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Buying Property in Japan Without a Visa: A Financing Guide for Foreigners
Japan’s real estate market is gaining traction with foreign buyers, thanks to its political stability, low interest rates, and relatively affordable prices compared to major international cities. Add to that the global city appeal of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka, and it’s easy to see why international interest is growing. However, for those without a… More
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(Webinar04) How to Buy a Home in Japan as a Foreigner
The Japanese real estate market has continued to grow unabated, as we head into spring and the start of the new fiscal year for many Japanese companies on April 1. Land prices nationwide and sale prices in central Tokyo continue to grow year on year, but what exactly is driving this strong growth and is… More
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From Deflationary Dream to Inflation Hedge: Rethinking Home Ownership in Japan
Japan is undergoing a quiet economic transformation. After decades of near-zero inflation and even deflation, prices are finally rising – and with them, questions about how to protect one’s wealth. Could buying a home in Japan become an effective hedge against inflation? For generations, home ownership here was largely a lifestyle milestone rather than an… More
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Joint Mortgage Options for LGBT Foreigners in Japan: A Homeownership Guide
In recent years, Japan has made incremental but meaningful strides in recognizing and supporting the rights of LGBT individuals. While same-sex marriage is not yet legally recognized at the national level, more municipalities and prefectures are introducing partnership certificates that acknowledge same-sex relationships. For foreigners in LGBT relationships who wish to purchase a home with… More
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Joint Home Loans Availability For Foreigners in Japan
If you are a foreigner in a relationship with a Japanese citizen, buying a home in Japan as a couple often involves figuring out how to maximize your borrowing power. If you’re planning to finance a property together, you’ll likely come across two options: Pair Loans and Joint Mortgages (Shuunyuu Gassan / Income Combination). While… More
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Home Loans in Japan for Foreigners: Bank Options and Key Differences Based on Visa Status
Buying a home in Japan is a dream for many foreigners living and working here. Although it is not difficult to buy a property in Japan as a foreigner, navigating mortgage financing can be a complex process, especially since the conditions differ greatly depending on whether you hold a working visa or permanent residency (PR),… More
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How to Get Financing from Banks in Japan as a Foreigner
Buying a home in Japan as a foreigner is easy since there are no restrictions on foreigners buying and owning properties, and securing financing from a Japanese bank is straightforward. The most important factor in getting a home loan in Japan as a foreigner is paying income tax in Japan. Without a record of paying… More
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(Webinar03) How to Buy a Home in Japan as a Foreigner
The Japanese real estate market overall has recovered remarkably since the pandemic, with land prices nationwide and sale prices in central Tokyo continuing to grow year on year, but what exactly are the lasting impacts of COVID on the property market? In this webinar, Dovetail, a Tokyo-based bilingual real estate agency, dives into this question… More
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“Dual Agency” is Not Illegal in Japan Yet Causes Conflicts of Interest for Everyone
In Japan’s real estate market, the practice of “Kakoikomi” (囲い込み) has been a growing concern. This refers to a situation where a seller’s agent intentionally prevents a buyer’s agent from scheduling property viewings or introducing a particular property to clients. The reason? The seller’s agent wants to find a buyer independently to secure commissions from… More
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Understanding Unspoken Rules in Japanese Real Estate: Seller’s Agents will not Allow Buyers to Work with Multiple Agents for Viewings
Japan’s real estate market is unique in many ways, with cultural norms and industry-specific rules that may not always be clearly communicated to prospective buyers, particularly those from overseas. One such rule that plays a crucial role in the buying process is the expectation that once you view a property with a real estate agent,… More
