From your first search to your final settlement.
We leverage our network to identify high-potential properties. Found something yourself online? No problem.
We actively vet properties found by clients, checking the fine print and translating listing data so you know exactly what you are looking at.
Start here: Browse 40,000+ listings in English on FindHouse.jp
We perform a "Deep Dive" remote evaluation using documentation, rent rolls, and local insights.
No physical travel is required. We act as your eyes on the ground, filtering out the lemons before you waste time or money.
Once you are happy, we submit the formal Purchase Application on your behalf. If accepted, it's "Go Time."
During this critical window, we can organize structural inspections or additional site visits to ensure the asset is solid before we move to contract.
We handle the signing logistics. Our representative attends to translate the Contract and 'Important Matters' (Jyusetsu). Alternatively, using a Power of Attorney, we can sign on your behalf—no travel required.
The Deposit (roughly 10%, though flexible) is generally paid on the day of signing.
The remaining funds are transferred, and the Judicial Scrivener officially records the title change with the government.
Note: To verify your identity and address for registration, you will need to provide an Affidavit or Statutory Declaration. We guide you through drafting this document.
Here is everything you'll pay, in the order you'll pay it. For a typical sub-¥8 million purchase, the brokerage and scrivener lines together usually come to between ¥450,000 and ¥580,000. The tax items vary with the property's government-assessed value, which for older homes is often well below the market price.
| Cost | When you pay | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | Deposit (roughly 10%) at contract, balance at settlement | The negotiated price of the property itself. |
| Brokerage fee | At settlement | ¥330,000 including tax for properties under ¥8 million (the fixed rate since the 2024 rule change). Above ¥8 million: 3% + ¥60,000, plus tax. |
| Judicial scrivener & title registration | At settlement | The scrivener's own fee is around ¥80,000. The registration licence tax is then billed on top through the same invoice, and since it's calculated on the government-assessed value, the combined total typically lands between ¥120,000 and ¥250,000. |
| Prorated property tax | At settlement | You reimburse the seller for your share of the year's fixed asset tax, prorated from the handover date. On low-cost homes this is usually modest. |
| Property acquisition tax | Around 6 months after purchase | A one-time prefectural tax that arrives by post, billed on the assessed value rather than the price you paid. 3% residential / 4% non-residential; reductions often apply to older homes and residential land. |
Once the keys are yours, the running costs are refreshingly low compared to most countries. There are three things to plan for:
The annual local tax: 1.4% of the assessed value, plus roughly 0.3% City Planning Tax in designated areas. Bills arrive each spring, payable in installments.
Owners living outside Japan are required to appoint a tax representative (nozei kanrinin) to receive and handle their tax bills. A trusted friend in Japan can take the role, or our Portfolio service covers it, along with mail and utilities, for ¥60,000/yr.
Standing charges for electricity, water and gas, plus fire insurance and a sensible maintenance budget. Older homes stay healthy when someone keeps an eye on the small stuff.
Rental income earned in Japan is taxable in Japan, even for non-residents.
Progressive rates (starting at 5%) on net rental income. Must be filed annually by March 15.
20.42% is withheld from gross rent paid to non-residents.
*Note: This typically applies to commercial/corporate tenants. Residential tenants are generally exempt.