Your Guide to Buying Property in Central Tokyo as a Non-Japanese Buyer
Thinking About Buying Property in Central Tokyo? We’re Here to Help!
If you’re considering purchasing real estate in Central Tokyo, you probably have a lot of questions. Buying property in a foreign country comes with unique challenges—legal requirements, financing options, and market transparency can all be complex.
At EM Labo, we specialize in helping non-Japanese buyers navigate the Tokyo real estate market with ease and confidence. Whether you’re looking for a home, an investment property, or simply exploring your options, our expert team is here to support you every step of the way.
We’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from non-Japanese buyers. If you have additional inquiries, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to assist!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can non-Japanese buyers purchase property in Japan?
Yes! There are no restrictions on non-Japanese buyers purchasing real estate in Japan. You don’t need a visa or residency status to buy property. However, if you plan to take out a mortgage, your visa status and financial background will be considered by the bank.
2. Why do multiple agents offer the same property?
In Tokyo, real estate agents use a shared database called REINS, which lists available properties. Since multiple agencies have access to the same listings, you may receive offers for the same property from different agents. However, the quality of service and level of expertise can vary—choosing the right agent is crucial to a smooth transaction.
3. How can I check the actual selling price of a property?
While agents provide pricing information, it’s a good idea to cross-check the official transaction records. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) publishes real estate transaction data, allowing you to verify market trends and past sales prices.
4. Why are mortgage interest rates so low in Japan?
Japan’s mortgage interest rates have been at historically low levels since 2009. The floating rate may be listed at 2.475%, but the actual applicable rate (the “Prime Rate”) is often much lower, ranging from 0.45% to 0.65%.
However, each bank offers different mortgage rates, so it’s essential to work with an agent who specializes in financing and has in-depth knowledge of the available loan options. Our team at EM Labo can connect you with the best lenders based on your financial profile.
5. How much can I borrow as a non-Japanese buyer?
Loan eligibility depends on your income, employment history, and financial status. Typically, banks require:
✔ Proof of income (recent 3 months’ pay slips or tax returns)
✔ Employment history (at least 1 year at your current job; 3 years is preferable)
✔ Property details for loan evaluation
While financing is available, not all banks lend to non-Japanese buyers—our team can guide you to the best options.
6. Can I buy property in Tokyo without knowing Japanese?
Yes, if you’re paying in cash, an English-speaking agent and solicitor can assist you throughout the process. However, if you’re applying for a mortgage, some banks require Japanese language skills. In such cases, we can help you find banks that accommodate non-Japanese speakers.
7. How can I check if a property has a negative history (crime, death, etc.)?
Japan does not have strict legal requirements for disclosing a property’s history. However, experienced agents can investigate past incidents, and you can check sites like Oshima Land for information on properties linked to crime, accidents, or deaths.
Why Choose EM Labo?
At EM Labo, we provide expert guidance for non-Japanese buyers, ensuring a transparent, smooth, and stress-free real estate experience. We specialize in Central Tokyo properties and have extensive knowledge of financing options for foreign buyers.
Contact us today to discuss your property needs!
