Part 4: Property Search and Viewings

Share your criteria — location, budget, size, building age — and let your agent build a shortlist.

A few Japan-specific things worth checking on every property:

Structural standards and building age — properties built after 1981 meet the newer seismic code (新耐震基準)
Management association health — for condominiums, check the status of the building's repair reserve fund
Rebuild restrictions — some lots don't meet minimum road-access requirements and can't be legally rebuilt
Planned development nearby — future infrastructure or zoning changes in the area

If an in-person visit isn't practical, many agents now offer video walkthroughs or live virtual viewings.