Support for Overseas Buyers

Global Residence Japan supports overseas residents and foreign nationals who want to buy property in Tokyo and other parts of Japan. Whether you are looking for a home to live in, a second residence, or an investment property, we help you understand each step in simple, clear English.

On this page we summarise the typical costs involved in purchasing in Japan—including brokerage fees, taxes, registration costs, loan-related expenses, interpretation support, and more—so you can plan your budget with confidence before you decide.

How Our Purchase Support Works

We provide step-by-step support from your first questions until after you receive the keys. Our role is to make each stage understandable, translate between you and local professionals, and help you make decisions that fit your situation.

Typical support includes online consultations, property search and shortlisting, on-site and remote viewings, offer and negotiation support, contract and loan coordination, closing, and introductions for rental management after purchase.

  • Online consultation to understand your goals, budget, and preferred areas
  • Property search and sharing of listings with English explanations
  • Viewings in person or via video, with real-time interpretation
  • Support with offers, negotiation, and key contract points
  • Coordination with licensed agents, banks, and legal professionals
  • Closing and handover support, including utilities and move-in
  • Introductions to rental management and other service providers

Fees and Typical Purchase Costs

The total cost of buying property in Japan is usually higher than the property price alone. In addition to our support fees, you will need to budget for brokerage fees, taxes, registration, loan-related expenses, and other one-time costs. The outline below shows our typical fee structures for buyers. Exact fees are always confirmed individually in writing before you proceed.

Standard Buyer Support

This plan is suitable for most individual buyers and families who are purchasing a home, second residence, or small investment property.

Typical fee: Up to 3% of the property price + 60,000 yen + consumption tax. This follows the standard brokerage fee format used in the Japanese real estate industry.

  • Initial consultation and explanation of the buying process
  • Area and property selection advice based on your goals
  • Property search and coordination with local listing agents
  • Arrangement and attendance of property viewings
  • Support with offers, negotiation, and contract conditions
  • Communication support and interpretation at key stages
  • Coordination at closing and handover with licensed professionals

The exact fee rate and payment timing are explained in advance based on the specific property and transaction structure.

Full-Service Advisory

This plan is designed for investors, high-value purchases, and corporate clients who require deeper analysis and more extensive coordination across multiple professionals.

Typical fee: Around 1–2% of the property price + consumption tax, depending on the size, complexity, and scope of services. For large or specialised projects, a separate advisory agreement may be proposed.

  • Market and area reports, including comparable properties
  • Income and cash-flow simulations for investment properties
  • Scenario planning for currency, vacancy, and exit strategies
  • Coordination with tax accountants, lawyers, and other experts
  • Support with financing structure and documentation in English
  • Post-purchase rental and portfolio strategy discussions

Final fees, payment schedule, and scope of work are always discussed and agreed individually before we begin any paid advisory work.

In addition to our fees, you should also plan for taxes (such as acquisition tax and registration tax), registration fees, loan handling charges, fire insurance, and other one-time costs. We provide a simple cost simulation once we understand your target budget and area.

Free Individual Consultation

You can contact us at any time to discuss your ideas for buying in Japan. Whether you are planning a home for yourself, a second home for regular visits, or an investment property for rental income, we will listen carefully and propose realistic options.

Please share your preferred area, approximate budget, timing, and how you would like to use the property (self-use, second home, long-term rental, short-term rental, or a mix). With this information we can give more concrete guidance and suggest next steps.

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