Costs When Buying an Akiya
A transparent guide to understanding the financial breakdown of purchasing your dream home in Japan.
When purchasing an akiya (vacant house) in Japan, there are several costs in addition to the purchase price. The structure, however, is very straightforward.
Purchase Price
The price agreed upon with the seller. This is the base for all cost calculations.
Brokerage Fee
A success-based fee paid to the real estate agency. It is calculated based on brokerage fee standards set by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).
- Properties ¥8,000,000 or below→ ¥330,000 (tax included)
- Properties above ¥8,000,000→ (3% of price + ¥60,000) + tax
* This fee is only payable if the transaction is successfully completed.
Registration & Legal Fees
These fees are required to transfer ownership into your name. A judicial scrivener (Shiho-shoshi) handles the entire process.
These costs are combined into a single invoice from the judicial scrivener, who will pay the Legal Affairs Bureau on your behalf.
(The exact amount depends on the property and land/building structure.)
Taxes at Purchase
Registration License Tax
A national tax required when acquiring real estate.
Approx. 1–2% of the property price
Real Estate Acquisition Tax
Billed several months after purchase.
Typically tens of thousands to ~¥100,000+
(Reductions often apply depending on age and valuation of the building.)
Ongoing Annual Costs
Fixed Asset Tax & City Planning Tax
Annual taxes levied on real estate ownership.
Typical annual amount: tens of thousands to ~¥100,000+
Neighborhood Association Fee
Varies by area.
Typically a few thousand yen per year
(Participation is generally optional)
Other Possible Costs (Case-by-Case)
Depending on the property and usage, the following may apply:
Building Inspection
Approx. ¥50,000–¥100,000
⚠️ Optional in Japan
Renovation / Repairs
From tens of thousands to several million yen
Furniture & Appliances
Approx. ¥100,000–¥500,000+
(Includes trash removal)
Fire Insurance
Approx. ¥10,000–¥30,000 per year
All applicable items are explained and confirmed in advance.
Example: Buying a ¥5,000,000 Akiya
▶ Estimated Total at Purchase
Approx. ¥5,635,000
(About ¥600,000–¥700,000 on top of the purchase price)
🔎Note on International Transfers
Akiyanow supports international payments via Wise. You can proceed with an akiya purchase even without a Japanese bank account.
Payments at the Time of Purchase
The following costs can be paid via Wise:
- ✔ Property purchase price
- ✔ Brokerage fee
- ✔ Registration & legal fees
- ✔ Other purchase-related costs
Payment recipients, currency, and timing will always be explained in advance.