Buying a property in japan?

How do you start looking for accommodation if you are staying in Japan more than 3 months? - @SherryNY

Hey buddy, your question’s a bit unclear. Your title says buying property, but in the actual message, it sounds more like you’re asking about renting—especially if you’re staying for more than three months.

Luckily, we live in the age of the internet and AI magic (shoutout to my favorite, ChatGPT—ahem ahem—lol), so finding a place has never been easier. Just look up fudōsan (real estate agencies), and you’ll find plenty of options.

Back in the day, renting in Japan was a hassle—you needed key money (which is basically a donation to the landlord), a guarantor, and a whole lot of patience. But now, it’s much simpler. Instead of a guarantor, you can just buy rental insurance. As long as you have a valid visa, you can rent an apartment. Typically, leases run for two years, but if you’re here for a shorter stay, places like Leo Palace offer furnished rooms for flexible durations. They’re a bit pricier than standard apartments but still way cheaper than hotels.

Now, if you’re actually looking to buy property, that’s a different story. You’ll usually need eijūken (permanent residency) to qualify for a mortgage, plus a stable income history from the past few years.

So, which one were you actually interested in—renting or buying?