How to buy a house in Japan

[@cerebrumexcrement]

i want to buy my own home to live a quiet life. japan is an introvert's paradise. i might have to explore more of the country before i decide where to plant my roots. i dont mind if im on tourist visa. i can use my disposable income to travel. just want something to call my own. 🙂

[@FreeSpeech-q7v]

Hi, what ID is acceptable to buy with e.g. a foreign passport? How did you connect electricity and gas? Did you go in person to offices with new title?

[@mikhailcc]

Thank you for your videos Matt!!! I just went to Japan for the first time in July and it was amazing like a dream come true!! I don’t think I would move to Japan but due to your videos, I am excited to explore the country side the next time I visit :) It looks beautiful!!

[@im.mattguy]

Thanks for the comment! How did you like the summer and where did you go?

[@mikhailcc]

@@im.mattguy We went to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, so just the main cities :) Since I spoke a little Japanese I met and got to know quite a few people! What surprised me was how kind and helpful the people are for my dad, who is elderly and has mobility issues, and how efficient, clean, and fast the public transportation system is!!! We had to go up through Fukui and Ishikawa prefecture via the Shinkansen due to a maintenance train accident on the Tokyo-Osaka Shinkansen line. It was the most beautiful train ride ever going through Tsuruga and Kanazawa!! Can’t wait to explore there more next time I go there :)

[@mikhailcc]

@@im.mattguy also summer was so hot!!! But I enjoyed that there weren’t as many tourist crowds :) I got to see a fireworks festival in Kamakura with my friend too!! I want to visit in every season and see what I like best haha.

[@Andrew-yv4up]

Hi Matt, u are spot on many points like being ignored by real estate agents (prefer to deal with long-term residents only), agents prefer in region specific areas. Other points learned are airbnb on restrictive days only, low rents in Japan, and house rules (I was given a house book when I booked an apartment even in Tokyo recently). 😊

[@falusitablet8747]

Hello Matt. Most helpful video, thank you. Your home is lovely, you have worked very hard. I really appreciate your attention to detail on returning after time away. My son is currently teaching online, but through a dance academy in Hiroshima, to Japanese dance students who require lessons in English. The owner of the academy is a former student and classmate with my son here in Canada. He does have limited Japanese and continues to study, so far, so good. The first step was getting work. We will consider the option of purchasing at a later date as we didn't know how easy a possibility. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. It is very informative and inspiring. Will be watching more to catch up

[@samepeople]

Wow, Thank You Man for sharing this info !

[@Zizlak]

Love your channel mate. Very informative and interesting videos. Makes me want to move to country Japan from Australia.

[@im.mattguy]

Thanks for the comment! It’s worth trying it out even for a short stint

[@Zizlak]

@@im.mattguy I've always loved Japanese culture. So I will definitely at least make an extended trip over. Just need to learn some Japanese, so I can communicate.

[@DimereseiniNRobbyRavouvou]

Very educational video indeed

[@Pikitin420]

Hey thank you so much for all the information been watching you for a while and I love the location you purchased your property in

[@im.mattguy]

Thank you! It’s all be a wonderful journey for me

[@CosyCottageCamper]

Thanks Matt for making this video. Extremely helpful!

[@theresevh]

Great video! I was wondering if you're going to make one on how you missed out on renovation grants from Japan - I remember you talking about this, and the hard 30 day cutoff to apply. That must have been frustrating! Thank you for sharing your house stories with us, very enjoyable to watch all the progress you have made. Thanks Matt, and hello from the Pacific Northwest of Canada!

[@vira6240]

Thanks a lot for this useful information!

[@markdamon6696]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@ceedoubleyou]

wow again, a really interesting video, so surprised how much personal stuff was left behind by previous owner, also how one doesn't get immediate possession upon final payment, thank you for posting.

[@t1281]

Really informative! Thank you

[@Yogeshkumarz]

I m from India but I don't know why I like Japanese culture, beauty of Japan as well as friendly people I think, I have to settle in Japan ❤

[@im.mattguy]

It’s a peaceful place with a convenient lifestyle. Lots of options for nature and cities :)

[@simon-croft]

I guess all associated costs will be the next vlog Matt, cool stuff as I’m looking at buying soon.

