There are several attractions for foreigners to purchase properties in Japan. Japan's reputation for safety and cleanliness is attractive to foreigners, especially those with families or those seeking a peaceful living environment. Some foreigners are drawn to purchasing properties in Japan due to their strong affinity for Japanese culture, lifestyle, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country's unique way of life.

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Unlike some of the other countries in the world, taxes and various purchase costs of buying properties are the same for foreigners as for any Japanese, and so are the costs to own one. Also, Japan has a well-established legal system that protects property rights and ensures a fair and transparent process for property transactions which gives people a sense of security to invest their money in Japanese real estate.

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However, how property transactions are done in Japan may be different from how they are done in other countries, such as, instead of lawyers and escrows playing a vital role in transactions, real estate agents and judicial scriveners (司法書士, shihō shoshi) take on that role. Sales contracts are drafted by the agent using the standard formats provided by their member real estate organization and not by lawyers. Your deposit or purchase money is paid to the seller directly and not to an escrow or lawyer. However, the judicial scrivener will conduct due diligence to verify the ownership status, property details, and any existing liens or encumbrances on the property before you make your payment, ensuring that there are no legal issues or disputes related to the property. Judicial scriveners are also responsible for registering property transactions with the appropriate government offices and see through that the ownership title will be transferred to you once your purchase payment is made. 

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Here is the step-by-step process of buying a real estate property in Japan.