There are a few key reasons why certain properties — especially in rural areas — can be surprisingly affordable:

• Aging and declining population
  Japan’s population is shrinking, particularly in the countryside.

• Urban migration
  Many people move to major cities like Tokyo or Osaka for work, leaving rural homes behind.

• Strong preference for new homes
  Japanese buyers overwhelmingly prefer new construction.

As a result, older homes in less-populated areas often have low demand, which leads to lower prices. Many of the listings I feature fall into this category — though not all are in remote areas.

No. You can buy a property even if you only have a tourist visa.

Foreigners have the same rights to buy and own property in Japan just like Japanese citizens.

No — owning property in Japan does not grant you any special visa or residency privileges.

If you plan to live in Japan full-time, you’ll need to qualify for a separate visa (such as a work, student, spouse, or business manager visa).

Without a visa, you can stay in Japan as a tourist for up to 90 days per visit, with a maximum of 180 days per year in most cases.

Yes. All of the properties I feature are freehold, which means the land is included in the sale — you own the house and the land.

While there are some leasehold properties in Japan (where you rent the land), I generally don’t include those in the newsletter.

Buying a cheap house in Japan can be an amazing opportunity — if it fits your lifestyle. If you already live in Japan, or spend a lot of time here each year, having your own place can make perfect sense.

But if you’re looking for a financial return, it’s important to know: real estate in Japan generally doesn’t appreciate like it might in other countries. In fact, prices often go down over time.

So no — it’s not usually a great financial investment. But for the right person, it can be something more meaningful: a personal investment in comfort, adventure, and the country you love.

Typically, the whole process takes about 2 to 4 weeks — as long as you have all the required documents prepared and everything goes smoothly.

However, delays can happen. If there are missing documents or unexpected issues, it might take significantly longer.

Unfortunately, it’s quite challenging for non-residents to get a mortgage from a Japanese bank — especially for older or lower-priced properties. Most buyers end up making cash purchases, which is the most common route.

If financing is necessary, you may have better luck securing a loan from a bank in your home country, rather than in Japan.

Owning a property in Japan comes with several recurring costs to keep in mind:

1. Property Tax 
   This is an annual tax based on the assessed value of your land and building. It’s usually around 1.4% of the assessed value but can vary by municipality.

2. City Planning Tax
   In some areas, there’s an additional city planning tax of up to 0.3% on the property’s assessed value.

3. Maintenance and Repair Costs
   Depending on the age and condition of the property, you’ll need to budget for ongoing maintenance, repairs, and possibly renovations.

4. Utilities and Insurance
   Regular bills such as water, electricity, gas, and property insurance are also your responsibility.

5. Management Fees
   For condominiums or managed properties, there may be monthly management or communal fees.