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How Foreigners Can Buy Property in Japan: A 7-Part Series
Everything you need to know before purchasing real estate in Japan — no citizenship, visa status, or permanent residency required.
Japan's real estate market is unusually open by global standards: foreign nationals can purchase property regardless of their visa type, and permanent residency is not a prerequisite. That said, language barriers and unfamiliar business customs can make the process feel daunting.
This series breaks the journey down into seven clear steps — from defining your goals to holding the keys in your hand.
Japan's property market is genuinely open to foreign buyers — but success depends on preparation around language, local customs, and tax obligations.
Define your purpose and budget
Build your financing plan
Find a trustworthy agent
Search for property and view it in person (or virtually)
Submit a letter of intent
Complete disclosure and sign the purchase agreement
Settle, take handover, and register ownership
Take each step deliberately, and even first-time buyers can navigate a Japanese property purchase with confidence.