Buying Property or an Akiya in Japan: Using an English–Japanese Interpreter
If you’re buying a house, an apartment or an akiya (vacant home) in Japan and don’t speak fluent Japanese, an English–Japanese interpreter can join your calls and video meetings with the estate agent, the seller, a renovation company or the local office, so you understand every step. Foreign nationals can generally buy property in Japan, but most of the process happens in Japanese, including the formal explanation of the property before you sign. An interpreter helps you ask the right questions; for legal and tax decisions you’ll still need qualified professionals. Here’s where interpreting helps most.
Where an interpreter helps
- First calls with estate agents (不動産会社), to explain what you’re looking for and understand the listings.
- Online viewings, when the agent walks through the property on video and you want to ask questions in real time.
- Akiya enquiries through a municipal vacant-house bank (空き家バンク), often run by the town office.
- The explanation of important matters (重要事項説明), which a licensed real estate transaction specialist must give before the contract. It covers rights, restrictions, the condition of the building and more.
- Meetings with renovation companies about quotes, schedules and changes.
- Calls with the local city or town office about residence, taxes, rubbish rules or subsidies.
Professionals you’ll likely deal with
| Who | What they do |
|---|---|
| Estate agent | Finds and negotiates the property; a licensed specialist explains the important matters |
| Judicial scrivener (司法書士) | Usually handles registration of the change of ownership |
| Tax accountant (税理士) | Advises on purchase taxes, annual property tax and tax for non-residents |
| Lawyer | Reviews contracts or helps with disputes, if needed |
An interpreter can join your calls with each of them, but doesn’t replace their advice.
Questions worth asking
- How old is the building, and does it meet current earthquake standards?
- Are there any rights, debts or restrictions attached to the land?
- What are the running costs: annual property tax, management fees, repairs?
- For an akiya: is it habitable, what needs fixing, and are there renovation subsidies?
- If you live abroad: who will receive tax notices and mail for you in Japan?
Documents: understanding vs certified translation
We can translate contracts, explanations and letters so you understand them, as a reference. That isn’t a certified translation, and the Japanese documents remain the official version. If a bank, an authority or a court asks for a certified translation, which we don’t provide, check with them what they accept. For more, see translating Japanese documents.
Tips for interpreted property calls
- Send the listing and any documents in advance, so the interpreter knows the property and the terms.
- Keep a list of questions and tick them off during the call.
- Ask for follow-ups in writing. Japanese agents are used to sending details by email, which you can translate later.
- Allow extra time. Interpreted meetings take about twice as long.
Our guides to working with a Japanese interpreter and moving to Japan have more practical advice.
How Hanabuddies can help
We interpret live between English and Japanese, in person (including property viewings; you cover travel expenses) or over video, for calls and meetings with estate agents, sellers, renovation companies and local offices, and translate property documents into English for your reference. Tell us where the property is and which conversations are coming up, and we’ll arrange interpreters around your schedule.