Buy your home or investment property in Japan

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Purchasing Process

A property inquiry can be made to Interlink my email, phone or through our website.

② Property Viewing 

Upon choosing a property of interest, a bi-lingual consultant will take you for a viewing.

③ Application

We will handle the paperwork involved with making an offer on your desired property.

⑥ Post Closing

Interlink will help you set up utilities for your new home and assist with various other tasks.

⑤ Closing

If you cannot attend closing meeting, it is possible to arrange an attorney.

④ Contract Signing

A bilingual real estate specialist will guide you through the contract signing.

Did You Know?

Useful information to better understand the Japanese housing market.
0.4%
Year-over-year increase of the average listing price of a pre-owned apartment in Greater Tokyo
¥59.8M
¥59,800,000:
Average price of a new apartment sold in Tokyo (2019)
2.37
2.37 is the expected average household size in 2025
<1%
Bank of Japan's interest rate since mid-1990s has been under 1%
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Detailed Description

Purchasing Process

① Inquiry

A property inquiry can be made to Interlink my email, phone or through our Japan Home Finder website.
JapanHomeFinder.com
For a more detailed, specialized search, complete our Needs Assessment form. We'll search through our access to thousands of properties on the market to offer you a list of options to choose from.

​​② Property Viewing

Upon choosing a property, or properties you are interested in, one of our bi-lingual consultants will pick you up at your hotel or local residence and take you for a viewing. 

In some cases, the ​landlord may meet us at the property to assist with the viewing and answer some of the more detailed questions you may have on the spot.

③ Application

Once you decide on a property, you will be asked to compete a Letter of Intent. This confirms your 'official' interest to the owner who can then act to reserve the property. 

The Letter of Intent document will be prepared by Interlink. You will be asked to confirm some of the specific conditions such as the offering price.
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When buyer and seller agree to the contract terms and conditions, a Purchase Application will be prepared. The Purchase Application will be submitted to the seller to move toward an agreed negotiation.

④ Contract Signing

When both parties agree to the conditions, a final contract will be prepared. A certified Real Estate Specialist will walk you through the details of the contract and ensure your understanding of all terms and conditions. The documentation must be provided in Japanese, so an interpreter will assist you through this process.
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The contract is then signed and stamped. You may need to have an official name stamp (hanko) prepared and registered in advance. Interlink can assist with this.

At this point a 10% deposit needs to be paid to the owner. 
*Please see below for any additional fees that may apply.

⑤ Closing

All fees will be due in advance of the closing date. A closing meeting will take place before the closing date to sign the final insurance and registration documents.​

Closing usually takes place about 2 to 3 weeks after contract signing. During this time, a judicial scrivener (legal professional) will prepare for registering ownership (property title) transfer.​
Paying remaining fees, signing insurance and registration documents will take place at the closing meeting. 
Once the process is finished, the keys will be handed from the seller to the purchaser. ​

If you cannot attend the closing meeting, it is possible to arrange an attorney. In this case, a judicial scrivener will have to meet with you, at least once, before the closing meeting. If you are purchasing the property in joint name, the judicial scrivener will have to meet with every single person. This will be needed to confirm identity, that the person is the person. Also, there will be additional documents to prepare in this case. Please contact us for details.
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After the meeting, the judicial scrivener will apply to the Legal Affairs Bureau for registration. The ownership of the property will belong to you from the closing date.

⑥ Post Closing

In the weeks and months following the closing date, you will receive a notification of real estate acquisition tax as well as documentation on any fire/earthquake insurance purchased.​

Interlink will help you set up utilities for your new home. Bills can be paid at convenience store or with credit card.

Additional fees required after closing:
  • Real Estate Tax (annual)
  • Neighborhood Association Fee (monthly)
  • Management & Maintenance Fee (for apartment only, monthly)
  • Others (depending on the property)​
In the weeks and months following the closing date, you will receive a notification of real estate acquisition tax as well as documentation on any fire/earthquake insurance purchased.​

Interlink will help you set up utilities for your new home. Bills can be paid at convenience store or with credit card.

Additional fees required after closing:
  • Real Estate Tax (annual)
  • Neighborhood Association Fee (monthly)
  • Management & Maintenance Fee (for apartment only, monthly)
  • Others (depending on the property)​
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Whether purchasing for a new investment or looking for a place to call home for you and your family, Interlink is here to help. 
Contact one of our friendly bilingual consultants today.
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