Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any strings attached to buying a home in Japan as a foreigner?

Nope. Foreigners have the exact same ownership rights as Japanese citizens. There are no extra fees, no visa requirements, no renovation mandates, and no minimum stay rules.

How much are the taxes? They've gotta get you somewhere, right?

Japan's property taxes are shockingly low. There are two main annual taxes:

Fixed Asset Tax (Kotei Shisanzei) – kind of like your federal property tax.

City Planning Tax (Toshi Keikakuzei) – this one goes to your local municipality.

Together, they usually total around 1.7% of the assessed value of the property. Cheap homes = Cheap taxes. For example, our own annual tax bill is around $600 USD/year. Yea you read that right $600 USD

What about earthquakes and natural disasters?

Japan introduced stricter earthquake-resistant building codes in 1981 and 2000. Insurance is excellent and affordable, with Fire and Earthquake Insurance typically costing around $242 USD per year.

Can I Airbnb my home?

Yes, but regulations are strict and vary dramatically by location. Japan's minpaku (民泊) rules are cumulative — national, prefecture, and city regulations all stack on top of each other.

The national baseline:

• Maximum 180 days per year (without a Ryokan license)
• Must register your property and meet fire safety standards
• Requires a local property manager if you don't live nearby

But cities add their own rules on top:

• Osaka — Banned entirely in residential zones (unless your property faces a road 4m+ wide)
• Kyoto — Only ~60 days/year in residential zones (Jan 15 – Mar 16)
• Sapporo — Weekends and holidays only in residential zones

Owner-occupied properties often get exemptions from these restrictions. Use our Zoning / Airbnb eligibility layer (included in the Pro plan) to check short-term rental rules for any specific property before you buy.

How do I pay property taxes and set up utilities if I don't live in Japan?

You'll need a tax representative. We can handle:

• Tax payments
• Utility setup
• Bill forwarding or payment handling

Is the house actually mine?

Yes, 100%. The title is in your name, and you'll be the legal owner. No one else has a claim on it.

What's the quality of these old homes?

Quality varies. Cultural differences include:

• Lack of insulation
• Compact layouts
• Often only one bathroom
• Different kitchen and bathroom setups

Does buying a home give me a path to citizenship or residency?

Unfortunately, no. Buying property in Japan does not grant you residency, a visa, or citizenship.