Besides real estate agents, what other professionals (such as tax advisors or lawyers) might I need to consult during the home buying process?

No problem, buying property in Japan can indeed be quite complex. Besides dealing with real estate agents daily, finding the right "external support" can save you a lot of hassle and help you avoid pitfalls down the road. I'll outline my own experience and what I've learned, hoping it helps you.

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When Buying Property in Japan, Besides an Agent, You Might Need These "Key Players"!

Buying a house is like assembling a project team. The real estate agent is your project manager, coordinating everything. But for highly specialized issues, you need experts to oversee them. The following are potential members of your "specialist advisory team."

1. Judicial Scrivener (Shiho-shoshi) - The "Gatekeeper" for Property Registration

This professional is absolutely essential, arguably the most important person in the entire transaction process besides the agent.

• What do they do?

  • Simply put, they are legal experts who handle the property transfer procedures for you. After you've paid in full, the property's ownership needs to be changed from the seller's name to yours. This process is called "title transfer registration." Japanese law mandates that a Judicial Scrivener handles this to ensure the process is legal and valid.
  • If you have a bank loan, they also handle the "mortgage registration," which notes on the title deed that the property is mortgaged to the bank.

• When do you need them?

  • On the day of the final payment and handover (called 「決済」kessai in Japanese), they will be present simultaneously. They will confirm all documents and funds are correct in front of the buyer, seller, agent, and bank representative. Then, they immediately take the documents to the Legal Affairs Bureau to process the transfer. Essentially, they are the final and most crucial checkpoint before you receive the title deed.

• Tip: Usually, the real estate agent or bank will designate a cooperating Judicial Scrivener, and the fees are typically bundled. While you have the right to find your own, most people use the recommended one for convenience. Just make sure to confirm the fee breakdown.

2. Certified Tax Accountant (Zeirishi) - Your "Tax-Saving Strategist"

Buying property isn't just a one-time cost; it's followed by a slew of taxes. If you want to understand your tax obligations clearly and potentially save money, consulting a Tax Accountant is key.

• What do they do?

  • Property Purchase Tax Advice: Calculate taxes due upon purchase, like "Real Estate Acquisition Tax" and "Stamp Duty," and advise on any applicable tax reduction schemes.
  • Mortgage Tax Credit (住宅ローン控除 Jūtaku Rōn Kōjo): This is one of the biggest benefits of buying property in Japan! If eligible, you can get a significant refund on your income tax at year-end. A Tax Accountant will tell you what documents you need and how to file for the first year.
  • Future Tax Planning: If you're considering passing the property to your children (involving gift or inheritance tax) or selling it later (involving capital gains tax), consulting a Tax Accountant early allows for long-term planning to legally save substantial amounts.

• When do you need them?

  • Before Buying: If your funding source is complex (e.g., a gift from parents) or you want to maximize the mortgage tax credit, consult them before signing the contract.
  • After Buying: During tax filing season, especially the first year when claiming the mortgage tax credit.

• Tip: For most salaried workers with only one primary residence, you might only need a Tax Accountant for the first year's tax refund filing; your employer usually handles subsequent years. However, if you're self-employed or have overseas assets, having a long-term Tax Accountant is highly recommended.

3. Lawyer (Bengoshi) - The "Ultimate Weapon" for Tricky Situations

A lawyer isn't standard in a routine property purchase. But if you encounter complex or contentious issues, they become your strongest backup.

• What do they do?

  • Review Complex Contracts: If you're buying something unusual (e.g., a property with existing tenants, historical issues, or strange contract clauses), a lawyer can review the contract from a legal perspective to mitigate risks.
  • Handle Disputes: If disputes arise with the seller over property defects (e.g., leaks, termites) that the agent can't resolve, a lawyer can step in for legal negotiation or litigation.
  • Handle Complex Ownership: For example, if the property has multiple owners with complicated relationships, or if the seller is a company with potential bankruptcy risk.

• When do you need them?

  • When you feel "something isn't right." For instance, if the agent's explanations are vague, the seller's demands are unusual, or the property disclosure statement (重要事項説明書 Jūyō Jikō Setsumeisho) contains many risk warnings you don't understand.

• Tip: Lawyers aren't needed in 95% of standard property transactions. Don't worry; it's just a backup option. If you truly need a lawyer, it usually means the problem is serious – don't skimp on these fees.

4. Architect (Kenchikushi) & Home Inspector - The Property's "Medical Examiners"

Highly recommended if you're buying a used property, especially an older wooden detached house (一戸建 ikkodate).

• What do they do?

  • Home Inspection (ホームインスペクション): They conduct a thorough "health check" on the property. They check the structure for issues, leaks, aging pipes/wiring, signs of termite damage, earthquake resistance, etc.
  • Provide Professional Report: After the inspection, you receive a detailed report outlining problems and estimated repair costs. This report is crucial for deciding whether to buy or for negotiating the price with the seller.

• When do you need them?

  • Before signing the purchase contract. You can tell the agent you want a third-party inspection, and only proceed if the results are satisfactory. This is a completely reasonable request in Japan.

• Tip: An inspection costs around 50,000 to 100,000 yen. While it seems like an extra expense, it's worth it if it uncovers a major problem requiring millions of yen to fix. Think of it as buying peace of mind.

To Summarize

For easy reference, here's a simple table:

I hope this list gives you more confidence. Buying property is a major decision. Ask questions, do your research, and leave specialized tasks to the professionals. That way, you can move into your dream home with peace of mind. Best of luck with your purchase!