🏠 Can You Buy a Japanese House Without Ever Visiting Japan?

Yes—you absolutely can buy a house in Japan without ever stepping foot in the country. In fact, more and more foreign buyers are purchasing akiya (abandoned homes) and countryside properties from overseas, especially in the post-pandemic era of digital real estate.

While the process isn’t exactly plug-and-play, it’s completely legal, surprisingly affordable, and becoming increasingly common with the right agent and translator in place.

Let’s break down how it works, what to watch out for, and why buying remotely might be the most convenient way to own a home in Japan.

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🌍 Is It Legal for Foreigners to Buy Property in Japan?

Yes. Japan allows full property ownership by foreigners with no residency requirement. You can:

• Own land outright
• Purchase old or new homes
• Buy remotely without ever visiting
• Even own multiple properties

Unlike some countries, Japan doesn’t restrict foreigners from owning property—even agricultural land (though zoning rules still apply).

💼 Who Buys From Abroad?

We’ve helped:

• Investors building real estate portfolios from the U.S., Australia, and Europe
• Retirees planning a long-term move
• Remote workers looking for a digital escape
• Couples and families seeking second homes or renovation projects
• Japan lovers building out a future lifestyle—one home at a time

Whether you plan to renovate, rent, or simply own a piece of Japan, it’s possible to do it all from your laptop.

🧭 The Step-by-Step Process to Buy Remotely

Here’s how most remote buyers go about it:

1. Find the Right Property

Use websites like:

• Old Houses Japan (👋 hi!)
• Akiya banks
• Real estate portals (AtHome, Rakumachi, etc.)

We recommend narrowing by region, budget, and renovation potential.

2. Work With a Local Agent

You’ll need a licensed real estate agent (宅建士) to:

• Act as your legal representative
• Coordinate with the seller
• Prepare and translate contracts
• Ensure the property is legally transferable

Old Houses Japan partners with bilingual agents across Japan who specialize in akiya transactions.

3. Get Documents Translated

All official paperwork will be in Japanese. You'll receive:

• A translated property overview
• Explanation of Important Matters (重要事項説明書)
• Contract of Sale (売買契約書)

We can walk you through each line of the contract—no Japanese required.

4. Sign Digitally or by Proxy

You don't have to fly to Japan. You can:

• Sign physical contracts and mail them from abroad
• Use a Japanese resident (lawyer, friend, or agent) as your legal proxy
• Notarize or apostille documents if required (varies by prefecture)

5. Pay by Bank Transfer

You’ll wire funds directly to the agent or seller’s account. This usually includes:

• Property purchase price
• Agent commission (usually 3% + ¥60,000 + tax)
• Registration tax or stamp duty

Many buyers use Wise, Revolut, or international banks to keep fees low.

6. Close and Register Ownership

The agent will work with a judicial scrivener (司法書士) to:

• Complete the property title transfer
• Register the new ownership with the Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局)

You’ll receive an official property deed and a map showing your parcel boundaries.

📬 Can I Get the Keys From Abroad?

Yes. We can:

• Arrange key hand-off by mail or courier
• Have someone check on the house for you
• Connect you with contractors or property managers
• Provide a walkthrough via video

Some buyers wait to renovate until they visit in person, while others go fully remote.

❗ What Are the Challenges?

While buying from abroad is legal and doable, there are challenges:

• Language barrier
• Time zone delays
• Verifying property condition without seeing it
• Confirming infrastructure (water, sewer, road access)

That’s why having a trusted partner like OHJ is so important. We handle boots-on-the-ground work so you don’t have to.

🌸 Why Remote Buying Works (Especially for Akiya)

Akiya homes are often:

• Cheap (as low as $5,000 USD)
• Sold as-is
• Located in slow markets
• Not competitive

This makes them ideal for buyers who want to secure a home before making the big move, or who want to lock in value before prices rise.

✅ TL;DR: Yes, You Can Buy a Japanese House Without Visiting

And in many cases—it’s easier than you think.

You don’t need a visa.
You don’t need to speak Japanese.
And you don’t need to hop on a flight.

You just need the right partner.

🤝 Want Help Buying a Japanese Home Remotely?

Old Houses Japan specializes in helping international buyers find, evaluate, and close on countryside homes from anywhere in the world.

📦 Ready to start your remote property journey? Contact us!