Can Foreigners Buy Property in Japan? What You Need to Know

Before You Own a Home in Japan

You may be thinking about living in Japan someday.

Perhaps you want an apartment in Tokyo.
A second home in a region you fell in love with while traveling.
Or simply a place of your own in Japan.

One of the first questions that comes up is:

“Can foreigners buy property in Japan?”

In general, foreign nationals and people living overseas can purchase real estate in Japan.

However,

being able to buy a home,
being able to live in Japan,
and being able to get a mortgage in Japan

are three separate matters.

This guide covers the key points to understand when you first start considering owning a home in Japan.

Can Foreigners Own Property in Japan?

Foreign nationality alone does not generally prevent someone from owning an ordinary house, apartment, or other real estate in Japan.

This means that both foreign residents of Japan and people living overseas may consider options such as:

Buying an apartment in Tokyo
Owning a home in Kyoto
Having a second home in Shizuoka or Hokkaido

If you live outside Japan, however, additional preparation may be required for documentation, identity verification, international transfers, and property registration.

Does Buying a Home Give You the Right to Live in Japan?

This is one of the most important points to understand.

Owning property in Japan and having the legal right to reside in Japan are separate matters.

Buying a house or apartment does not automatically give you a visa, residency status, or permanent residency.

In other words,

owning a home in Japan
and
having the right to live in Japan long-term

need to be considered separately.

If your goal is to live in Japan, do not assume that purchasing property gives you the right to stay. You should separately confirm which visa or residency status may apply to your situation.

Can You Buy Property While Living Overseas?

Yes. It is possible to purchase Japanese real estate without moving your residence to Japan.

The process, however, may involve additional steps compared with purchasing as a resident of Japan.

These may include:

Identity verification
Proof of address
Documents required for registration
International money transfers
Property management after purchase

If required documents are only discovered to be missing just before signing or closing, the transaction schedule may be affected.

It is therefore a good idea to confirm the necessary documents with the real estate company, judicial scrivener, or other relevant professional early in your property search.

Can Foreign Buyers Get a Mortgage in Japan?

Being allowed to buy property does not necessarily mean you will qualify for a Japanese mortgage.

Mortgage requirements vary by financial institution and may take into account factors such as:

Where you live
Your residency status
Income earned in Japan
Your employer
Your available funds

People living overseas or without income in Japan may have fewer mortgage options.

Rather than choosing a property first and thinking about financing later, it is usually better to review your funding options while you are still searching.

The Purchase Price Is Not the Full Cost

A ¥30 million property does not necessarily mean you only need ¥30 million.

Depending on the transaction, additional costs may include:

Real estate brokerage fees
Registration-related expenses
Registration and license tax
Real estate acquisition tax
Mortgage-related costs

After purchase, you may also need to budget for:

Fixed asset tax
Management fees
Reserve funds for major repairs
Building maintenance and repairs
Property management services

The important question is not only:

“How much does it cost to buy?”

but also:

“How much does it cost to keep?”

City Property or a Regional Home?

People choose to own property in Japan for very different reasons.

At Closer to Japan, we think about two broad paths.

CITY PROPERTY

Own in the city

Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other major Japanese cities.

This may suit people who value convenience, accessibility, urban living, or the characteristics of property in Japan’s major cities.

REGIONAL HOMES

Own beyond the city

Shizuoka, Hokkaido, Setouchi, Kyushu, and other parts of regional Japan.

These areas may appeal to people considering a second home, relocation, a life closer to nature, or a different pace of life in Japan.

Instead of looking only at price, think about:

Why you want to own the property
How often you will use it
Who will manage it when you are away

These questions can help you identify the type of property and location that may suit you.

Think Beyond the Purchase

For people living outside Japan, managing a property after purchase is especially important.

Depending on the property, you may need to think about:

Tax payments
Communication with a management company
Building repairs
Condominium management matters
Ventilation and cleaning for a second home
Mail and administrative correspondence

Owning a home in Japan does not end when the purchase is completed.

It is also worth asking:

Can I comfortably manage and maintain this property over the long term?

Five Things to Check First

If you are just beginning to explore Japanese property, start with these five questions.

1. Can I buy property in Japan?
Foreign nationals and overseas residents can generally consider purchasing Japanese real estate.

2. Can I live in Japan after buying it?
Property ownership and residency status are separate matters.

3. How can I buy from overseas?
Non-residents may need additional documents and international transfer arrangements.

4. How much will I really need?
Remember to consider taxes, fees, and other costs beyond the purchase price.

5. How will I manage it after purchase?
Think about taxes, maintenance, repairs, and ongoing management before you buy.