Highlights: Foreign Buyers Flock to Japan’s Property Market amid Soaring Prices and Lax Rules
- Foreigners can buy property in Japan with no residency or tax restrictions.
- Abandoned homes or ‘akiya’ are in high demand among overseas buyers.
- Tokyo apartment prices have doubled, crossing ¥100 million post-COVID.
- Chinese and American investors are leading Japan’s real estate surge.
- The trend is sparking policy debates on regulating foreign ownership.
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Japan’s Real Estate Boom: Why Foreign Investors Are Rushing In
Japan’s property market is turning heads globally and for good reason. With no restrictions or extra taxes on foreign ownership, the country has become one of the easiest places for non-residents to buy property. This leniency has sparked a sharp rise in demand, especially from wealthy investors in China and the U.S., who are drawn by Japan’s stability and high-return potential.
One of the biggest draws is the availability of ‘akiya’, abandoned rural homes that can be bought at low prices. While this trend is helping breathe life into depopulated areas, it’s also driving up property prices in urban hubs. In Tokyo, for instance, the average apartment price has doubled since pre-COVID, now exceeding ¥100 million (approx. ₹55 lakh).
As foreign interest grows, so do concerns. Policymakers in Japan are beginning to debate new regulations to strike a balance between encouraging investment and protecting local housing access.
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Investing in Japan Made Easy: What’s in it for Indian Buyers
For Indian investors, Japan's open-door real estate policy presents a rare opportunity to enter a foreign market with minimal legal hurdles and strong growth potential. The ability to purchase property without needing residency or facing extra taxation makes Japan especially attractive for those seeking overseas asset diversification.
While rural areas offer affordable entry points through akiya properties, the urban boom, particularly in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, signals potential for high capital appreciation. However, with rising prices and potential future regulations under discussion, timing and due diligence are key.
Indian buyers interested in Japan should monitor policy developments closely and engage trusted legal and real estate advisors to make informed decisions aligned with their long-term goals.
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