Most Searched Terms About Japanese Real Estate (and Why)

Most Searched Terms About Japanese Real Estate (and Why)
What People Around the World Are Really Curious About—and What It Says About the Market in 2025

The global interest in Japanese real estate has exploded in recent years. From Tokyo luxury condos to crumbling countryside akiya, the curiosity is widespread—but not all searches are created equal.

Thanks to tools like Google Trends and keyword research platforms, we can now see exactly which terms are rising fastest, where they’re coming from, and what they reveal about today’s buyers, dreamers, and digital explorers.

Let’s break down the top search terms people are using to learn about Japanese real estate in 2025—and why they matter.

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🔍 1. “Japan House for Sale”

Why it’s trending:
This is the most direct and popular global query—used by people actively seeking property listings. Interest in this term has seen repeated spikes since 2021, according to Google Trends.

It’s especially popular in:

• 🇺🇸 United States
• 🇸🇬 Singapore
• 🇦🇺 Australia
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
• 🇨🇦 Canada

What it tells us:
People are looking for real homes—not just blog posts or articles. This phrase often leads searchers to sites like Old Houses Japan, Real Estate Japan, and Akiya & Inaka.

🏚️ 2. “Abandoned House Japan” / “Akiya Japan”

Why it’s trending:
Fueled by YouTube tours, TikToks, and news stories, these terms have become synonymous with Japan’s vacant home problem. They're also used by bargain-hunters and renovation dreamers.

Related terms rising in popularity include:

• “Japan free house”
• “Japan akiya bank”
• “buy akiya Japan foreigner”

Source: According to Ubersuggest, the phrase “abandoned house Japan” gets over 8,000 monthly searches globally.

What it tells us:
There’s huge global fascination with the idea of forgotten homes, even if users don’t yet understand the legal/renovation hurdles. Many searchers are still early in the funnel—curious, not yet committed.

🏠 3. “Can foreigners buy property in Japan?”

Why it’s trending:
This is one of the top real estate-related questions asked about Japan—and one of the biggest misconceptions.

✅ Yes, foreigners can buy property in Japan with no residency required.
❌ No, it doesn’t automatically grant you a visa.

Source: According to Answer the Public, this query and its variants are among the most commonly asked “can” questions related to Japan.

What it tells us:
Potential buyers are cautious—and unclear on the rules. This question often leads to pages that clarify ownership laws, tax obligations, and visa requirements.

💸 4. “Cheap house in Japan” / “Japan house under $10,000”

Why it’s trending:
People want deals. And viral videos showing $5,000 homes in the countryside have given many hope that they, too, can own a piece of Japan.

Related searches:

• “Japanese countryside homes for sale”
• “Cheap land Japan”
• “Buy a house in Japan for $10k”

Source: SEMrush and Google Trends show steady global growth in these search terms since 2020, peaking again in late 2024.

What it tells us:
Affordability is still the number one draw. But these searchers need guidance—they often don’t realize the difference between free homes, livable homes, and renovation costs.

📍 5. “Best places to buy a home in Japan”

Why it’s trending:
Once buyers understand what’s possible, they want to know where to look. This phrase is used by people who are now comparing regions.

Common follow-ups:

• “Best towns in Japan to retire”
• “Quiet Japanese villages to live in”
• “Japan real estate investment areas”

What it tells us:
Buyers are getting serious. They’re evaluating lifestyle, resale potential, climate, and community. These are your future akiya buyers—and they’re doing the homework.

🧳 6. “Live in Japan without speaking Japanese”

Why it’s trending:
Akiya homes aren’t just attracting investors—they’re appealing to digital nomads, remote workers, and retirees.

Related searches:

• “Move to Japan English only”
• “Japan expat housing rural”
• “Buying property in Japan if you don’t speak Japanese”

What it tells us:
Language is a real barrier. These buyers need liaison support, translated materials, and a guide through the cultural process. It also explains why many turn to platforms like Old Houses Japan that offer foreigner-friendly help.

📈 What These Trends Mean for 2025

• Awareness is high. The world knows Japan has cheap homes.
• Buyers want simplicity. They’re searching in plain terms—"house,” “cheap,” “where,” “can I.”
• The information gap is real. Many still don’t understand inheritance, zoning, or renovation realities.
• Opportunity is growing. Searches are leading to real-world deals—especially in places with clear listings and bilingual support.

📚 Sources

• Google Trends – “Japan house for sale”
• Ubersuggest – Keyword Explorer
• Answer the Public – Japanese Real Estate
• SEMrush – Search Trends 2024–2025
• Statista – Japan Housing Vacancy Data

🧭 How Old Houses Japan Helps

We guide buyers from curiosity to closing by:

• Offering real akiya listings with clear pricing, condition, and photos
• Providing foreigner-friendly guidance through the legal and renovation process
• Clarifying myths about visas, ownership, and taxes
• Helping you find homes that match your goals—not just your search terms

Final Thoughts

The most-searched terms in Japanese real estate tell a clear story:
The world is watching. People are curious. And many are ready to buy—they just need the right path forward.

At Old Houses Japan, we turn search terms into real homes.