If the registered owner of the real estate in Japan resides overseas, it will be necessary to register a contact person in Japan.

Poste date: Friday, April 5, 2024

If a person who owns real estate in Japan, such as a foreigner or overseas resident, does not have an address in Japan, it will be necessary to declare and register the name or designation and the address of the contact person in Japan.

Purpose of the revision of the law

Real estate investment by Japanese nationals living overseas and overseas investors is increasing due to various reasons such as the higher evaluation about the asset value of real estate in Japan, the weak yen, easier purchase by foreigners than in other countries, and availability of online purchase. Therefore, the law was revised to create an environment where it is easy to contact registered owners who do not reside in Japan.

＊For the time being (period unknown) until the revision of the law takes root, it is possible to register as "no contact information".

Effective date

April 1, 2024

Requirements that can be designated as a contact person

An individual or corporation with an address in Japan who has consented to be contacted.

Contents of registration

The name and address of the person or corporation who has become the contact person.

Image source: Ministry of Justice directive

Conclusion

For those who do not live in Japan, it is quite difficult to find someone to serve as a contact person. Therefore, "Real estate brokerage firm", "Real estate management company", "Judicial scrivener", etc., who handled your purchase or who is handling the management of the property, is recommended as an actual contact person to request.

Fire insurance premiums will increase in 2024!

General Insurance Rating Organization of Japan has announced that in October 2024, the premiums of fire insurance, which covers damage to buildings caused by fire, lightning, etc., will be raised by 13.0% on average nationwide.
Lease Guarantor Companies in Japan

In many lease agreements in Japan, it is necessary to come up with a joint guarantor or a guarantor company at the time of conclusion of these agreements. In this article, we will explain the role of a guarantor company, documents required for examination, average guarantor fee, etc. We will also provide you with a list of guarantor companies that offer customer support in English and other foreign languages.
Guide to Traditional and Modern Japanese Architecture

Japanese architecture highlights the country's beauty, rich history, and modern culture. Our short guide showcases the best examples of what traditional and modern Japanese architecture has to offer.
Joint mortgages for married couples

Due to the increasing number of dual-income households, there is a growing trend of couples jointly taking out housing loans. I will explain the merits and demerits of pair loans, the method of combining incomes for housing loans, repayment obligations, enrolling in group credit life insurance, housing loan deductions, ownership shares, and more.
Earthquake Resistance of Buildings in Japan - Structure types (seismic isolation and damping)

Buying or renting a Tokyo home but worried about earthquakes? From regulations and structures to area risks, here are the basic things you need to know about earthquake-proof buildings in Japan.
Can a foreigner purchase property in Japan?

Against the backdrop of a weakened yen, an increase in foreign tourists, and a rise in the number of foreign residents, there is a growing trend of real estate purchases in Japan by foreigners.