Your Japan Property Path
We handle the language, the legwork, and the closing. You just pick the house.
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Japanese property platforms are in Japanese. The agents don't speak English. The legal system involves roles you've never heard of: judicial scriveners (司法書士), licensed transaction agents (宅建士), and registered brokerages (宅建業者). Without someone in your corner who speaks both languages, you're navigating blind.
We match you with an agent who speaks English and is foreigner-friendly.
A private group with you, your agent, and Settle Japan. Ask questions, share listings, get updates in real time.
Once we have your leading town or area, you get a concise written analysis of its hazards, climate, healthcare, transport, population trend, short-stay rules and relevant grants. Sold on its own for $29, and it is included here.
During your 90-day search window, we check availability and individually review up to 10 properties across 200,000+ translated listings, including ones that never reach an English-language site.
Can't visit in person? Your agent can do a live video walkthrough so you see the property before committing. For prefectures outside the standard coverage zone, a travel fee may apply.
Your agent negotiates with the listing agent and gives the formal explanation of the contract, which is the licensed work and has to be theirs. We stay on every conversation, your agent translates the documents, and we make sure you know what you are agreeing to before you sign anything.
From earnest money to registration, we keep the agent, the judicial scrivener and you moving in the same direction, and your agent translates each step. The registration itself is filed by the scrivener, who is licensed to do it. If you commission a structural inspection, translating the report is quoted separately, along with the inspection.
One-time setup
$199
This covers an Area Check on your leading location, agent match, private WhatsApp group, and 90 days of active search support with up to 10 properties individually reviewed. If an offer is accepted during that window, we remain involved through that purchase's closing.
No recurring fees. No commitment to buy.
Common Questions
I personally review your goals and target area, then match you with a bilingual agent who specializes in your region. Within 48 hours, I create a private WhatsApp group with you, your agent, and Settle Japan. Your active search window lasts 90 days and includes up to 10 properties individually reviewed. If an offer is accepted during that window, we remain involved through that purchase's closing. There are no recurring Settle Japan fees and no obligation to buy.
You keep your Area Check, shortlist and agent connection. If you want another active search period after the first 90 days, we agree the scope and price before restarting. You will never roll into an automatic subscription.
It happens. Our listings reach millions through social media, and popular properties under $50,000 can move fast. If your first choice is taken, your agent will help you find alternatives from 200,000+ listings across Japan. Many buyers end up finding something they like even more once they have a knowledgeable agent showing them options.
Yes. Japan is one of the few countries where foreigners can buy property with virtually no restrictions. No citizenship, no visa, no permanent residency required. You'll own the land and building outright (freehold). Buying property does not grant residency or visa rights, but ownership itself is straightforward.
You absolutely don't need to be in Japan. Hundreds of foreign buyers purchase remotely every year using a Power of Attorney and a judicial scrivener (司法書士) — it's a well-established legal process. Your agent will arrange live virtual tours from the property so you can walk through every room, check the neighborhood, and ask questions in real time — no matter where you are in the world. Many of our buyers make confident decisions entirely through virtual tours. If you do want to visit in person later, we can coordinate that too, but it's completely optional.
Budget roughly 6-10% on top of the purchase price. The main ones: agent commission (3% + ¥66,000 + tax for properties over ¥4M), registration and acquisition taxes, judicial scrivener fees (the legal professional who handles title transfer), fire insurance, and prorated property taxes. On a ¥5M property (~$33K), that's roughly an additional ¥350K-500K ($2,300-$3,300). We itemize every cost before you commit so there are no surprises.
Our agents are based in Japan and can do live video walkthroughs for most properties. For prefectures outside the standard coverage zone, there may be a travel fee. We'll always let you know upfront before scheduling so there are no surprises.
For cash purchases, typically 1-3 months from accepted offer to keys in hand. This includes due diligence, contract signing with earnest money (usually 5-10%), and the closing process with a judicial scrivener. Remote purchases can take slightly longer due to document logistics.