Buying Guide

Buying Real Estate Properties in Tokyo, Osaka, Okinawa, and Atami

Step-1: Checking Real Estate Laws and Transactions

The laws concerning property and real estate transactions in Japan are well developed. There are many rules and regulations created in order to prevent problems. Due to real estate being an expensive commodity, it is required by law to carefully check the property’s status, the relationship of rights, and various legal regulations to ensure a safe business transaction.

Non-Japanese buying real estate

In Japan, there are no restrictions in regards to real estate ownership of both land and building. Foreigners, regardless of their visa status, may purchase property in Japan. The cost involved–aside from the purchase price of the property–is  the agent fee, ownership registration fee, taxes, and some miscellaneous expenses.

Step-2: The Property Search

We provide property buying services in Tokyo, Osaka, Okinawa, and Atami with maps and pictures. After knowing the requirements of the buyers we search the appropriate property in the desired area according to the approximate budget allocations. We have an extensive property network and information on the New/Used Apartments, Investment Land and Properties to fulfill the requirements of the client.

Step-3: Application

Once the client decides upon a property to purchase, we arrange “purchase application form” on behalf of the buyer to make easy all the process. The “purchase application form” is completed by filling in the offer price, the payment method, the contract date, the date of delivery, and related terms and conditions. After completed, the “purchase application form”, we submitted the application to the seller. When the Seller have agreed to all major conditions, a sales contract can be prepared.

Step-4: Signing a Contract

Japanese law requires that each contract come with an “Explanation of Important Matters” document signed and sealed by a Real Estate Notary (f/k/a Real Estate Transaction Specialist) with a National License.
For signing contract it is required the items:
• Revenue stamp fee (Depending on the sales value)
• A Seal
• Deposit (10 – 20% of the sales price)
• Personal Identification Document (Driver’s license, Passport)

Step-5: Housing Loan Application

If the client intends to take a loan for the purchase of a property, the client needs to apply to an appropriate financial institution soon after signing the sales contract. Each financial institution requires a filled up ‘Loan Application Form with buyer sign and seal.

There are a number of options to get the loan for Property Purchase for both native and foreigners in Japan. We may help and or can link with bank and loan agency to get the loan with easy and soft conditions after ‘Selection of the Land/ House/ Apartment’ and ‘Payment of Interim Deposit’.

Financial institutions generally take 2-3 weeks to response the loan application.

Step-6: final check of the property

Final checking of the property’s condition is conducted in the presence of both the Seller and Buyer.

Step 8 Ownership Transfer

Generally, a Legal Scrivener processes the necessary registrations for ownership transfer to the Buyer. They will check all the necessary documents are prepared for the application. Then the Seller and the Buyer sign and seal the registration application forms.

Note: we provide more details information after finishing the primary meeting on the buying properties as need.