January 23, 2025

Buying Property in Tokyo

Expert guidance and advice for real estate investors from Hokushin Fudosan Group

By Trevor Kew

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own little slice of Tokyo?

Japan’s capital city has long attracted people from all over the world through its opportunities for work, study and the promise of endless adventure. By many measures the largest city in the world—Tokyo is the perfect spot to settle down and stay for a while. There is always more to do, always more to discover.

Contrary to what you might believe, property in Tokyo is far more affordable right now than most world-class cities in Europe or North America. Japanese houses and apartments are well-designed to maximize space for comfort and convenience. And for every bustling neon-lit district like Shibuya or Shinjuku, there are countless quiet, cozy little neighborhoods just a short stroll from every train station in the city, filled with traditional Japanese charm.

If you are in the market for an investment property, we’ve got good news for you. Office rental rates for Tokyo have increased by 1.3% in the past six months, while new residential apartment prices have risen by 1.5%, both as part of a general upward trend. Growing interest from both domestic and international buyers, particularly due to the weak yen, has further driven this demand. The combination of affordability and the promise of long-term growth makes the Tokyo real estate market an excellent opportunity for property investors.

Interested? Well, the next piece of good news is that Japan is one of the few countries in Asia that allows citizens of other nations,  whether resident or non-resident, to purchase and own property including land rights (unlike some countries, land and buildings are sold and owned separately in Japan). The main barrier for prospective foreign buyers looking to enter the Tokyo real estate market is the city’s sheer size and diversity, which makes it difficult to narrow down the right location for you. Without expert advice, navigating unfamiliar zoning laws, building codes and taxes can be challenging, especially if you’re not fluent in Japanese. After all, real estate regulations are complicated enough in your own language, never mind unfamiliar Japanese property laws! That’s why choosing the right real estate broker to help you navigate the Japanese property market is essential.

Finding the right Tokyo property for you 

With over 60 years of experience in real estate investment, development and management, the property experts at Hokushin Fudosan Group can transform your search for an investment property in Tokyo from an overwhelming task into a smooth and streamlined experience. The staff at Hokushin Fudosan Group provides comprehensive support to international clients in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. They are also happy to guide you through every step of the process, from finding the right property and making an offer to preparing all the necessary documents.

While it is possible to research Tokyo properties independently, the number of entries listed online in English is relatively limited and not representative of the full range of options. Non-residents may find it challenging to assess the relative merits and drawbacks of specific properties and neighborhoods, making online research time-consuming and often unproductive. With Hokushin Fudosan Group, simply share your priorities and budget, and you will receive a carefully curated list of potential properties. Each listing includes detailed explanations in your preferred language covering the properties, their surroundings and transportation connections to other parts of Tokyo.

If any of the listings pique your interest, Hokushin Fudosan Group can arrange on-site visits for you to view the properties in person. However, this step is optional if you’re unable to travel to Japan. If a property resonates with you, the next step is to explore financing options. Since citizens of other countries without permanent residency in Japan or a Japanese spouse often face challenges securing a mortgage, a cash purchase is typically the simpler and speedier option. 

For a complete overview of the purchasing process, download this free guidebook from Hokushin Fudosan Group.

Buying, managing, and developing property in Tokyo

What you do with your new Tokyo property is up to you. Many international investors choose to rent out their properties, an approach that tends to bring in excellent returns. Hokushin Fudosan Group is available to assist with this process, providing mediation and property management services for your tenants. Of course, you may also wish to live at the property yourself or use it as a second home. However, note that purchasing property in Japan does not grant or influence visa eligibility for residing in the country.

In addition to helping clients search for properties, Hokushin Fudosan Group has also developed its own highly sought-after residential brands–COCOCUBE and COCOFLAT–encompassing more than 90 en-bloc residential buildings across Tokyo. Filled with attractive compact modern apartments, these en-bloc residential buildings are a popular option for investors, with the added benefit of readily available property management.

If the idea of buying property in Tokyo appeals to you, it costs nothing to find out more. Hokushin Fudosan Group provides free consultations to prospective clients, offering guidance to explore options and make informed decisions with confidence. Just fill out the contact form on the Hokushin Fudosan website (also available via LINE or WhatsApp) to get in touch. 

Whether you’re buying, managing, or developing property in Japan, Hokushin Fudosan Group is here to support you every step of the way.