Free word search
Category
Can Foreigners Buy Real Estate in Japan? Rules for Foreigners Purchasing Property
2025.06.06
(1).png)
Many foreigners may be interested in purchasing real estate in Japan—whether for investment, personal residence, or a second home.
But one common question is: Can foreigners really own property in Japan?
In countries like Thailand, there are strict restrictions when it comes to foreign ownership of real estate.
Foreigners are generally only allowed to purchase condominiums and land, but not houses or townhouses that come with land ownership.
Even with condominiums, foreign ownership is limited to 49% of the total building. At least 51% must be owned by Thai nationals.
Buyers are also required to prove the source of their funds. Moreover, registering the property under a Thai person’s name on behalf of a foreigner is illegal.
As a result, the hurdles for foreigners to purchase real estate in Thailand can be quite high.
However, in Japan, there are no restrictions on foreigners purchasing real estate.
Surprisingly, this even includes land ownership.
Foreigners can freely buy houses, apartments, and land in Japan just like Japanese citizens—making Japan an attractive option for international property buyers.
| Thailand | Japan | |
|---|---|---|
○ Can be purchased ＊Ownership is granted as a right to the buyer. | Condominium | ◎ Can be purchased – No special restrictions! ＊ Ownership of land is granted proportionally to the floor area. |
○ Can be purchased ＊Conditions: ② Must reside for at least 3 consecutive years and not exceed 1,600 square meters for residential use. | Land | ◎ Can be purchased – No special restrictions! |
| × Cannot be purchased | Detached House / Townhouse | ◎ Can be purchased – No special restrictions! |
| × Cannot be purchased | Entire Apartment Building | ◎ Can be purchased – No special restrictions! |
Foreigners Are Taxed the Same as Japanese When Buying Property in Japan
When it comes to taxes, foreigners are generally subject to the same rules and rates as Japanese citizens.
The fact that there are no restrictions at all on property ownership for foreigners in Japan is actually very rare.
Global Restrictions on Foreign Property Ownership
（Source: The Wall Street Journal, September 28, 2018）
New Zealand
Foreigners (other than Australians and Singaporeans) are prohibited from buying newly built homes.
Hong Kong
The stamp duty rate was raised to 15%. In certain districts, only Hong Kong permanent residents may purchase new developments.
Australia
Taxes on foreign property purchases were raised in 2016.
Fines are imposed if properties owned by foreigners are left vacant for a certain period.
Mortgage loans for foreign buyers have been banned.
United Kingdom
An additional 3% stamp duty is applied when purchasing a second property.
Purchases made through offshore companies—commonly used by foreign buyers—are taxed at 15%.
In Japan, property purchases by foreigners have increased sharply in recent years, sparking debate over whether regulations should be introduced.
However, as of now, Japan remains one of the most accessible countries in the world for real estate investment.
If you are a foreign national interested in purchasing real estate in Japan, please feel free to contact us for more information.