Closing and registration

What happens at closing

Closing (決済) is the day the transaction completes. The buyer pays the balance of the price, the lender disburses the mortgage, keys and possession transfer, and a judicial scrivener (司法書士) typically files the ownership-transfer registration and the lender’s mortgage registration. These steps usually happen together, often at a bank, with the judicial scrivener confirming the paperwork before money moves. The scrivener’s role is to prepare and file the registrations and verify the closing formalities.

What to confirm

Before and at closing, confirm vacant possession (the property is empty and yours to occupy), that utilities are arranged, that taxes and fees are correctly prorated between seller and buyer, that all documents are present, and that there are no unexpected encumbrances on the title. The judicial scrivener checks the registration side, but you should satisfy yourself on possession and the financial prorations. Once the money moves and the registrations file, the home is yours — so raise any discrepancy before, not after, disbursement.

Key points to carry away: The buyer pays the balance and the lender disburses on the same day; Keys and possession transfer at closing; A judicial scrivener files the ownership-transfer and mortgage registrations; Confirm vacant possession, utilities, prorated taxes/fees, and no unexpected encumbrances. 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.