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Tokyo Real Estate Guide

Tokyo Real Estate Guides & Resources
Buying, Selling, Managing and Investing, Explained

Buying, selling, managing, or investing in Tokyo property each comes with its own process, costs, and paperwork, and this library covers all four. The buying and selling guides walk through every step from first search to final settlement, while the management and investment guides cover running a property and building a portfolio from anywhere in the world. Use the index below to jump to your section, then open any guide for the full detail.

Guide to Buying a Property in Tokyo

Yes, foreign nationals can buy freehold land, houses and apartments in Japan with no nationality, residency or visa requirement. This guide covers the FEFTA reporting rule for non-residents (effective April 2026), ownership rights, and financing options.

Buy Manage

Hands-Free Property Management in Tokyo

Fully bilingual, hands-off property management for Tokyo property owners, covering tenant marketing, rent collection, maintenance, and tax reporting. Includes specialist support for overseas owners, such as virtual accounts and dedicated tax assistance.

Buy

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Japan?

Yes. Foreigners can buy property in Japan with the same freehold ownership rights as Japanese nationals, with no citizenship, residency, or visa requirement. This guide explains the legal position, the limited exceptions (such as agricultural and forest land or land near sensitive sites), the documents a foreign buyer needs, and the reporting steps that apply to non-resident purchasers.

Buy

Guide to Buying a Home in Tokyo

A step-by-step walkthrough of buying a home in Tokyo, covering the property search, purchase application, financing, and closing process. Learn the key Japanese legal steps, from 重要事項説明 to final settlement (決済・引渡し), with expert guidance from a licensed Tokyo brokerage.

Buy Invest

Yen Loan Calculator For Buying A House In Japan

Estimate your monthly mortgage payments for a Japan home purchase with our free yen loan calculator, just enter the loan amount, term, and interest rate. Includes current 2026 rate benchmarks, including the Flat 35 fixed rate and typical variable rates for foreign buyers.

Buy Invest

Ultimate Guide to Buying an Investment Property in Tokyo

A complete walkthrough of buying an investment property in Tokyo, from financing eligibility and agent selection to purchase costs, contracts, and final settlement. Learn what non-residents and expat investors need to qualify for a loan and budget accurately for taxes and fees.

Buy

How to Rent an Apartment in Japan

A step-by-step guide to renting an apartment in Tokyo, covering house hunting, viewings, applications, and contracts through move-in day. Learn what to expect at each stage, with full bilingual support from Housing Japan's agents throughout your tenancy.

Buy

Housing Japan's Bilingual Rental Support

Bilingual, licensed Tokyo agents guide you through every step of renting an apartment or house, from search and viewings to contract signing and move-in. Full English-language support continues throughout your tenancy for any questions or issues that arise.

Buy

Tokyo Property Taxes and Fees

A clear breakdown of the taxes and fees involved in buying property in Tokyo, from brokerage and acquisition tax to stamp duty, registration tax, and ongoing fixed asset tax. Understand what you'll owe at each stage of a Japan property purchase, plus capital gains and withholding tax rules for non-residents.

Buy

A History of Tokyo Houses and Real-Estate Prices

Trace Tokyo's property market from the 1980s bubble and 1990s crash through the mini-bubble, the 2008 financial crisis, and its recovery into today's growth cycle. Understand the historical price cycles shaping current market confidence and long-term investment demand in central Tokyo.

Guide to Selling a Property in Tokyo

Selling a property in Tokyo involves valuation, marketing, negotiation, and a settlement process governed by Japanese law and overseen by a licensed brokerage. These guides explain how to price your property, choose the right agent, and understand the fees and taxes that apply when you sell.

Sell

Fees and Taxes of Selling Your Home in Japan

A breakdown of the fees and taxes involved in selling a home in Japan, including brokerage commission, stamp duty, and capital gains tax rates for residents and non-residents. Covers the 10.21% withholding tax applied to non-resident sellers at settlement and the ¥30 million primary-residence exemption.

Sell

How To Sell a Property in Japan

A step-by-step guide to selling a property in Tokyo, from valuation and brokerage agreement through marketing, offer, and settlement. Learn the Japanese process, including 査定, 媒介契約, and 決済・引渡し, with expert support for resident and non-resident owners.

Sell

Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent For You

Learn how Japan's dual-agent system works and why real estate brokers here handle both legal and brokerage duties, unlike in many other countries. Understand what the Takken license really means, and what to look for, beyond the license itself, when choosing an agent for your Tokyo transaction.

Invest Sell

Japanese Real Estate Investment Guide

A complete guide for foreign investors navigating the Japanese property market, covering the purchase process, financing, taxes, and property management. Includes rental yield benchmarks by area and guidance on choosing between new-build and older properties for the best ROI.

Sell

Ultimate Guide To Selling A Home

An overview of the process, costs, and taxes involved in selling a home in Japan, from listing and offer through to final transaction. Covers agent fees, capital gains tax for resident and non-resident sellers, and stamp duty, with guidance to help you maximise your return.

