Frequently Asked Questions from Overseas Buyers and Sellers of Japanese Real Estate #1

Purchasing or selling real estate in another country often comes with many concerns and uncertainties. In this article, we share some of the questions most frequently asked by clients who have bought or sold property through our company, along with our answers.

<Structural Earthquake Resistance>

In Japan, the laws and regulations governing a building's earthquake resistance were significantly revised in 1981. As a result, one of the key factors in evaluating a property's seismic performance is the date on which the building received its building permit approval. Buildings that obtained their building permit approval on or before May 31, 1981, may have been constructed under the previous seismic standards ("Old Seismic Standards"). Therefore, it is important to carefully review and verify their earthquake resistance.

<Flooding, Soil Liquefaction, and Landslide Risks>

Many local governments provide hazard maps that indicate the estimated risk of natural disasters such as flooding, soil liquefaction, and landslides in specific areas. These maps can be a useful reference when evaluating the relative level of risk associated with a property.

That said, hazard maps are predictive tools rather than historical records of past disasters. They are designed to illustrate potential risks based on various assumptions and simulations.

Real estate transactions involve substantial investments, and it is only natural to seek peace of mind by addressing any concerns before making an important decision.

No matter how small your question may be, please feel free to contact us from our website. Our team would be delighted to assist you and help make your real estate experience in Japan as smooth and reassuring as possible.

https://global.mf-realty.jp/en/