Frequently Asked Questions

The typical flow is: inquiry → property viewing → purchase application → explanation of important matters (重要事項説明) by a licensed real estate transaction specialist → signing the sales contract and paying a deposit → final payment, registration, and handover of keys. Shiawase Home guides you through every step in English or Japanese.

For a cash purchase, it usually takes about one to two months from purchase application to handover. If you use a mortgage, allow extra time for loan screening — typically two to three months in total.

Yes. We arrange private viewings by appointment, and we also hold open house weekends where you can walk through multiple properties. Check the open house schedule on our website or contact us to book a viewing.

Many of our listings are seller-direct (売主物件) — Shiawase Home is the owner — so no brokerage fee applies. For brokered properties, the standard fee set by Japanese law applies. Each listing page shows whether a brokerage fee applies.

Shiawase Home specializes in renovated pre-owned homes. Many listings are renovated before sale — each property page lists the renovation work performed. We also hold a construction business license, so additional renovation work can be arranged.

Typical additional costs include stamp duty on the contract, registration and license tax, judicial scrivener (shiho shoshi) fees for title registration, real estate acquisition tax (a one-time prefectural tax), a prorated share of the year's fixed asset tax, fire insurance, and — for brokered properties only — the brokerage fee. As a rough guide, budget several percent of the purchase price for these costs.

Fixed asset tax (kotei shisan zei) is levied annually on the assessed value of the land and building — the standard rate is 1.4%, plus city planning tax in designated areas. For affordable used homes in Niigata this is often only tens of thousands of yen per year. Each of our property pages shows the approximate annual property tax.

Yes, Japanese banks finance used homes, subject to screening of the borrower and the property. Shiawase Home works with several partner banks in Niigata and can introduce financing options. Note that for buyers without permanent residency in Japan, mortgage approval is more difficult and a cash purchase is common.

Yes. There are no citizenship or residency restrictions on owning real estate in Japan — foreigners can own land and buildings outright (freehold), with the same ownership rights as Japanese nationals. You do not need a visa to purchase, though owning property does not itself grant any residence status.

Non-residents typically need a passport and, in place of the Japanese residence certificate and registered seal, an affidavit or signature certificate issued by a notary or your embassy. We will explain exactly what is needed for your situation and help you prepare.

Yes. Our website is fully bilingual (English and Japanese), and inquiries submitted through our contact form in any language are welcome — we translate and respond. We regularly assist international buyers purchasing homes in Niigata.

Yes, non-residents can purchase remotely. Contracts can be handled by mail and video call, and funds sent by international transfer. We also offer property management services — house checks, mail pickup, lawn care, bill payment — for owners who live far from their property.

Niigata offers some of Japan's most affordable quality housing — renovated detached houses often cost less than a small city apartment elsewhere. The Joetsu Shinkansen reaches Tokyo in about two hours, and the region is known for its rice, sake, seafood, beaches, and ski resorts. Shiawase Home maintains one of the largest selections of used homes in Niigata Prefecture.

Snowfall varies greatly within the prefecture: Niigata City on the coast gets relatively light snow, while inland and mountain areas receive much more. When choosing a property we can advise on typical snowfall, insulation, heating, and snow-removal considerations for each area.

Our specialty is pre-owned homes, including formerly vacant houses that we purchase, renovate, and resell in livable condition. Unlike a raw akiya purchase, our renovated listings are inspected and repaired before sale, which greatly reduces the risk of hidden problems.

Start with a free valuation — contact us by phone or through the website. We buy properties directly (kaitori, fastest, no brokerage fee) or sell on your behalf as broker. Direct purchase means a quick, certain sale; brokerage typically achieves a higher price but takes longer.

Yes. Because we renovate in-house, we purchase older homes and vacant houses that other buyers pass over, including properties with dated interiors or needed repairs. Inherited properties are also welcome — we can work with you and a judicial scrivener on the required inheritance registration.

Shiawase Home Co., Ltd. (有限会社幸せホーム) is a licensed real estate company in Niigata City, Japan (Niigata Prefecture Governor's License (5) No. 4600), operating since 2003 with over 200 property transactions per year. We specialize in buying, renovating, and selling pre-owned homes across Niigata Prefecture, and also hold a construction business license.

Phone: 025-255-5680 (8:00–20:00, open year-round), email: info@shiawasehome-japan.com, or the contact form on this website. Our office is at 1-12-9 Tenjio, Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata 950-0905, Japan.

We regularly hold open house weekends (typically Saturday and Sunday, 10:00–17:00) at multiple properties across Niigata. The current schedule, venues, and reservation requirements are posted on the Open House page of this website.