
• What happens if I want to rent out my home after obtaining a home loan?

• Purchase costs when buying real estate in Japan
• Brokerage fees

• Capital gains tax
• Property registration tax
• Withholding tax for non-residents
• Withholding tax when the seller is a non-resident
• ‘Sumai-kyufu’ cash bonus for home buyers
• Home loan / mortgage tax deduction

• Apartment buying guide
• Apartment discounts – what can you reasonably expect?
• Management and repair fund fees
• Factors that can retain or increase an apartment’s value
• What can cause an apartment’s value to fall after purchase?
• Buying an older ‘vintage’ apartment in Japan
• Is it smart to buy a south-facing apartment?
• Where are the most luxurious apartments in Tokyo?

• House buying guide
• Land boundary surveys
• Building regulations in Japan
• Building height restrictions
• Buying a house that cannot be rebuilt
• ‘Sumstock’ certification for existing homes
• Reclaimed land in Japan
• What is the difference between freehold and leasehold land?
• Easements

• What if I am unable to complete the settlement procedures?
• Cooling off period
• Loan clauses

• Flood , tsunami and liquefaction risk maps for Minato-ku
• Earthquake building codes in Japan
• Earthquake insurance
• What are the earthquake damage risk ratings for Tokyo?
• Which areas are at risk of liquefaction in an earthquake?

• What is a ‘jiko-bukken’ or stigmatized property?
• Can I rent my home or apartment out on a short-term basis, like AirBnb?
• Can I hang Christmas lights on my balcony?
• Can I play a musical instrument in my apartment?

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