Navigating Your Acquisition
A transparent, step-by-step guide to purchasing luxury real estate in Japan, engineered for absolute clarity and peace of mind.
The Journey of Acquisition
Consultation & Strategy
Defining your investment parameters, preferred locales, and long-term objectives (e.g., capital growth, yield, lifestyle) with our licensed experts.
Curated Viewing
Private viewings of off-market and premium residential/commercial listings. Time zone coordination is handled by our Japan-based support staff.
Letter of Intent (LOI)
Submitting a formal Purchase Offer (LOI) to the seller. We perform initial property surveys and due diligence to ensure investment validity before signing.
Contract & Deed Settlement
Explanation of Important Matters (Ju-yo-jikou-setsumei) by our licensed real estate agent. Signing the contract, deposit payment (earnest money), and final deed registration handled by a Scrivener.
Fee Transparency
We believe in absolute integrity. Our brokerage commission structures adhere strictly to Japanese statutory limits, and we explain all third-party transactional costs upfront.
Brokerage Commission
Our brokerage commission follows a tiered structure based on the property transaction price. This approach offers highly competitive rates for premium and high-value acquisitions.
| Property Price Range | Commission Rate |
|---|---|
| Under JPY 2,000,000 | 5.0% |
| JPY 2M - 4M | 4.0% + JPY 20,000 |
| JPY 4M - 50M | 3.0% + JPY 60,000 |
| JPY 50M - 70M | 2.5% |
| JPY 70M - 100M | 2.0% |
| JPY 100M - 500M | 1.5% |
| Over JPY 500M | 1.0% |
It is payable in two installments: 50% upon signing the Sales Contract, and 50% at final deed settlement.
Stamp Duty
Required by Japanese Tax Law on the original purchase contract. The fee varies progressively depending on the actual contract price.
Registration Tax
Ownership transfer tax calculated based on the official municipal assessed value (Kotei-shisan-zei-hyoka-gaku) of the land and building. Rates may vary based on transaction details (e.g., whether purchasing with a mortgage loan). Please inquire for specific estimates.
Your Legal Counsel & Judicial Scrivener
To secure transparent real estate transfers, a Judicial Scrivener (Shiho-shoshi) is required to legally register the deed transfer. Estates Japan supports complete professional freedom for buyers:
- gavel Absolute Choice of Scrivener: You have the right to select your own preferred Judicial Scrivener. (Note: In some pre-designated seller agreements, the seller may mandate a single Scrivener to handle both sides of the registration).
- translate Bilingual Legal Network: If requested, we can recommend highly trusted, bilingual Scriveners and real estate lawyers to ensure complete transactional security.
- shield Compliance & Safety: Ensure all international currency transfers and regulatory notifications (Foreign Exchange Act reports) are filed correctly.