[@HY510Grease]

wassup Tony Hawk, so u live in Japan now?

[@adioalexsk8]

Awesome video, Matt! Do you know if foreigners are also able to buy a used vehicle in Japan? On any visa we may be staying Japan throughout the year with?

[@Darwaell]

The first point you answered was the one I was looking for. Was hoping that by purchasing a house and agreeing to be involved in community activities would be enough to earn yourself some kind of longer-stay visa with the possibility of a permanent one. I guess not, sigh.

[@markdamon6696]

You can get a 1 year Workcation visa, if you want to test the waters. Overall not easy to stay long term.

[@Darwaell]

@@markdamon6696 Yeah, not easy it seems. I read that one of the ideas behind selling some properties that cheap was to bring people back to those rural areas, but I can't see that happening with either no visa or short term visas. I don't think it's an option for me anymore, sigh.

[@Abyss-Will]

Feels weird knowing that I can't afford a home here in my shithole city while I could buy my dream home in such a nice country like Japan. Maybe I should start learning the language and figure out how to get a job there.

[@topgearsgear]

Just RE: the investment side of things, While I agree with the captal appreciation side of things, Rental yield there in many areas is going to be 8-13% (Closer to 9-10% after all fees taxes etc) Which is a reasonable return imo.

[@im.mattguy]

That’s great for you. Do you mind sharing where you’re getting the high yield on your property?

[@topgearsgear]

​@@im.mattguy I don't have property there yet, It seems like it's not really worth it (For me) at the moment, I could see some value in it at a larger scale ie owning small apartment complexes (6 x1dk's etc) For people I know getting those yields, It's mainly places like Sapporo some in Niigata at cheaper end properties 1,500,000 - 4,000,000¥ I only really think it's worth it if you're buying a few properties or live close enough to take care of the basics on weekends when the time comes. Have you seen what yields are like in your area?​

[@CB-sx8xh]

Good stuff! I am the the beginning stages of research for a vacation home for post-retirement. I would love to stay to the maximum a tourist visa would allow each year.

[@markdamon6696]

I have the same interest. It seems that buying a house is no problem, however a non-resident cannot buy a car in Japan. So, I will look at homes within walking distance of public transit - and visit when the weather is aggreeable.

[@CB-sx8xh]

@@markdamon6696 it seems that residency is required to register and insure a vehicle. So a bicycle-friendly area with good public transport could work.

[@HankOrionYT]

good video Matt

[@Randombourg]

Do you know what would happen if a foreigner did buy a place in Japan, used it for several years etc , then died, what would be the obligations for your inheritors? Is there a way to abandon or renounce ownership rights?

[@Romy-v2t]

Wouldn’t matter you’re dead you fool

[@prestonmullen7851]

Thanks for making this video, very informative! I had a question about internet, did you attempt to set up internet, what was the process like if so

[@IgnatGorazd]

Nice videos! Have you covered already your situation with land under that house? Have you bought it and it included to mentioned 6000 usd? What is your property, land and municipal tax? Would be lovely to know if possible. Thank you!

[@im.mattguy]

I bought the house and land for around $5000usd. I paid the realestate and lawyer around $500usd in fees and title transfer. So technically, the house was less than $6000. My annual land and property tax is around $150usd. No hidden costs, it’s just a good deal

[@IgnatGorazd]

@@im.mattguy yes, good, indeed! Thank you for insight.

[@jericho82]

i will buy next year, my only concern is to get affidavit in Italian Embassy here in the Philippines, i hope they know how to make it.

[@im.mattguy]

Sometimes the local city call in Japan where you buy a place can help out with detailing exactly what they need

[@manofwar556]

Requesting information about government subsidies or assistance, for moving in to the countryside in an akiya and other such circumstances.

