Step-by-step overview

1. Find and Contact a Realtor: Local professionals provide market knowledge, legal expertise, cultural understanding, property selection, negotiation skills, administrative assistance, a network of contacts, and risk mitigation.
2. Consult with a Bank: Determine your budget, seek mortgage pre-approval, understand interest rates and loan options, gain negotiating power, and learn about any hidden costs.
3. View and Assess the Property: Consider Japanese property standards, which may differ significantly from Western expectations.
4. Express Your Interest: Send a Letter of Intent and the purchase application.
5. Negotiate with the Seller: Discuss the purchase price and terms, which may take 7 days to 4 weeks.
6. Close the Deal: Provide necessary documents and a 10% cash deposit.
7. Finalize the Settlement: Transfer ownership at the buyer's bank, managed by a judicial scrivener, by paying the remaining balance, receiving the keys, and completing the property title transfer.