Buy In Tokyo With Local Guidance From A Licensed Buyer's agent
Whether you are buying a house for your family or an investment property for your future self, use a licensed buyer's agent to get maximum value with minimal stress.
We go the extra mile!
When we started working in real estate, we were helping friends buy and sell their homes, and because we knew them well, we knew how important it was to them - so we always went the extra mile. Now we work with 20 or 30 clients a year, but we still work the same way. Buying a house can be exciting and stressful in equal amounts, but you can count on us to give you maximum support the whole way through.
Get a Personalized Property Search
Buying a home in Japan can feel overwhelming, even for people who speak Japanese. Sometimes it is hardwork checking floor plans over and over looking for one you like.
Everyone has different needs, whether it is finding a house closer to your kid's school, a bigger kitchen, more space or making sure you have a place in the garden to relax on weekends, whatever your needs, we'll listen and try to find the right match for you.
That is why we like to begin with a zoom call, so we can find out all about out what you are looking for.
Work with Paul & yuuki
Paul is a licensed real estate agent who can explain many of the confusing aspects of Japanese real estate in plain (Aussie) English. Having lived in Melbourne and Tokyo and other parts of Japan, he knows the sort of things many foreigners are looking for in a house and in a neighbourhood.
Yuuki helps with Japanese communication, especially seller-side coordination, but also making sure none of your follow-up questions go unanswered.
We help buyers understand what is happening, what to watch out for, and what the next step should be.
It All Starts with a free consultation
Using a buyer's agent will help you avoid wasting time and zero in on the best properties faster.
Initial Zoom Consultation
We discuss your goals, budget, family needs, timeline, and preferred lifestyle.
Budget & Financing
We help clarify whether you are buying with cash, pre-approval, or still exploring loan options.
Area Shortlist
We narrow down realistic areas based on commute, price, property type, and lifestyle fit.
Property Sourcing
We search for suitable properties and help identify which ones are worth viewing.
Viewings
We arrange inspections, communicate with agents, and help you compare options clearly.
Offer & Negotiation
We do our best to get you the best price on the property you have set your mind on.
Explanation & Contract
We conduct the important matters explanation and sales contract for you in English.
Settlement & Handover
We coordinate final payment, judicial scrivener, registration, keys, and next steps.
If It Looks Good, Make Sure To Check These
A good-looking property can still have serious issues. We help check the practical details before moving forward.
Building Condition
Age, repair history, reserve fund, major repair plans, management condition, and maintenance risk.
Location Risk
Flood risk, landslide risk, road type, access, neighborhood quality, and resale considerations.
Financial Fit
Loan suitability, monthly payments, management fees, repair fees, taxes, and realistic total cost.
Exit Strategy
Resale liquidity, rental potential, future buyer demand, and whether the property may be hard to sell later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Property In Japan
Clear answers for overseas buyers, residents, investors, and families considering purchasing property in Tokyo and across Japan.
Anyone can purchase property in Japan. Foreign buyers have the same ownership rights as Japanese citizens and can purchase houses, apartments, land, and investment properties.
You do not need residency, citizenship, or a visa to purchase property in Japan.
Yes. Financing is available, although loan conditions depend heavily on residency status, income location, visa type, and the property itself. There are also financing options for non-residents -so please ask to see if you are eligible.
- Permanent residents usually receive the best rates
- Japan-based income improves approval chances
- Some banks lend to non-residents for Tokyo apartments
- Cash purchases are still common for overseas buyers
Looking beyond the photos is extremely important when buying property in Japan.
- Building age and earthquake standards
- Repair reserve fund balance
- Monthly management and repair fees
- Large-scale repair history and future plans
- Management company quality
- Vacancy rates and resale liquidity
- Flood and hazard map risks
- Noise, sunlight, and neighborhood environment
Paul will review these factors with you before you submit an offer.
“Owner Change” means the property already has a tenant living in it at the time of purchase.
These properties are usually purchased as investments because rental income begins immediately after settlement.
However, in most cases you cannot move into the property yourself until the tenant leaves.
