Japan Sotheby's INTERNATIONAL REALTY

Yes. Any foreign national can legally purchase real estate in Japan, permanent residency is not required. All of the property available through Japan Sotheby's International Realty is free hold title.

No, you do not need a visa or permanent residency to purchase property in Japan.

All land and building sizes are in square meters and in the Japanese measure of tsubo. One tsubo is approximately 3.3 square meters.

Yes. Unfortunately, it is not easy to be qualified for a mortgage in Japan if you are foreigner, but there are some options. Please contact us for more information.

According to the Tax Office, building depreciation is as follows:

• Concrete construction - Pension, inn or hotel - 34 years
• Rental cottage - 39 years
• Commercial building - 31 years
• Residence - 47 years
• Wooden construction - Pension, inn, or hotel 20 years
• Rental cottage - 22 years
• Commercial building - 17 years
• Residence - 22 years

The total cost is approximately 6-8% of the property price. For example, if you are buying a JPY 100,000,000 property, you will need to estimate approximately JPY 106,000, 000 to JPY 108,000,000. Here is the breakdown of the typical costs:

• Revenue Stamp Fee This is required to be affixed to the a When you record the Deed, you are required to pay a property registration tax. The amount is 1% of the assessed value of the property. If there is a mortgage to the buyer, 0.4% of the loan amount is added. There will also be a fee by the judicial scrivener (shiho-shoshi lawyer) to record the Deed.
• Property Acquisition Tax: For residential properties, the amount of the acquisition tax is 3% of the assessed value of the property tax.
• Agency (Brokerage) Fee Unlike in Western countries, all resale transactions in Japan require the buyer to pay a 3% (+ JPY 60,000) fee to the agent.

The average timeframe for transfer of ownership in Japan is 90days, but it varies with the property and your situation. If you do not apply for a loan and make a cash purchase, the process can be as quick as approximately 30 days.

Please see our Seller Process page. Also, please contact us directly and we can advise you in detail on the process. Our expert agents, as well as our local and global marketing tools can help you with a smooth and reliable selling experience.

For independent professional services, we can recommend the most suitable person for you and your situation, so please contact us for more information.