What costs do you pay when buying property in Japan in 2026?

Brokerage commission on many used residential deals is capped by MLIT rules around 3% of the price plus ¥60,000, plus consumption tax; confirm the exact schedule for new-build packages. Registration and licence tax, judicial scrivener (shiho shoshi) fees and stamp duty on the contract add further. Real estate acquisition tax often arrives months later based on assessed value, not the headline asking price.

Community guides commonly put total closing costs near 5–8% of the purchase price, with another roughly 1–2% when a mortgage is involved. Source-of-funds checks and a Japanese bank path add friction: Open a bank account. Non-resident filings such as Bank of Japan FEFTA reports can apply; confirm current rules for your residency status.

Fixed asset tax (standard rate 1.4% of assessed value) and city planning tax (up to about 0.3% where levied) recur annually. Condo buyers add monthly kanrihi and shuuzenhi (management and repair reserve): Condominium fees. Title type changes long-term risk: Freehold vs leasehold.

Compare ownership against renting carefully in Tokyo or Osaka: Rent in Japan and How expensive is Japan. Building age, earthquake standards and land versus building value matter as much as the fee sheet.