Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can purchase property in Japan while living overseas. We handle the entire process remotely, including property tours via video call, document preparation, and coordination with notaries and banks. You may need to visit Japan once for the final signing, or we can arrange for power of attorney to complete the transaction on your behalf.

The typical process is: 1) Initial consultation to understand your requirements and budget 2) Property search and virtual/in-person viewings 3) Offer submission and negotiation 4) Due diligence and contract preparation 5) Contract signing (with 10% deposit) 6) Final settlement and property transfer. The entire process usually takes 1-3 months depending on complexity.

In addition to the property price, you should budget approximately 6-8% for transaction costs including: Real estate agent fee (3% + ¥60,000 + tax), Registration and stamp taxes (1-2%), Acquisition tax (3-4% of assessed value), Judicial scrivener fee, and various administrative fees. We provide a detailed cost breakdown for each property.

Purchasing property alone does not qualify you for a visa. However, if you establish a property management business or real estate company in Japan with a capital of at least ¥5 million, you may qualify for a Business Manager Visa (Keiei Kanri). This requires demonstrating a legitimate business operation, having office space, and meeting other immigration requirements. We provide comprehensive support for this process.

Key requirements include: 1) Capital investment of at least ¥5 million 2) Physical office space in Japan (not a virtual office) 3) A viable business plan demonstrating sustainability 4) Clear business activities and projected revenue 5) Two or more full-time employees (can be waived if capital is ¥5M+). The initial visa is typically granted for 1 year, with renewals based on business performance.

We offer comprehensive property management services including: tenant recruitment and screening, lease preparation, rent collection and remittance, maintenance coordination, regular property inspections, tax filing support, and detailed monthly/quarterly reporting. Our management fee is competitive at 5-8% of monthly rent depending on the service package selected.

Yes, our services are designed specifically for absentee owners. We handle all day-to-day operations and communicate with you via email, video calls, and our online portal. You'll receive regular reports on property performance, maintenance updates, and financial statements. We can also handle emergency situations on your behalf 24/7.

Key taxes include: 1) Acquisition Tax: 3-4% of assessed value (one-time) 2) Registration/Stamp Tax: 0.4-2% (one-time) 3) Fixed Asset Tax: ~1.4% of assessed value annually 4) City Planning Tax: ~0.3% annually 5) Income Tax: on rental income (varies by residency status) 6) Capital Gains Tax: on sale profits (varies by holding period). We provide detailed tax guidance and can introduce specialized tax advisors.

Financing options for foreigners are limited but available. Residents with permanent residency or spouse visas can access domestic mortgages from some Japanese banks. For non-residents, we partner with international banks that offer overseas mortgages, though terms typically require larger down payments (30-50%) and have slightly higher interest rates. We can introduce suitable lenders based on your situation.

Required documents typically include: 1) Valid passport 2) Proof of funds (bank statements) 3) Certificate of seal impression (Inkan) - if applicable 4) Power of attorney (for remote purchases) 5) Proof of address. For residents, additional documents like residence card and proof of income may be required. We provide a complete checklist tailored to your situation and assist with all document preparation.

While it's possible to complete many steps remotely, the final contract signing and settlement traditionally require your presence in Japan. However, we can arrange for power of attorney, allowing us to sign on your behalf after you've reviewed and approved all documents. Some clients prefer to visit for the final steps, which we're happy to coordinate with property viewings.

International wire transfers are the standard method. We recommend: 1) Notify your bank in advance about the large transfer 2) Use reputable transfer services for competitive rates 3) Open a Japanese bank account (we can assist) 4) Allow 3-5 business days for transfer completion. We provide detailed payment instructions and coordinate timing with the settlement schedule.