For those who have purchased property in Japan

[nsxsupra]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I am planning on buying a small mansion/apartment in Japan in the near future, most likely in this March~May, I just need a small tiny studio, something from 10millionyen~15million yen.

Can anyone help? what are the things I need, document wise, I am paying full at once, no need for a loan/mortgage. Asides from a bank account in Japan, passport/visa, what other documents do I need when I walk into the real estate agent's office in Japan.

I am currently living in USA, I do have bank account in Japan and have lived and studied in Nishi-Shinjuku in the past, my Japanese skill is just good enough to get around, still got a long way to go, I plan to study again.

Are there any English speaking reputable real estate agent that you would recommend, or am I better off asking my Japanese friends to go with me during the transaction?

I greatly appreciate any replies or info, as I really need any help I can get.

Thanks in advance

 

[ArmandV]

You're not Bill Gates, are you?

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

Bring your Japanese friends.

Also, you will need a registered seal. You will need to first obtain a seal (inkan), and then register it at city hall. When you actually make the purchase, you will need the seal and proof of registration, which can be obtained at city hall.

Good luck!

 

[nsxsupra]

Bring your Japanese friends.
Also, you will need a registered seal. You will need to first obtain a seal (inkan), and then register it at city hall. When you actually make the purchase, you will need the seal and proof of registration, which can be obtained at city hall.
Good luck!

Mikawa Ossan,
Thank you very much, regarding the inkan, I do not have a kanji name. Is it ok to use my name in katakana? and lastly how long does it takes the city hall to process the registration?

You're not Bill Gates, are you?

I wish , that is why I can only afford a cheap studio . I do not care about depreciation or appreciation. I am just tired of paying 100 thousand yen for rent per month in Japan. I am planning on spending just 6 months in Japan per year. paying for rent while I am not in Japan does not make any sense.

 

[ArmandV]

I wish , that is why I can only afford a cheap studio . I do not care about depreciation or appreciation. I am just tired of paying 100 thousand yen for rent per month in Japan. I am planning on spending just 6 months in Japan per year. paying for rent while I am not in Japan does not make any sense.

I can see your point. I hope you stick around and let us know what you end up getting and the details. What area are you interested in buying in?

 

[nsxsupra]

What area are you interested in buying in?

Either Shinjuku or Nakano, something similar to this:
http://used.realestate.yahoo.co.jp/...&md=area&sap=1&geo=13114&code=1220000A0158114

I can see your point. I hope you stick around and let us know what you end up getting and the details.

I will keep you guys updated, I will make a trip to Japan on either March or May, I still need to gather as much info as possible, I may need to temporarily rent for a month or two while searching for the right place, I am thinking the transaction process might take much longer than I have imagined.

From what I have found on line, there seems to another big chunk of various fees/property tax/city tax, etc to be added at the final total.

I still have many other questions, my Alien registration card is expired, but I do have American passport. I remember they gave me a hard time when I applied for the Alien registration card 2 years ago. Mainly because I did not have visa. The American passport is only good for 3 months stay per trip, I had to explain to the city office that I do a lot of traveling, usually leave within 3 months, and I need Alien registration card to apply for ketai.
I still wonder what other items I might need. Any recommendation for a English speaking real estage agent in Tokyo that could act as 3rd party for me and help me complete the transaction?

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

Mikawa Ossan,
Thank you very much, regarding the inkan, I do not have a kanji name. Is it ok to use my name in katakana? and lastly how long does it takes the city hall to process the registration?

You can use your name in katakana as I so, or you can chose a kanji combination that sounds similar to your name. Either way is fine, and either way, you'll have want to have it specially made at a store that makes them.

It only takes a few minutes for city hall to process the inkan registration. It's one of the more painless things in Japan. It sounds like you're going to do this no matter what, but I think it would be a wise idea to get an alien registration card before you do this. To eliminate possible hassle, of course!

 

[anpan]

I know that this thread is very old.
But, I have found some mistakes in this thread, and I want to modify it.

As for necessary document. Buyer needs to prepare certificate that proves buyer's formal name and address. Generally, it is issued from Notary public, or Embassy. Here I post sample of it.



So, you do not need a registration card for real estate transaction.

Buyer does not need a registered seal. As long as you are living in USA, you can not register your inkan in Japan. Actually, foreigners do not need to prepare Inkan.