Wondering if it is still a good idea to buy a home in Japan in 2026? Despite changing immigration rules, owning a property remains a smart and secure choice for foreign residents.

Is it still worth buying a house in Japan in 2026?

In recent months, I have heard the same story many times. Our agents recently told me: “Shachō” (company president), the customer was ready to buy the house. Everything was set. But at the last minute, they gave up because they were worried about the current situation in Japan.

Sadly, this is not an isolated case. Many foreign residents in Japan are feeling divided. Immigration rules keep changing, and worries about the future are real. Naturally, this makes people ask: “Is it still worth buying a house?”

My answer, based on twenty years of experience at Ji Consulting, is still the same: yes, it is worth it. If you have financial stability and savings, buying your own home is a much stronger choice than continuing to pay “shakuya” (rented property) for decades.

Rent or own a home: The “mottainai” factor

Many families spend 20 or 30 years paying rent. At the end of this long time, all that money went to someone else, while your family built nothing. For us immigrants, this is a big “mottainai” (waste).

Building a future in Japan is not just about having a roof, it is about safety. As foreign residents, we need to think about our future very carefully. Owning a property gives you more stability and real protection under Japanese law.

Who can buy a house and what is needed?

It is important to know: there is no nationality rule stopping you from buying property in Japan. Any foreigner can be a homeowner. However, to get a bank loan with good rates, Japanese banks look at a few key points:

• Residence visa: For people who do not speak or write Japanese well, or who do not have a big down payment (usually around 20% of the house price), the “eijūken” (permanent residence visa) is a key requirement asked by most banks.

• Job stability: Working at the same company for a long time and paying taxes regularly give you high points in credit checks.

• Financial history: Paying your “nenkin” (pension) and health insurance on time is a must to avoid bad surprises.

Three main points for your dream home

If you want to plant roots in Japan, being organized is your best friend. To get a loan safely, never forget these points:

• Paying taxes on time: Any late payment can look like financial trouble to the bank.

• Health insurance and pension: These are basic items that show you are a good payer in Japanese society.

• Following the law: Keeping a clean record is the minimum requirement to keep your visa and succeed in your investment.

I understand not everyone is ready to buy today. You may need to organize your money first or get your permanent visa. The biggest mistake, however, is not waiting a bit to get organized; the mistake is giving up on your future because of rumors.

Get support from our team

Owning a home is still one of the best investments to build stability and safety for your family in Japan. If you are planning this step and want to check your situation, talk to our team.

We provide services in AICHI-KEN, SHIZUOKA-KEN, MIE-KEN, GIFU-KEN, SHIGA-KEN, KYOTO, OSAKA, FUKUI-KEN, ISHIKAWA-KEN, TOYAMA-KEN, NAGANO-KEN, YAMANASHI-KEN, KANAGAWA-KEN, TOKYO, SAITAMA-KEN, CHIBA-KEN, IBARAKI-KEN, GUNMA-KEN, TOCHIGI-KEN, only for buying or selling properties.

At Ji Consulting, we speak your language and we are ready to check your profile in a professional and friendly way. We offer support in English (LINE or WhatsApp).

Koji Mutou – Ji Consulting

Watch the video: “Is it still worth buying a house in Japan?”