FAQ

Can foreigners buy property in Japan?

Yes! Japan allows foreign individuals to purchase land and property outright—no visa, residency, or Japanese partner required.

Do I need to be in Japan to complete the purchase?

Not at all. Many of our clients buy remotely. With the help of notarized documentation (passport, proof of address, etc.), Jacob Management can act as your local contact, manage negotiations, and handle paperwork on your behalf.

What are the costs besides the property price?

Expect to budget about 6–10% extra for:

• Transfer taxes and registration

• Judicial scrivener/legal fees

• Stamp duty

• Property taxes

• Jacob Management service fees

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We'll give you a full, transparent cost breakdown before you commit.

Can I get a loan in Japan as a foreigner?

Generally, cash is king. Unless you have long-term residency or a Japanese spouse, mortgages are tough. But we’ll guide you on possible alternatives.

What about short-term rentals? Can I run an Airbnb?

Yes—with the proper license. We’ll guide you through getting:

Minpaku registration for private lodging

Ryokan license for full-service stays

We also offer full property management if you’re not based in Japan.

What regions in Hokkaido are best for me?

Each area is a vibe:

• Otaru / Yoichi – nostalgic port towns with increasing interest

• Niseko / Kutchan – ski zones, luxury buyers

• Furano / Biei / Asahikawa – flower fields, mountains, slower pace

• Sapporo – great for city living or steady rentals

• Shakotan / Iwanai – beautiful, still under-the-radar investments

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Jacob helps match properties to your goals, not just the trend.

Can you help with renovation?

Absolutely. We work closely with Aggre+, our trusted renovation partner in Hokkaido. Whether it's:

Restoring a traditional kominka

Turning a blank canvas into a luxury guesthouse

Fixing essential plumbing, heating, or insulation for Hokkaido winters

Jacob Management offers hands-on renovation advisory and manages the project from planning to finish—with clear pricing and bilingual support.

What if I can’t visit the property in person?

We’ve got your back. Our videographer Joe,

part of the Jacob team, can shoot:

• Walkthrough videos

• Aerial drone footage

• First-Person View (FPV) footage so you see the space like you're really there

This visual service is available at reasonable rates and can save you a plane ticket (or three). It’s one of our most popular services for overseas buyers.

Can I rent a car through you?

Yes! Through our PhiんPi Car Rentals, we offer:

• 4WD hybrid vans (Toyota Noah, Nissan Serena) with snow tires

• Full insurance plans from basic to peace-of-mind coverage

• Airport pick-up/drop-off (free for Jacob clients)

• ETC cards, child seats, English/Japanese navigation

• Long-term discounts and tax-free billing for property clients

Whether you're scouting land or enjoying a ski holiday, our cars are affordable, safe, and designed for foreign drivers.

Can I live part-time or seasonally in the home I buy?

Of course. Many of our buyers use their homes as seasonal bases. We can help maintain the home, manage utilities, even prep it before you arrive each season.

Can I experience Hokkaido like a local—on any budget?

That’s what Hokkaido Hobby Homes is all about. Whether you want:

• A budget-friendly renovation project near fruit farms

• A mountain lodge with woodfire stove

A full-on luxury onsen-style villa with a snowplow and chauffeur

Jacob helps you do it your way—without fluff, bias, or pressure.