Interested in investment properties and rental yield?
Explore Tokyo Investment Property →
Apartments in Japan usually include two monthly building-related fees:
- Management Fee (管理費) — day-to-day building operation and cleaning
- Repair Reserve Fund (修繕積立金) — savings for future major repairs
Some apartment buildings do not have many residents and do not collect enough funds each month to cover ongoing costs. These buildings will need to increase their fees in future to ensure that they have ave enough to cover expenses.
Yes. Many overseas clients complete purchases without traveling to Japan.
- Online meetings and explanations
- Remote contract signing
- International fund transfers
- Identity verification online
- Local support through settlement and handover
There is no simple answer. Some older “vintage mansion” apartments in Tokyo are extremely desirable because of their location, design, and land value.
However, buyers should carefully check:
- Earthquake standards
- Repair history
- Reserve fund condition
- Future redevelopment potential
- Long-term resale demand
Our fees are covered by the standard brokerage fee (3 and a bit % + sales tax). There are no additional fees.
For those customers looking to purchase in the countryside while overseas (remote) - we do have a separate package available - please send us an inquiry and we will see if we can help.
Buyers should budget for additional acquisition costs on top of the purchase price.
- Brokerage fees
- Stamp duty
- Registration and judicial scrivener fees
- Property acquisition tax
- Fixed asset tax adjustments
- Loan-related fees if financing
A rough estimate is often around 6–8% depending on the property and financing structure.
Most residential property in Japan is freehold, meaning you own both the building and the land permanently.
Leasehold property exists as well, particularly in central Tokyo, where you own the building but lease the land for a fixed period.
Leasehold properties can sometimes offer lower purchase prices, but these are very much buyer beware options. We don't recommend buying these.
Usually yes, although some apartment buildings have restrictions regarding Airbnb-style short-term rentals.
Long-term leasing is generally straightforward in Tokyo, especially in convenient commuter locations.
We can help buyers understand expected rental demand and likely rent levels before purchase.
Japan introduced updated earthquake standards in 1981.
Buildings constructed under these newer standards are generally considered more resilient during major earthquakes.
Many buyers specifically search for post-1981 buildings, although older properties can still be excellent depending on condition and maintenance history.
Good properties in popular areas can move very quickly, particularly well-priced family homes and renovated apartments near major stations.
Some buyers spend months searching, while others secure a property after only a few viewings.
Preparation and fast communication often make a huge difference.
In Japan, “mansion” usually refers to a reinforced concrete condominium building.
“Apartment” often refers to lighter wooden or steel-frame rental buildings.
The English meaning is different from overseas usage, which can sometimes confuse buyers new to the Japanese market.
Not always, but having a Japanese bank account can make settlement and ongoing ownership much easier.
Overseas buyers can make payments via the IREA or AXIOS corporate account. Please ask for more information on how this is done.
Cash purchases can sometimes complete within a few weeks.
Financed purchases usually take around one to two months depending on bank approval timelines and seller conditions.
The property search itself can take significantly longer depending on the buyer’s criteria.
Yes. Although Tokyo is our primary focus, we also help clients purchasing in Yokohama, Nagano, Hakuba, Yamanashi, and other parts of Japan depending on the property type and project. Additional fees apply. Please ask Paul.
Before signing the contract, a licensed real estate agent explains the legal details of the property and transaction.
This includes ownership details, zoning, road access, restrictions, fees, hazard information, and other important risks buyers should understand before committing. Paul is one of the very few native English speakers in Japan who has the license required for making this explanation. We pride ourselves on making our explanations as clear and concise as possible, to save you stress and confusion.
Yes. Detached houses involve different considerations such as land value, road access, rebuilding restrictions, boundary issues, and long-term maintenance responsibility.
Apartments involve shared ownership structures, monthly fees, and management associations instead.
Yes. Through AXIOS Management we can help overseas and local owners with ongoing property management support.
- Tenant coordination
- Rent collection
- Repair arrangements
- Utility management
- Periodic inspections
- Owner support for overseas clients