Question 1

Can foreigners buy property in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Japan places no restrictions on foreign ownership of land or buildings. Non-residents can buy freehold, and no visa or residency is required to hold title.

Question 2

Do I need to live in Japan, or visit?

Accepted Answer

No. Closings are routinely handled remotely with a power of attorney and documents couriered for signature. Most buyers do visit at some point, and we will arrange viewings when you do, but the purchase itself does not require it.

Question 3

Does buying property give me a visa?

Accepted Answer

No. A property purchase does not grant residency, a work permit, or a long-stay visa.

Question 4

Do overseas buyers need to pay cash?

Accepted Answer

Many overseas and non-resident buyers purchase using their own funds, because Japanese mortgage options for non-residents are limited. Financing depends heavily on residency status, income, and individual lender requirements, and Japan Owners Club does not promise or arrange financing as part of its service. One reason a direct purchase can still be practical is that many Japanese properties, particularly older homes and properties outside the most expensive urban markets, may be priced well below comparable homes in other countries. Prices still vary widely by location, land value, condition, and renovation needs, so we put real figures on a specific property before you commit.

Question 5

What costs come on top of the purchase price?

Accepted Answer

Broadly: brokerage commission at Japan's legally capped rate, judicial scrivener fees for title registration, registration and stamp taxes, and a real-estate acquisition tax billed a few months after closing. Then annual fixed asset and city planning tax. For a renovation project, add the renovation quote and any demolition or waste disposal. We put the specific figures for your property in writing before you commit.

Question 6

Can you inspect a property for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Someone from our team goes to the property and sends photos, video, notes on condition, and the documents the seller has available: registry extract, floor plan, and land survey where one exists.

Question 7

Can you renovate it, and furnish it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our contractor network quotes against a written scope, itemised, and we coordinate the work and report progress. Furnishing and rental-ready setup are available where you want them. Finished projects in Gifu and Mie are on the projects page.

Question 8

Can you manage the property after I buy?

Accepted Answer

Optionally, through LINO Inc. (株式会社Lino), which manages 150+ units across the Tokai region: tenants, rent, repairs, mail and notices, and caretaking for second homes. It is not required, and plenty of owners use us only up to closing.

Question 9

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Our own network is deepest in the Tokai region of central Japan, across Aichi, Gifu, and Mie, where our brokerage, contractors, and management company operate. We also work with buyers on properties elsewhere in Japan, bringing in vetted local partners for inspection and management.

Question 10

Do you only handle akiya?

Accepted Answer

No. Vacant rural houses are one part of what we work on. We also handle ordinary suburban and city homes, apartments, and small income buildings. The right property depends on your purpose, not on a category.

Question 11

What does membership include, and why is it paid?

Accepted Answer

Membership gives access to selected member-only and off-market opportunities, first look at properties before the open list, the translated monthly Tokai Owners Club seminar, market notes, and direct contact with our team. It is paid because these opportunities come from sellers who agree to a private introduction rather than public marketing, so they cannot be sent to an open list.

Question 12

What does 'off-market' actually mean here?

Accepted Answer

That the property reaches us through the owner network before, or without, being advertised publicly. It does not automatically mean discounted, or a good investment, and joining does not guarantee that a specific property will be offered to you.

Question 13

What do you handle directly, and what do partners handle?

Accepted Answer

We handle sourcing, inspection, translation, negotiation support, renovation scoping and coordination, and day-to-day support for owners abroad. The transaction itself runs through our licensed brokerage partner Mariage Inc. (株式会社Mariage), title registration through a judicial scrivener, building work through contractors, and management through LINO Inc. You are the buyer on the contract; we do not purchase property on your behalf or hold your funds.

Question 14

Do I need a Japanese bank account?

Accepted Answer

Generally not, and most non-residents cannot open one without a residence card. Purchase funds go by international wire from your own bank into the closing process, coordinated by the judicial scrivener. For a rental property, LINO collects rent, handles the required withholding, and remits the net amount to your account at home.

Question 15

Do I need Japanese?

Accepted Answer

No. Documents, contracts, and conversations with agents, contractors, and municipal offices are handled in Japanese by our team and reported back to you in English.

Questions overseas buyers ask us.

Something not covered here?