Buying a home
Residents assessing a first purchase and its financing.
- 1
Before an offer · Before paying a reservation fee or signing
Model total cost and verify independent documents
Compare renting with purchase, financing eligibility, taxes, insurance, repairs, resale, and contract exit terms before committing.
Authority: Licensed lender, real-estate professionals, Legal Affairs Bureau, municipality, and National Tax Agency as applicable
Documents to prepare
- Income/tax and residence records
- Credit and funds evidence
- Important-matters explanation and contract draft
- Registry, inspection, insurance, and cost estimates
Exceptions and checks
- Lender criteria, foreign-language support, building risk, taxes, and subsidies vary; obtain legal/tax help before a binding contract when unsure.
Time horizons and review
An ordered checklist that links to canonical guides rather than repeating them.
- Do first
- Do next
- Review after circumstances change
Local variation: Municipal forms, appointment systems, accepted translations, fees, and deadlines can vary. Confirm with the city, ward, or town responsible for your address before acting.
Reviewed: 2026-07-30 · Review by: 2027-01-30
When to get professional help
- Ask the responsible counter or provider when a document is rejected or a deadline was missed.
- Use a licensed tax accountant for uncertain residence status, overseas income/assets, or a final return.
- Use an immigration professional for residence-status or work-permission questions; this roadmap does not decide visa eligibility.