Japan Property Guide

Anyone can purchase real estate in Japan.

Japan does not restrict foreign buyers, meaning individuals or companies from overseas can purchase land, houses, apartments, and commercial property.

Ownership rights for foreigners are the same as for Japanese citizens.

• Houses
• Apartments / condominiums
• Land
• Commercial property
• Investment property

No visa, citizenship, or residency is required to purchase property.

However, purchasing property does not grant residency. If you wish to live in Japan long-term, you must obtain an appropriate visa separately.

No. Many international buyers complete purchases while overseas.

This involves:

• Signing documents remotely
• Sending ID documents in advance and verifying identity online
• Wiring funds internationally

Some steps (such as opening certain services) can be easier if you are physically in Japan, but it’s not always required.

No. A Japanese bank account is helpful, but it is not required to complete a purchase.

If you prefer, you can make payments into the IREA client account, and we will coordinate payment to the seller as part of the transaction process.

The same approach can be used for ongoing ownership support—such as paying property-related expenses—where funds can be deposited into the IREA account and disbursed on your behalf (as agreed).

For rental properties, tenant rent can also be paid into our account and then forwarded to the owner, making ownership simpler for overseas clients.

Note: Exact payment methods and timing will depend on the transaction structure, banking procedures, and compliance requirements.

Yes. But the rates depend on residency status and type and location of the property.

For the best rates it is better if you:

• Live in Japan
• Have stable income (often Japan-based)
• Hold a long-term visa
• Have permanent residency (for the better rates)

Some financing options are available for non-residents purchasing apartments in the main metropolitan areas but be prepared for higher rates

Many overseas buyers purchase with cash.

Yes. Foreign individuals and companies can purchase freehold land in Japan.

This can include residential, commercial, and forest land. Agricultural land involves additional restrictions and cannot be purchased by non-residents.

Yes. Foreign owners can lease out their properties long-term or operate short-term rentals depending on local rules.

Common rental types include:

• Long-term residential leases
• Corporate housing
• Furnished rentals
• Minpaku (short-term rentals)

Short-term rentals require local government registration and compliance with regulations.

No. Foreign property owners pay the same taxes as Japanese owners, including:

• Real Estate Acquisition Tax
• Property Asset Tax
• City Planning Tax
• Income tax on rental income (if applicable)

Tax rates are based on the property itself, not the nationality of the owner.

Yes. Many of our clients purchase a second home or investment property and want a local team to manage it.

IREA can help you purchase the property, and our property management company AXIOS can then handle ongoing management on your behalf.

Depending on the property and your goals, this can include:

• Key holding and periodic inspections
• Arranging repairs and maintenance
• Utility setup and ongoing bill management
• Tenant coordination for long-term rentals
• Rent collection and owner remittance

For overseas owners, rent can be paid into our account and then forwarded to you, helping keep things simple and consistent.

Note: Services and fees vary by property type, location, and rental strategy. We’ll outline options clearly before you proceed.

In Japan, brokerage fees are regulated by law. The standard maximum fee is:

(Purchase price × 3%) + ¥60,000 + consumption tax

Example (property price: ¥100,000,000)
Brokerage fee: ¥3,060,000
Consumption tax (10%): ¥306,000
Total: ¥3,366,000

At IREA, the brokerage fee is paid at the time of closing.