Sell

Get A Free Property Valuation | Sell Your Tokyo Property

Get a free, no-obligation property valuation from Housing Japan's bilingual experts, backed by over 25 years of Tokyo real estate experience. Find out what your property is worth before you sell.

Guide to Property Management in Tokyo

Managing a Tokyo property, especially from overseas, means handling tenants, maintenance, rent collection, and compliance. These guides and services explain how property management works in Japan and how owners can run a property hands-off with bilingual support.

Buy Manage

Hands-Free Property Management in Tokyo

Fully bilingual, hands-off property management for Tokyo property owners, covering tenant marketing, rent collection, maintenance, and tax reporting. Includes specialist support for overseas owners, such as virtual accounts and dedicated tax assistance.

Manage

Property Management Service | 24h Bilingual Tenant Support

24-hour bilingual support for tenants of Housing Japan-managed properties, covering both lease-related enquiries and emergency repairs. Reach the team by phone or email during office hours, or call the toll-free, 365-day emergency line in English or Chinese any time.

Manage

Guide to Renting Out Your Tokyo Property

A complete 10-step walkthrough of renting out a Tokyo property, from consultation and market appraisal through marketing, tenant screening, and contract execution. Learn how a licensed property manager handles ongoing tenant support, owner reporting, and tenant exit, for both resident and overseas owners.

Invest Manage

Professional Investment Property Tracker Service

Track your Tokyo investment property's earnings, outgoings, and taxes online, 24/7, through Housing Japan's secure owner's portal. Exclusive to managed clients, with instant one-click contact to your property manager whenever you need a detailed breakdown.

Manage

Ultimate Guide To Renting A Tokyo Property

The complete 10-step process a Tokyo homeowner goes through when renting out a property, from consultation and market appraisal through marketing, screening, and contract execution. Applies to both domestic and foreign owners, covering everything from tenant support to owner reporting and tenant exit.

Guide to Real Estate Investment in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the world's largest and most liquid real estate markets, and it remains fully open to foreign investors. These guides cover rental yields, financing for residents and non-residents, taxes, and portfolio management for anyone investing in Japanese property.

Buy Invest

Yen Loan Calculator For Buying A House In Japan

Estimate your monthly mortgage payments for a Japan home purchase with our free yen loan calculator, just enter the loan amount, term, and interest rate. Includes current 2026 rate benchmarks, including the Flat 35 fixed rate and typical variable rates for foreign buyers.

Invest

Introduction To Real Estate Investing In Tokyo: Video Series

A video series introducing Tokyo real estate investment on key market fundamentals and bank financing options for expat buyers, plus in-depth interviews with industry experts. Learn how foreign residents can secure an investment loan and hear firsthand perspectives on Japan's economy and property outlook.

Invest Sell

Japanese Real Estate Investment Guide

A complete guide for foreign investors navigating the Japanese property market, covering the purchase process, financing, taxes, and property management. Includes rental yield benchmarks by area and guidance on choosing between new-build and older properties for the best ROI.

Buy Invest

Ultimate Guide to Buying an Investment Property in Tokyo

A complete walkthrough of buying an investment property in Tokyo, from financing eligibility and agent selection to purchase costs, contracts, and final settlement. Learn what non-residents and expat investors need to qualify for a loan and budget accurately for taxes and fees.

Invest

How Expats Can Obtain Real Estate Investment Loan In Japan

Learn how expat residents in Japan can qualify for a real estate investment loan, including permanent residency, income, and loan-to-value requirements. Covers financing options, typical costs, and ongoing expenses for foreign investors buying property in Tokyo.

Invest Manage

Professional Investment Property Tracker Service

Track your Tokyo investment property's earnings, outgoings, and taxes online, 24/7, through Housing Japan's secure owner's portal. Exclusive to managed clients, with instant one-click contact to your property manager whenever you need a detailed breakdown.

Do I need to live in Japan or hold a visa to buy property?

No; ownership and residency are separate systems in Japan, and non-residents can buy freehold without a visa. See this article on the topic of Can Foreigners Buy Property in Japan?

What taxes and fees should I budget when buying in Tokyo?

Names acquisition tax, registration/licence tax, stamp duty, brokerage commission, and annual fixed asset tax. Read this Taxes and Fees Guide to find out more.

Can foreign buyers get a yen mortgage in Japan?

Possible but depends on residency, income, and lender; residents have more options than non-residents. See this resource on Property Finance in Japan.

How do I sell a Tokyo property if I live overseas?

Yes, remotely, via a licensed brokerage plus a local contact for documentation. See this guide to Selling your Tokyo Property

Can I manage or rent out a Tokyo property from abroad?

Yes; a management service handles tenants, rent, maintenance, and bilingual support. See this guide to Property Management in Japan.

Do I need to speak Japanese to buy, sell, or rent?

No; a bilingual broker handles contracts and negotiation in English.