Do I Need to Be in Japan to Buy a House?

The short answer is: NO. But, the long answer is, as with most things in life, more nuanced.

Japan, unlike many other countries, allows foreigners to purchase property without visa restrictions. In light of the increasing number of foreign real estate purchases, a new law was implemented in April 2024. If you don't have a domestic address and phone number in Japan, you're required to designate a 'contact person' within the country.

This individual or entity will serve as your representative and be the point of contact for communications related to your property. This change, designed to enhance transparency and streamline the process, also ensures there's a reliable link between foreign property owners and Japanese authorities. Real estate professionals and agents can often act as this representative, simplifying the process.

Note: If you're looking to purchase a property AkiyaHub can fulfill this role for you so no worries!

Key Considerations for Foreign Buyers:

• Local Representative is Key: As a non-resident foreign buyer, it’s now a requirement to have a local representative listed on your property title. This representative will be the official liaison between you and Japanese authorities.

• The Representative’s Role: This individual is responsible for receiving official communications on your behalf. They will also ensure that your obligations under Japanese law are met, including handling property taxes, maintenance, and legal matters.

• Choosing the Right Representative: Selecting the right representative is crucial. Ideally, you want someone with a solid understanding of Japanese real estate laws, as well as fluency in both Japanese and your native language. This could be a legal professional, real estate agent, or property management company familiar with supporting foreign buyers.

• Accurate Documentation: To ensure a smooth property registration, the representative’s details need to be accurately recorded. It’s important to have all the necessary documentation prepared and readily available.

Ready to explore?

We at AkiyaHub specialize in supporting foreign buyers as they navigate all of the requirements for purchasing a home in Japan, even from overseas. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help, please feel free to reach out!

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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 to ensure you have the most current insights on Akiya investments.