Buying Japanese Real Estate with Cash as a Foreign Buyer: Contract, Closing and Registration
Even when a foreign buyer does not use a mortgage, the core process remains: property due diligence, statutory explanation of important matters, sale contract, settlement and ownership-transfer registration.
Before contract
Check title, legal restrictions, management, taxes and hazard information and receive the required important-matters explanation from the licensed broker.
Closing and registration
At closing, the price and adjustments are paid and a judicial scrivener commonly handles ownership-transfer registration. For overseas funds, confirm bank KYC/source-of-funds requirements and any applicable foreign-exchange reporting in advance.
Verification date
Based on primary Japanese government sources checked as of September 2, 2026. Confirm current rules and property-specific documents for each transaction.