When buying property, there are some basic legal proceedings that need to be taken into account. The purchase application is the first step. The buyer must submit a purchase application to the seller (or the seller’s agent) to open negotiations. The legal background of the property must then be disclosed to the buyer. At the conclusion of the purchasing contract the buyer must pay a deposit to show that their interest is in earnest. After the contract closure, the property must be registered by a shihoshoshi lawyer.

It is not required that you draw up a new will when buying property, but it is advisable in line with the inheritance regulations in Japan and those of your home country.

Since a shihoshoshi lawyer must register the property, you are obliged to hire one. If you wish to renegotiate any of the terms of contract or have any doubts about the process, speak to your lawyer. For any further legal proceedings or lawsuits, you will need to hire a bengoshi.