[@DimereseiniNRobbyRavouvou]

Lovely explanation video indeed So easy to buy property in Japan and also more cheaper which is weird since that is a super power country military wise and many Universities great So that means one can buy and live there and later apply for permanent residency and citizenship also right lovely what if apply for citizenship right away like here in Fiji islands many wanting to reside in Fiji islands pay the fee for Citizenship and they get dual citizenship automatically the usual practices for generations centuries decades past present and future the reason why we have many multi ethnicities here mixed ethnicities most citizens hahahahahahaha respect They always say Fiji islands the way the world should be

[@peterhume6631]

Nice simple video, thank you. I’m assuming your Japanese is okay. How would you go about organising lawyers etc and translators if your Japanese is not so good?

[@DimereseiniNRobbyRavouvou]

Okay good that is a lovely country Japan and many empty lands as well like wowwwwwwwww

[@jimhodges3140]

After you make your offer and they accept how long before you sign the contract and pay

[@im.mattguy]

It was about 10 days

[@jimhodges3140]

@@im.mattguy awesome thanks for the quick reply me and my girlfriend are coming to Japan in November to look around at some houses and was curious as to the time frame I’ve followed your videos and subbed awhile ago keep up the content

[@yoshiguei]

Hello I just visited japan and I must say I fell in love. I will be visiting again next year. I decided too would like to move to Japan in the near future. I keep hearing its almost impossible for a U.S citizen to make that move. Can you please advise .

[@jdmspotter]

My two cents - Not impossible, but not for everyone. Easiest is if you marry a japanese person. (hopefully because you love them, not just for a visa). You can qualify for a spouse visa which will allow you to work. Second easiest is to get a job working in japan from a place that will sponsor you for a visa (usually as an english teacher or in a job that requires foreign language skills, etc). You'll lose your ability to stay if you lose your job though, so its not without risk. maybe third best option is to start your own company in Japan and sponsor a visa for yourself. This requires a lot of money, but if you can do it, you're not at the whim of an employer (or a spouse). There's also now a digital nomad visa available for 6 months. If you can do this (work wise), I'd recommend trying that first to make sure you really enjoy Japan in the longer term. It'll give you time to work on the other options too.

[@jdmspotter]

ps - Matt's advice about the language skill is critical though. Learn Japanese at least reasonably well first if you haven't already. That greatly impacts your ability and most importantly independence for all the paths to a visa.

[@greekre]

lets go supermarket shopping

[@anthony7440]

after the 6k you spent on the house how much have you spent renting it? or taxes to the country? and what costs did you reach spending on all the things you have been doing since you moved in?

[@im.mattguy]

Not sure what you mean. I’m not renting it, I bought it. I spent roughly $5K on upgrading some necessary things related to plumbing and electric. All other DIY expenses are just for my own design preferences

[@go5582]

hi handsome. thanks for your video.

[@Marco.93]

Is this a re-upload? Seems oddly familiar 😂

[@im.mattguy]

I just made it today. I expanded on a reel a made a year ago with more detail

[@star21blossom]

Im guessing you have to know japanese to do these things right?

[@renevil2105]

Always want to vist japan. To escape summer heat of az. But if it better chance to obtain a home, then might have to think. Cause in USA home nation it seems will be impossible to obtain a home when the government just throwing our money away to give houses to illegals.

[@Oldbettie]

Where are your examples of cheep rent??? You left out the fact it's almost impossible for foreigners to rent in Japan. Buying a cheep house is often cheaper then renting short term as a foreigner. Looking for an apartment anywhere is 2-3k USD per month for 3-6 months. This is why buying makes sense.

[@im.mattguy]

I’ve paid 50,000 yen, 55,000 yen, and 60,000 yen in different apartments in different cities. I think you’re missing my point. Which is that if you’re buying to invest in the property to rent it out then it’s generally not a great investment. Rent is cheap. Your idea is to buy something instead of paying rent as a long term tourist. If you’re looking at long term rent as a tourist it’s another scenario. But if you’re being told that it’s $2-3k USD a month then you’re getting screwed

[@cerebrumexcrement]

i was able to rent in japan for a few months for $500/month near tokyo.

[@jdmspotter]

$

[@Oldbettie]

As a local sure. But as a foreigner it's much harder. Throw in the fact of not wanting to commit to a long term agreement