9 Things to Have Ready Before Buying an Akiya

In this episode of the Buying A House in Japan Podcast, the team—Erik, Joey, and Take—reunite to discuss critical steps and considerations for purchasing property in Japan. They cover a wide range of topics from setting up a Wise.com account for seamless fund transfers, understanding the cultural and logistical differences in rural Japan, to tempering expectations on the transaction timeline. Eric highlights the importance of a vision board for your ideal property, Joey emphasizes having extra cash on hand and dealing with Japan’s unique bureaucratic challenges, while Take stresses the need for energy and flexibility in this process. The episode also touches on the implications of Japan's current political climate on foreign property buyers and underscores the importance of having realistic expectations. Overall, the discussion provides practical tips for anyone serious about buying a house in Japan.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:49 Morning Coffee Rituals

02:46 Current Events in Japan

03:54 Political Climate and Real Estate

09:30 Six Things to Know Before Buying Property in Japan

21:55 Defining Your Dream Home

22:28 The Vision Board Approach

22:49 Real Estate Search Success Story

23:52 Visa Challenges and Realities

25:13 Navigating Japanese Bureaucracy

29:16 Energy and Commitment Required

35:09 Financial Preparedness

37:32 Final Tips and Encouragement