Villas and houses for sale in Japan

Houses for sale in Japan

Many foreigners visit Japanese cities. In 2023, over 25 million people visited the country. Foreigners can buy a villa in Japan for relocation or rental purposes. The most popular locations are:

• Tokyo
• Kyoto
• Osaka
• Kobe
• Yokohama
• Nagoya
• Sapporo
• Fukuoka

Japan consists of 5 main and 6,847 smaller islands, each varying in size, climate, infrastructure, seismic activity, and the number of expats. Most foreigners choose megacities, where there is a more diverse selection of housing, though the house prices in Japan will be higher, with distance from the city center and building characteristics playing a significant role. Here are the key points foreign buyers should be aware of:

1. Private houses are mainly located in the suburbs, often have their own small yard, and frequently offer beautiful views of the city, mountains, or sea. In many areas, cats, considered symbols of good luck, roam freely.
2. In older neighborhoods, buildings are very close to each other, with private houses sometimes located directly next to a kindergarten or store.
3. The primary construction method is frame technology using laminated wood with fiber-cement paneling, ensuring earthquake resistance and durability.
4. Villas can be designed in a traditional or modern style. In traditional homes, you need to be prepared for multifunctional layouts (e.g., a tatami room that serves as a living room, bedroom, and dining room), a bathroom divided into two parts (one with a shower and toilet, the other with the bath itself), and a genkan instead of an entrance hall. Modern houses resemble European ones but are generally smaller.
5. Not all homes have fences.
6. Properties with two parking spaces are rare; most only have space for one car.

The buyer should be aware that transaction costs, including notary fees and taxes, largely fall on them, which should be considered when planning the budget.

Reasons for investing in house in Japan

From the perspective of foreign investors, villas and houses in Japan are attractive assets because:

• It is easy for non-residents to obtain property ownership in Japan. No residence permit or permanent residency is required to complete the transaction, and the process can be completed remotely. If you wish to personally inspect the property, a tourist visa is sufficient.
• If you have a residence permit or confirmed income in Japan, you can obtain a mortgage from a local bank to purchase property.
• The local market is characterized by stability (price fluctuations are 2–4% per quarter). On the one hand, this limits the potential for significant profit from resale, but on the other hand, it reduces the economic risks associated with sudden drops in villa prices in Japan.
• There is high rental demand among the local population and expats. To rent out an investment villa in Japan at a profitable rate, it is important to choose properties in respectable suburbs with good infrastructure and proximity to metro and railway stations, as well as parks.
• The average rental yield is 4.33% per year, but it can reach 7.5% or more, depending on the city and property parameters. Short-term rentals generate more income but require constant tenant search.

Buying house in Japan

On our website, you can explore listings from verified developers and agencies with current prices for houses in Japan for investment and living. You can search using filters and sort by date added and price. The comparison feature will help you highlight a villa for sale in Japan with the most advantages. Once you have made your decision, contact the seller directly to finalize the deal without intermediaries.