Blog

New Renovation Rules Under the 2025 Building Standards Act RevisionIn April 2025, Japan's Building Standards Act will be revised, resulting in stricter regulations on the renovation of non-rebuildable properties. As a result, property maintenance and utilization will require more cautious planning than ever before. ■ Part 1: Non-Rebuildable Properties and the Impact of Legal Revisions ■ 1.What...

If you’re involved in real estate investment, you may have come across the term “owner-change property.”However, many people may not clearly understand what it means. Owner-change properties have both advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand them thoroughly before considering investment. This article explains the concept of owner-change properties in a simple and clear...

In recent years, "minpaku" (private lodging) businesses using services like Airbnb have gained attention. However, it’s not something you can operate freely without rules. That’s where the "Minpaku New Law" (Private Lodging Business Act) comes in. This article explains the law, the necessary procedures, and the rules you must follow when operating a minpaku business. ■ What is the Minpaku New...

Many people tend to imagine buying a new home, but recently more and more people are choosing used homes, and the difference between the two is shrinking. So this time, we will explain the important points and the pros and cons to consider when you’re unsure whether to buy a new or used property. ■ Advantages of New Homes ■① Easier to benefit from housing loan tax deductions②...

Background of Growing Interest in Vacant Houses and Their Appeal Recently, there has been growing interest in vacant houses both domestically and internationally in Japan. Particularly in rural areas and older properties in need of renovation, these houses are often considered to have low market value. However, as the population declines and the number of vacant houses increases, these properties...

For property owners to manage their properties effectively, it is essential to understand the role of property management companies and choose the one that best suits their needs. ■ What is a Property Management Company? A property management company is a specialized firm that manages properties on behalf of owners. Since handling all management tasks alone can be challenging, outsourcing to a...

■Daily Ren（Hiwari Yachin）■ Daily rent is calculated when a rental agreement starts or ends partway through the month, based on the number of days you occupy the property. Calculation Formula: Example: If the monthly rent is ¥100,000, and you stay for 10 days in a 30-day month, the daily rent will be approximately ¥33,333. ■Key Money...

To begin life in Japan, setting up utilities such as electricity, water, and gas is essential. Here, we provide guidance on how to start each utility, with information on options for English assistance. We recommend starting these procedures about one week before moving in. If you would like additional support, we can also introduce services to help with the utility setup process. Please feel free to...

Buying a home is an exciting but major life decision. It’s common for buyers to assume that only the purchase price needs budgeting, but there are also other costs—like additional fees and taxes—that need to be covered in cash, as they’re often not eligible for mortgage coverage. Generally, the total of these costs runs around 3–5% of the purchase price for a new property and 5–10% for...

The required documents for students to rent a property in Japan are as follows. ● Residence CardThis is a mandatory ID card for those residing in Japan. It includes information such as your name, date of birth, and residency status. ● Student ID or Letter of AcceptanceIf you are already enrolled, a student ID is required. If you have not yet enrolled, you may be asked to provide proof of your...