Real Estate & Lifestyle Resources:
Make Tokyo your Home
For those who want to search for a home safety and affordably in Japan,
please rely on ‘Living in Tokyo’.
Can you buy a house in Japan with peace of mind?
“Living in Tokyo” is realsetate company based in the heart of Tokyo.
For foreigners looking to purchase a home in Japan, there will be various challenges, including cultural understanding, legal procedures, loans, taxes, and more.
We, as professionals, are here to assist you!!
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Since 2007
Experience in dealing with foreign nationals
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Omotenashi
You Will find omotenashi everywhere.
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English speaking staff
There are English speaking staff.
If you’re looking for residential properties in Tokyo,
consider consulting with the real estate agency
Living in Tokyo.
The staff here is the one who will assist you in person!!
CEO
Hello everyone! I’m Ken, the CEO.
I lived in the United States during my childhood, so I have a good understanding of foreign cultures.
I have also conducted transactions with many people of foreign nationalities in the past, so I have extensive knowledge.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime.
Hello everyone! I’m Ken, the CEO.
I lived in the United States during my childhood, so I have a good understanding of foreign cultures.
I have also conducted transactions with many people of foreign nationalities in the past, so I have extensive knowledge.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime.
Sales team
(residential properties & investment properties)
Having been a customer of Higher Ground myself, I believe my strength lies in being able to talk to clients from the same perspective. I will do my utmost to ensure that you can purchase real estate with confidence and to convey the qualities of Higher Ground, the company I’ve come to love, to our customers.
Although I have only been in the real estate industry for 5 years, I am confident in my ability to meet the diverse needs of our clients! I will continue to strive for customer satisfaction, so when it comes to purchasing or selling property, please leave it to Matsumura at Higher Ground!
I believe that the various experiences, perspectives, and ways of thinking I’ve cultivated so far are my strengths. With a strong desire to continue growing, I will always strive to provide proposals and support that are closely aligned with the needs of our clients!
It brings me great happiness to be involved in the start of a new chapter in our clients' lives. I am here to walk alongside each client, helping them find their perfect home filled with happiness! Please feel free to share anything with me—I'm always here to listen!
With the knowledge gained from approximately 10 years of experience in the industry and my own personal purchase experience, I strive to ensure that clients feel secure throughout the transaction process. I will continue to work hard to maintain long-term relationships even after the purchase, so I look forward to working with you!
I will share my knowledge and experience generously to ensure that your once-in-a-lifetime property purchase or sale is handled without anxiety, providing you with peace of mind throughout the process.
Having been with Higher Ground for 4 years, I've had the privilege of assisting many clients with their home purchases, and it has reaffirmed what a wonderful job this is! Since buying a home is a once-in-a-lifetime decision, I understand the serious concerns and indecision that can arise. I am committed to supporting clients with care and responsibility throughout the process.
Property Management team
We focus on assisting overseas property owners by working diligently to maintain and enhance the value of their valuable assets.
There is still so much to learn each day, but I will continue to work diligently to ensure that property owners feel confident and secure in entrusting me with the management of their valuable assets!
I joined Higher Ground with the intention of leveraging my past experiences and embarking on a new journey as a member of this organization. I aim to continuously strive to embody the company’s philosophy of “ultimately being close to the customer” every day.
Reform / Renovation team
I will do my utmost to assist in creating homes that enrich our customers' daily lives, even if just a little!
I will sincerely engage with our clients and do my best to assist in creating better renovations!
Many people feel anxious about renovating or remodeling their cherished homes. I will provide maximum support to alleviate any concerns or worries you may have. It's important to enjoy the process and envision a rich life after the renovation, so I will do my best to create a wonderful space for you. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns!
My motto is to create a unique masterpiece together with our clients. However, we can't achieve this without your collaboration. The only thing we ask for is that you enjoy the planning meetings. I hope you'll share in the excitement as we turn your vision for the future into reality! Plus, our top-notch craftsmen will ensure that we create something truly special.
Let’s work together to build a beautiful and stylish home!
Important Considerations for Foreigners
When Buying a House in Japan
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1.Choosing a Real Estate Agent
Selectiong real estate requires the utmost core. Some real estate companies may try to sell overpriced properties or properties with poor conditions to foreigners.Choose a trustworthy real estate company.
Hiring on interpreter is an effective way to choose a reliable real estate company. Real estate transactions often involve specialized terms, making it very difficult to understand everything in Japanese, a foreign language.
With an interpreter, you can obtain accurate information and select a trustworthy real estate agent.
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2.Filing a Tax Return
Some foreigners may purchase real estate in Japan as an investment.When buying real estate for investment purposes, there is an obligation to fire a tax return for the income generated from the purchased property. It is
necessary to hire a tax accountant for the tax return process.
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3.Tax Agent System
For foreigners living overseas who purchase real estate in Japan, paying Japanese taxes and filing tax returns from abroad can be challenging.This is where the “Tax Agent System” comes in handy. A tax agent is someone who
handles tax payments and filing tax returns on your behalf. This role can be filled by a friend living in Japan or a staff member from a property management company.
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Contracting with a Real Estate Agency
Once the property to purchase has been decided upon, a mediation contract is concluded with the real estate agency. A mediation contract refers to the agreement made through the contracted real estate
agency to purchase the property. Upon agreement to the contract terms, sign and affix seals on the contract document.
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Applying for a Housing Loan
Generally, when purchasing real estate, payment is made through a housing loan. It is also possible to apply for a housing loan through a real estate agency. However, housing loan application are
limited to foreigners who have permanent residency in Japan. Overseas remittance is common for other payment methods.
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Payment of Earnest Money, Intermediary Fees, etc.
After the payment method for the real estate has been determined, it is necessary to pay a portion of the real estate price. Earnest money, intermediary fees, and stamp duty must be paid. Earnest money
is typically paid in cash. Confirmation is necessary beforehand as stamp duty varies depending on the real estate agency.
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Conclusion of Sales Contract
A formal sales contract is concluded. The necessary documents at the time of the sales contract are the four points already explained. Note that the required documents differ between purchasers residing
in Japan and those residing overseas.
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Handover of the Property
Once the sales contract is concluded, the property is handed over. Alongside the handover of the property, the transfer of ownership of the real estate must also be conducted. Typically, a judicial
scrivener is appointed to handle the “transfer of ownership registration” at the Legal Affairs Bureau.
We are appreciated by many customers!
Please feel free to contact us !!