“Can I really buy a home in Japan without being there?” “Is it possible to purchase property remotely?”

These are common questions from people living overseas. In fact, Japan’s real estate market is well-equipped to support property purchases from abroad.

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to smoothly purchase real estate in Japan—even if you’re not in Japan.

1. Find a Trusted Bilingual Real Estate Agency

The first step is to select an agency that is experienced in assisting overseas buyers.

It’s not just about language—your agent should also possess knowledge such as online procedures, international fund transfers, and proxy-based contract handling to ensure a smooth purchase even you are not in Japan.

The ideal partner is an agency that can provide the following services:

• Multilingual support (English/Chinese) for communication
• Online consultations via video conferencing or chat
• Support for digital contracts and international document delivering
• One-stop service covering tax, property management, and operations

2. Online Property Proposals and Virtual Tours

With tools like Zoom, LINE, or WhatsApp, you can communicate with your agent in real time. Many agencies now offer remote viewing services such as the following:

• Live property tours via smartphone video calls
• High-resolution interior photos and videos
• Neighborhood reports including noise levels, transportation, and security 

Through these methods, you can get a real sense of the property without having to visit in person.

3. Documentation Can Be Processed via Mail or E-Signature

Procedures such as signing contracts and submitting identification can be completed via postal mail or by sending scanned PDFs.

Japan is also adopting electronic contracts, making fully online transactions possible under certain conditions.

【Required documents】

• Passport (copy)
• Proof of address (e.g. utility bill or residence certificate)
• Personal seal (or valid signature)
• Tax representative designation form (a domestic representative in Japan is required)

4. Final Payment and Property Registration Can Be Completed Remotely

The final payment and registration (ownership transfer) can be done without traveling to Japan by authorizing a judicial scrivener to act on your behalf.

Remaining funds can be sent via SWIFT transfer or to a Japanese escrow account.

The judicial scrivener then files the registration application, officially completing the legal transfer of ownership.

Communication with judicial scrivener is smooth without the need for a translator if agency with English service is selected.

5. Remote Property Management Is Now the Standard

Ongoing property management is typically entrusted to a reliable management company after purchasing.

For rental management of properties, the following services are available:

• Tenant acquisition, background checks, and lease agreement
• Rental income collection and remittance report
• Property maintenance and repairs upon tenant departure
• Assistance with annual tax filings and reporting requirements

This allows property owners to maintain and operate their real estate investments entirely from abroad.

Summary: A New Era of Remote Property Ownership in Japan

In the past, people typically searched for properties after arriving in Japan. Nowadays, with developed online systems, it’s possible to complete the entire process—from property selection to registration and management—without ever setting foot in the country.

Of course, partnering with reliable experts is essential. With their support, you can confidently invest in Japanese real estate from abroad.

For busy individuals and investment seekers, now may be the time to do it.