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BUYING PROCESS

How buying works

Whether you're using a mortgage or paying cash, we walk you through every step of buying property in Japan.

I

Consultation & financial planning

We discuss your budget and goals, and help plan your finances including mortgage options. We can also introduce partner lenders.

What to prepare

Overview of income, occupation and visa status

II

Property proposal & viewing

We present matching properties and arrange viewings — in person or online for clients overseas.

What to prepare

Preferred area, layout and budget notes

III

Purchase application (Letter of Intent)

Once you've decided, we submit a Letter of Intent on your behalf and support negotiations on price and conditions.

What to prepare

ID documents, personal seal

IV

Mortgage pre-approval

We help you apply for pre-approval from your chosen lender. Results typically come within a week. Please note that eligibility criteria vary by lender and visa status.

What to prepare

Proof of income, residence card, passport and other documents as required

V

Explanation of terms & purchase contract

We explain all important terms in detail, then you sign the purchase agreement and pay the deposit (earnest money).

What to prepare

Earnest money (approx. 5–10% of purchase price), ID, personal seal

VI

Mortgage final approval & loan contract

After pre-approval, the lender conducts full underwriting. Once approved, you sign the mortgage loan agreement.

What to prepare

Documents required by the lender

VII

Settlement, handover & title registration

You pay the remaining balance and receive the keys and title deed. Ownership transfer registration takes place on the same day.

What to prepare

Remaining balance, registration fees and other costs

VIII

Move-in & after-sales support

We're here for you after move-in too. We can introduce property management companies and answer any questions that arise.

For international buyers

Without permanent residency, obtaining a mortgage in Japan can be difficult. However, cash purchases are generally open to buyers of any visa status in many cases. Eligibility varies by lender and visa type, so we recommend consulting us to find the right approach for your situation.

Estimated costs

These are estimates only. Actual amounts vary by property and conditions.

Agency fee3% of purchase price + ¥60,000 + tax (max)
Registration fees (solicitor)Approx. ¥100,000–¥200,000
Stamp duty¥10,000–¥60,000 (based on price)
Mortgage-related costsApprox. 1–2% of loan amount
Fire insuranceSeveral tens of thousands of yen
Property tax adjustmentPro-rated from handover date
Total estimateApprox. 6–9% of purchase price

* All figures are estimates. Actual costs depend on the property and conditions.

Required documents

Requirements vary by property and circumstance. Please contact us for details.

  • ID documents (passport and/or residence card)
  • Certificate of residence (issued within the last 3 months)
  • Proof of income (pay slips, tax return, etc.)
  • Registered seal (jitsuin) and seal certificate
  • Mortgage application documents (if applicable)

MORTGAGE SIMULATOR

Mortgage Repayment Calculator

Enter the property price, down payment, interest rate and loan term to estimate your monthly repayment.

5,000万円
万円
500万2億
10%(500万円)
0%50%
%

Loan Amount

4,500万円

Est. Monthly Repayment

¥137,783

/ 月

Total Repayment5,787万円
Total Interest1,287万円
Est. Misc. Costs (approx. 6%)300万円

* This is an estimate only. Actual repayments vary by lender, credit assessment, and repayment method. Please consult a financial advisor or lender for a precise figure.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Yes, in most cases buyers of any visa status can purchase property with cash. The situation may vary depending on the property type, so please consult us for details.

Ready to start your property search?