Selling Your Home in Japan: A Step-by-Step Guide

At RE/MAX BASE and Arrows International Realty Kyoto, we are here to support you at every stage of selling your property in Japan. Whether you are an overseas owner or a local resident, our experienced team will guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and secure transaction.

1. Initial Consultation and Property Assessment

The first step is to contact us for a free consultation. We will assess your property’s condition, location, and market value. Our agents will provide a professional price estimate based on recent sales data, current market trends, and the unique features of your home.

Tip: We recommend preparing any building plans, purchase contracts, and property tax statements in advance for a smoother evaluation.

2. Listing Agreement

Once you agree to proceed, we will sign a brokerage agreement (媒介契約). This formal contract authorizes us to act as your agent in marketing and negotiating the sale of your property.

We offer three types of brokerage agreements:

• Exclusive Brokerage Agreement
• Semi-Exclusive Brokerage Agreement
• General Brokerage Agreement

Our agent will explain the features of each so you can select the best fit for your situation.

3. Marketing Your Property

We will develop a customized marketing plan to attract the right buyers. This includes:

• Professional photography
• Property descriptions in Japanese and English
• Online listings on major Japanese real estate platforms
• Promotion via RE/MAX global networks and Arrows International Realty worldwide website

We may also conduct open house events to generate interest.

4. Negotiations and Sales Agreement

When a buyer makes an offer, we assist with price and condition negotiations to protect your interests.
Once terms are agreed, we prepare the sales agreement (売買契約書). At this stage:

• The buyer pays a deposit (typically 5%-10% of the sales price)
• Both parties confirm terms including delivery date and condition of the property

5. Preparing for Closing

Before the final settlement, we will coordinate:

• Preparation of necessary documents (e.g., registration certificate, tax certificates)
• Loan payoff procedures if a mortgage remains
• Any required repairs or moving arrangements

We guide you on tax obligations such as capital gains tax reporting.

6. Settlement and Property Handover

On the closing day:

• The remaining balance is paid
• Ownership is legally transferred at the Legal Affairs Bureau
• The keys are handed over to the new owner

We ensure a secure and transparent closing process, working closely with judicial scriveners and financial institutions.

Additional Support

Selling property in Japan can be complex, especially for foreign owners. Our bilingual team provides:

• Guidance on capital gains tax and tax representative appointment
• Coordination with legal and tax professionals
• Assistance with vacant house maintenance and management until sale

If you are considering selling your property in Kyoto or elsewhere in Japan, please contact RE/MAX BASE Kyoto or Arrows International Realty for a consultation. We are committed to delivering trusted advice and comprehensive support.