14 stories
A thorough guide for investors on how private road burden area affects real estate transactions, including frontage obligations, floor area ratio implications, fixed asset tax considerations, and the key benefits and drawbacks to check before buying land.
Understand the definition and calculation of building area, how it differs from total floor area and site area, and how building coverage ratio and floor area ratio work. A clear guide to avoid confusion when planning a home.
This article explains liquidation-based inheritance division, a method in which real estate is sold and the proceeds are divided among heirs. It outlines the advantages, such as fairness, tax planning, and securing funds for tax payment, as well as key disadvantages.
A guide to naiyo shomei yubin, Japans content-certified mail, covering the latest post-October-2024 fees (counter 1,420 yen / approx. $9 USD, e-Nyoshomei 1,645 yen / approx. $11 USD), the vertical and horizontal format rules, and how overseas property owners use it, based on Japan Post primary sources.
A guide for international investors to Japans early-termination penalty (ihyakukin) on residential leases. It typically runs one to two months of rent, but can be void under the Consumer Contract Act. We cover the calculation, total cost, and how to negotiate a reduction, following Japanese statutes and court precedents.
A clear guide to contract non-conformity liability introduced under the 2020 Civil Code revision. Covers how it differs from the former defect warranty, plus time limits, exemptions, inspections, and key points in real estate transactions.
Explains the meaning of “as-is condition” in real estate. Clarifies the definitions of as-is transfer and priority of current condition, the non-conformity liability framework revised under Japan’s 2020 Civil Code reform, and practical points for avoiding disputes.
A professional guide to the legal basis, typical market range, and cost breakdown of tenant relocation compensation, generally around six to twelve months of rent. It also explains five key negotiation points and the role of just cause under Japan’s lease law.
In Japan’s rental market, `shikikin` (敷金, security deposit), `shokyakukin` (償却金, non-refundable amortized deposit), `shikibiki` (敷引き, fixed non-refundable deduction), and `hoshokin` (保証金, guarantee deposit) may sound similar, but they diffe
This article explains MLIT's restoration guidelines, including the distinction between ordinary wear and special damage, ways to prevent move-out disputes, and the check procedures owners should follow at move-in and move-out.
In 2026, all baby boomers in Japan will have entered the late elderly stage, accelerating the vacant home problem into a new phase. This article explains what landowners and real estate owners should do now, based on the current stock of over 9 million vacant homes and projections through 2043.
Learn the common tactics, sales pitches, and prevention steps behind condo investment scams. Build the knowledge you need to avoid being misled in real estate investing.
This guide explains how to evaluate the seismic safety of used condominiums. It covers the difference between the new and old seismic standards, the features of earthquake-resistant, vibration-control, and base-isolation structures, and the key points for investment decisions.
In April 2026, the external manager guidelines were revised alongside the enforcement of the Condominium Management Optimization Act. This article explains eight key rules condominium unit owners should understand, from passbook and seal control to conflicts of interest and major repairs.