💳 Can You Buy an Akiya with a Foreign Loan or Credit Card?

One of the most appealing things about akiya homes in Japan is their price tag. Some are listed for just a few thousand dollars—so cheap that foreign buyers often wonder:

“Can I just put this on my credit card? Or get a loan from my bank back home?”

It sounds simple, but the reality of buying property in Japan is a bit more complicated. Let’s break down whether you can use foreign loans, credit cards, or financing to purchase an akiya.

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🏦 Can You Get a Foreign Bank Loan for an Akiya?

In most cases, no—foreign banks won’t finance property in Japan because:

• They don’t have collateral rights in Japan.
• Japanese property law differs from Western systems.
• Banks can’t easily enforce foreclosure abroad.

That means your U.S., Canadian, or European bank is unlikely to approve a loan for a house in Japan.

💴 Can You Get a Japanese Mortgage as a Foreigner?

It depends on your visa status and residency:

• Permanent Residents & Spouses of Japanese Nationals → Eligible for Japanese home loans (住宅ローン).
• Long-Term Residents (with stable income in Japan) → May qualify, depending on income and work history.
• Non-Residents → Cannot get a Japanese mortgage.

Since akiya are often very cheap (¥500,000–¥3,000,000), most Japanese banks won’t even issue loans that small—it isn’t worth their paperwork.

💳 Can You Use a Credit Card to Buy an Akiya?

Technically, no—you can’t walk into a city office or agent and swipe your card for an abandoned house.
Here’s why:

• Real estate transactions in Japan must go through bank transfers (furikomi).
• Payments are handled via escrow between buyer, seller, and judicial scrivener (司法書士).
• Credit cards are not an accepted form of property payment.

That said, you could use a credit card to cover:

• Renovation materials from Komeri or Cainz
• Travel to Japan for viewings
• Smaller deposits (if your agent accepts card processing, which is rare)

🌍 What About Using a Foreign Personal Loan?

This is possible, but depends on your bank. Some foreign buyers:

• Take out a personal loan in their home country
• Withdraw the funds
• Transfer them to Japan for the property purchase

⚠️ Things to watch:

• Exchange rates may fluctuate before the transfer.
• International wire fees can add up.
• Japanese authorities may ask for proof of funds to prevent money laundering.

🧾 So How Do Most Foreigners Pay for Akiya?

The reality: cash, via bank transfer.

Most foreign buyers:

1. Save up funds in their home country.
2. Transfer the money to Japan via Wise, Revolut, or an international bank.
3. Pay the agent or seller directly through furikomi.

Because akiya are relatively inexpensive, many foreigners treat them as cash purchases rather than financed investments.

💡 Tips for Financing Your Akiya Purchase

• Budget in advance → Include renovation, legal, and tax costs.
• Use a trusted money transfer service → Lower fees than big banks.
• Confirm payment timelines → Sellers expect prompt transfer at contract signing.
• Plan for currency swings → Lock in rates if possible.
• Ask about subsidies → Some towns offer financial support that reduces upfront cost.

🧭 Final Thoughts

While you can’t swipe a credit card or take out a foreign mortgage to buy an akiya, that doesn’t mean ownership is out of reach. In fact, because these homes are so affordable, cash transfers are often the simplest, safest, and fastest way to make your countryside dream a reality.

🏡 Need Help With the Buying Process?

At Old Houses Japan, we guide foreign buyers through every step—from transferring funds safely to closing the deal with Japanese agents and scriveners.