Government launches investigation into options for restricting land purchases by foreigners
The purchase of land and apartments by foreigners has become a hot button issue this year, with rising property prices in central Tokyo and land purchases near military sites of strong concern. Japan does not currently have any restrictions about the purchase and ownership of real estate by non-residents, nor does it impose any additional taxes on foreign buyers.
On October 13, it was reported that the national government is launching a factual investigation into regulations applied on foreign buyers by other nations, such as Canada and Germany, with the goal of using the results of this investigation to guide a revision to domestic legislation.Read more
Tokyo also looking at tightening minpaku regulations
The tide may be turning for Japan’s short-term ‘minpaku’ operators. Following in Osaka’s lead, 22 out of Tokyo’s 23 wards are preparing to introduce stricter rules on minpaku accommodations. This comes amidst a growing backlash from residents concerned about noise and garbage. Once promoted as a solution to provide accommodation options with a lower overhead for operators, the industry is now facing regulatory shift that could hit real estate investors.Read more
Osaka City looks to end ‘special minpaku’ licensing applications in 2026
Osaka City is home to the most relaxed minpaku (short-term letting) rules in Japan, but with growing complaints, now appears to be making moves to stop accepting new applications from mid-2026. The city has almost 6,700 registered Special Zone Minpaku accommodations as of July 2025, a 22% increase from the end of 2024.Read more
Niseko land fraud claim puts town’s water supply at risk
The town of Niseko has found itself in a court battle after a former landowner claimed that a large parcel of land had been sold fraudulently and is now seeking its return. The disputed land covers 16 hectares of forest at the base of Mount Yotei and includes a water source that supplies 80% of the town’s residents. Niseko fears that if the protected land is returned it could then be resold and developed.Read more
Five-year resale ban proposed to stop condo flipping in central Tokyo
Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward is requesting that developers impose a 5-year resale ban on new condo sales in an effort to curb speculation from foreign buyers and slow skyrocketing property prices in the capital. The ward submitted a request to the Real Estate Companies Association of Japan, a group made up of major developers, on July 18.Read more
Meguro ward to relax building height limits
Tokyo’s Meguro ward is considering relaxing building height limits to encourage developers to build more energy-efficient housing. Typically, discussions over height regulations have revolved around a building’s impact on sunlight and the surrounding environment. This time, however, it relates more to the building’s interior environment.Read more
Will new listing disclosure rules be enough to stamp out agent bad practices?
This year, the government is cracking down on the naughty and widespread practice whereby listing brokers will intentionally prevent buyer-side brokers from bringing in buyers. This is called kakoikomi (囲い込み) and is something brokers will experience daily.Read more