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 a website operated by Higher Ground, a real estate 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
When I was a child, I lived in London for five years and in New York for three years because of my father's work.
As a child, moving was a fun event for me, but looking back now, I realize how difficult it must have been to find a home abroad and to move there.
After graduating from college, I joined an insurance company, and in 2007, I decided to start a completely different line of work, the real estate business, and founded Higher Ground.
Although we support our Japanese clients in their search for a home by working closely with them, we are especially committed to helping foreign nationals to have a safe and satisfying real estate transaction.
We are not only a real estate brokerage, but also a remodeling business and a rental property management business, so we would like to be your one-stop shop to help you and your family with your real estate needs in Japan.
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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Find a good real estate company from the stars.
When viewing and considering real estate, I believe that the most important thing is to find a real estate company and a person in charge that you feel comfortable with.
Buying real estate is one of the biggest events in one's life, even for Japanese people. Even for Japanese people, there are some difficult situations when it comes to real estate transactions, such as the first time they learn the customs of real estate transactions, difficult technical terms, and how to obtain a bank loan.
Depending on who you choose to work with out of all the real estate agencies in Tokyo, you may find that this important event will either be a happy memory or a disappointing one.
We are confident that you will remember your event with the least amount of stress and the most pleasant memories for the rest of your life.
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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 !!