Can Americans own a house in Japan?

Answer 1

Anyone can buy property in Japan. You can buy from real estate agents and pay 3% commission. The vendor pays 3% as well. The trick is to buy foreclosed property in Japan because its far cheaper than buying foreclosed property in other countries, including the USA. Many foreigners buy foreclosed properties in Japan, because the locals are not very commercially astute. They have no idea on how to manage money. They mostly leave it to housewives happy to earn 1% on their postal savings.

Foreclosed properties can be bought at anywhere between 5-70% discount off market price depending on if you buy in central Tokyo or in rural depopulating areas. The prices range from $10,000 up. The properties are sold through the Japanese prefectural court system. You pay 20% deposit, then you have several months to pay the balance.

Answer 2

Yes, foreign nationals can buy houses (or any property) in Japan with little to no restriction. Permanent residency status is not required for such a transaction.