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The Global Properties website features a collection of over 12,000 properties for sale in Japan. The catalogue includes listings from reliable agencies and developers, ensuring it is regularly updated with the latest offerings. To help users quickly find a suitable option among the numerous apartments in Japan, the aggregator has been equipped with a functional search engine featuring multiple filters and the ability to sort by price and date of addition.
Buyers can choose properties in Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and other cities known for their investment attractiveness. Each listing includes the contact details of the sellers, enabling direct communication via phone or private messages.
Yes, foreigners can own property in Japan. There are no legal restrictions prohibiting them from acquiring land, housing or commercial properties.
- Minimum value: USD 64,000
- Highest cost of real estate in Japan: USD 18.9 million
- Minimum area: 13 m²
- Object of the largest area: 3,280 m²
The purchase of real estate in Tokyo, Kyoto and other Japanese cities is not a basis for obtaining a residence permit. However, owning a property locally can provide an additional advantage for foreigners planning to apply for immigration.
When foreigners are looking to buy property for sale in Japan for relocation or holiday purposes, they most often choose to stay in the following locations:
- Tokyo: As the capital of Japan, Tokyo boasts ultra-modern infrastructure, hosts offices of international companies and commands high rental rates. The stable demand for housing makes Tokyo an excellent option for property investment;
- Kyoto: Known for its historical centre and cultural attractions, Kyoto enjoys a steady influx of tourists. There is high rental demand among tourists and students alike. Real estate in Kyoto is a very popular option;
- Osaka: As a major economic cluster, Osaka features a burgeoning commercial property market and is renowned as the culinary capital of Japan. Local restaurants and cafés serve traditional Japanese dishes prepared with unique recipes, drawing a large number of tourists throughout the year. These factors contribute to making the market of real estate in Osaka highly profitable;
- Yokohama: A port city near Tokyo, Yokohama offers attractive property prices and significant growth potential. It boasts a more relaxed lifestyle, along with picturesque waterfront views and modern buildings, making it attractive to foreigners;
- Fukuoka: This city is dynamically developing with a favourable business climate. Its convenient location and increasing demand for commercial properties contribute to its attractiveness;
- Okinawa: Located in the southern part of the country, Okinawa is an island city known for its picturesque natural landscapes. It features calm white sand beaches, forests, mangroves and waterfalls. The city is highly popular among tourists and expats looking for real estate in Japan for investment purposes.
Expats in Japan typically purchase flats and houses with varying numbers of bedrooms.
Many apartments are available in major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, often featuring amenities such as security, gyms and laundry facilities.
Detached houses are more commonly chosen by families and those who prefer spacious rooms, open areas and greater privacy. These houses are usually found in suburban areas.
Traditional houses in Japan are also available and are favoured by those who appreciate Japanese culture and traditional architectural styles.
Investing in Japanese property can yield high returns, prompting many foreigners to purchase local properties based on several key factors:
- A developed tourism industry;
- High rental demand for housing;
- Rising property values in Osaka and other popular cities;
- Modern infrastructure;
- Beautiful natural surroundings and a favourable climate.
Investors can profit from renting out accommodation with location playing a critical role in this endeavour. Cities with high population density and developed infrastructure present more opportunities for owners looking to rent out houses or flats on a long-term basis. Conversely, tourist areas are well-suited for short-term rentals.
Real estate in Japan
Japan is one of the safest Asian countries for property investment. The stability of its market, coupled with a welcoming policy towards foreign buyers, makes local housing highly in demand among investors and expats.
The country has a substantial number of vacant homes known as “akiya,” which attracts buyers seeking lower-priced options. However, these properties often entail additional renovation costs.
Prices depend on factors such as:
- Location and proximity to important infrastructure
- Area
- Number of rooms
- Availability of furniture, appliances and amenities
- The stage of construction or year of construction of the building
The sale of property to foreigners does not require Japanese citizenship or a residence permit. However, the process may involve specific bureaucratic nuances. The main stages of the purchase typically include:
- Market research and selection of the property;
- Contacting a realtor;
- Verification of the property. A specialist will check the legal status and condition and ensure all necessary documents are available;
- Signing a preliminary agreement and making a deposit (usually 5-10% of the value);
- Checking all legal aspects of the transaction;
- Signing of the final contract of sale and payment of the remaining amount;
- Payment of notary and registration fees;
- Registration of the ownership rights in the local land registry.
Reasons for investing in real estate in Japan
The Japanese market offers several advantages that make it attractive to foreign investors. Here are the main reasons that make investing in local property profitable:
- Stable economy: Japan boasts one of the largest and most stable economies globally. This ensures real estate prices in Japan are stable;
- Low market volatility: Historically, the country's property market has shown low volatility, ensuring safety and predictability for long-term investments;
- Attractive rental yields: The average rate is 4.3 percent annually. In popular neighbourhoods, the return on investment can exceed 8-9% per annum;
- Favourable interest rates: Japan enjoys low mortgage lending rates, averaging around 3.5%, which makes property loans more affordable;
- Growth of tourist flow: Japan's popularity among tourists is fuelling the development of the short-term rental market;
- High standards of construction: Strict construction standards ensure buildings are of high quality and durability, enhancing the reliability of investments.
Buying real estate in Japan
Our website catalogue features thousands of listings for investment real estate in Japan. Buyers can easily find suitable options using quick links. Frequently used filters, such as ‘by the sea’, greatly simplify the search for homes. Additionally, the aggregator includes a currency converter, enabling you to view property prices in dollars, euros and yen.