Property Management
Building Management Fees in Japan: What are they and Why do I have to pay them?
By David Imme, Tokyu Housing Lease Many residential buildings in Japan, especially in bigger cities, are apartment buildings with dozens or even hundreds of units. As opposed to free-standing single-family homes, they are managed by the building management association (or... More
Getting Financing
Which Japanese Banks Lend to Foreigners to Buy a Home or Investment Property?
In this post we feature three Japanese banks that extend mortgage loans to foreign residents of Japan for purchasing a home or investment property. Prestia SMBC Trust Bank Shinsei Investment & Finance Tokyo Star Bank All three of these banks... More
Market Trends
Japan Land Prices Mark First Rise in 27 Years, Driven by Inbound Tourism
The average price of land in Japan climbed 0.1 % year-on-year, putting an end to 26 straight years of decline. This was the first year of positive growth since burst of the asset bubble, according to the Ministry of Land,... More
Investing in Tokyo Residential Real Estate
Buying an Apartment in Tokyo for Investment: FAQs Answered By a Local Real Estate Consultant
Real Estate Japan recently conducted an e-mail interview with Shinichi Kawamura, CEO of LINC KK, a real estate consulting company and brokerage in Tokyo. Mr. Kawamura discusses in detail the issues related to buying a residential investment property in Tokyo,... More
Japanese Govt to Make All Past Real Estate Sale Price Data Public For First Time
By Jeff Wynkoop The big news is finally here! The Ministry of Land, Transport, Infrastructure and Tourism (the “MLIT”) has decided that it will create a record of important transaction data for all existing real estate properties in Japan, including... More
What can you buy for $145,000 around Japan?
By popular request, in this installment of the “what can you buy” series, we take another virtual tour around Japan, from big cities to medium-sized towns, to see what is available at the $145,000 (16 million JPY) price point. To... More
In the News
Tokyo Real Estate Company TATERU Inc. Admits to Tampering with Customer Loan Docs
In the wake of the Suruga Bank scandal, TATERU Inc., a Tokyo-based real estate company listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, has admitted to tampering with a customer’s loan documents in order to make the mortgage... More