Do I Need to be In Japan to Buy a House?

The answer? NO. You can buy a house in Japan remotely.
You can skip the flight -
but not the legal proxies, paperwork, or prep.
Here’s how you can actually make it happen, from abroad.
Many foreign buyers assume that owning a home in Japan requires physically being here, speaking the language, and navigating the paperwork in person. But in reality, you can complete the entire purchase process remotely, and in many cases, our members do.
📝 So, what’s the catch?
Foreigners are absolutely allowed to own land in Japan, 100% legal, no visa required. But here's the reality: the entire homebuying process happens in Japanese, with Japanese contracts, Japanese bureaucracy, and Japanese agents who rarely speak English.
That means unless you're fluent, confident navigating local laws, and physically here, you're going to need help.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. You can complete the entire process remotely by assigning Power of Attorney to a qualified legal proxy, and that’s where we come in.
Foreigners are buying homes across Japan every week. The difference? They have someone on the ground who knows the system and speaks the language.
🏠 Remote-Purchase Roadmap
🤝 Who Does What?
Here’s a simple breakdown of your role vs. ours (and our partners'):
⏳ Realistic Timeline
Wondering how long this all takes? Here’s what to expect:
❓Quick FAQs
Can I rent it out immediately?
Sometimes. It depends on zoning laws and local rental restrictions. We’ll help you figure it out during due diligence.
Do I have to pay taxes in Japan?
Yes, annual fixed asset taxes and registration-related fees are required. Review what else may be included in your total purchase price here.
What if the seller doesn’t speak English?
No problem. We handle all communication and translations on your behalf.
Can I use financing or get a mortgage in Japan?
It’s extremely rare for foreigners without permanent residency or Japanese income to qualify. Most purchases are cash-based.
Can someone else own the home for me?
No, Japanese property must be registered in your legal name. However, you can grant Power of Attorney to act on your behalf.
How do I get the keys if I’m overseas?
We’ll coordinate secure key handoff or delivery with your approval after closing is complete.
🏡 Buying from abroad is possible, with the right support.
⬇️ Ready to explore? If you're a member already go here ⬇️
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Please note that the information in this article is subject to change. We will update the content as new information becomes available.