Property closing costs in Japan
A full transaction-cost inventory, and how new and used purchases differ.
Closing costs commonly run about 6–10% of the price: brokerage, mortgage origination and guarantee fees, registration and license tax, judicial-scrivener fees, stamp duty, acquisition tax, insurance, and prorations — with new developer purchases often skipping buyer brokerage.
Key points
- Closing costs commonly total about 6–10% of the price.
- Brokerage, mortgage fees, registration, and taxes are the big items.
- New developer purchases bought directly often carry no buyer brokerage.
- Some costs (acquisition tax) arrive after closing, not at it.
The transaction-cost inventory
Closing costs (諸費用) commonly run about 6–10% of the price and include: the down payment and earnest money (part of the price); brokerage fee (subject to a statutory maximum); mortgage origination fee (frequently 2.20%) and any guarantee fee; appraisal and inspection; stamp duty on the contract; registration and license tax at closing; judicial-scrivener fees; fire and earthquake insurance; and prorated taxes and fees. Some costs come later — real-estate acquisition tax is assessed after acquisition — so plan for both closing cash and later tax cash.
How new and used differ
New and used purchases differ in the cost mix. A used home bought through a broker carries a brokerage fee (up to the statutory maximum), while a new developer property bought directly from the seller often carries no buyer brokerage — confirm the transaction structure, because it materially changes the total. New homes may carry different initial management and repair-reserve payments and developer options; used homes may carry inspection and immediate-repair costs. Build the full inventory for the specific property rather than assuming a flat percentage, and separate closing cash from later tax cash.
Key points to carry away: Closing costs commonly total about 6–10% of the price; Brokerage, mortgage fees, registration, and taxes are the big items; New developer purchases bought directly often carry no buyer brokerage; Some costs (acquisition tax) arrive after closing, not at it. Use the linked guides and calculators for the full decision, and confirm anything material with the lender, a licensed broker, a judicial scrivener, or a tax accountant before you act.
Who this is for
- Buyers building a cost budget
- Anyone comparing new and used costs
What this is not
- A statutory fee quote
- Some costs arrive after closing (acquisition tax); plan for both closing cash and later tax cash.
Frequently asked questions
What fees are outside the property price?
Brokerage, loan, registration, tax, insurance, inspection, renovation, moving, and reserves.
Do new developer properties have buyer brokerage?
Often no when purchased directly from the seller, but confirm the transaction structure.