Cost Estimator

Estimate common purchase costs, taxes, and fees before buying property in Japan — a free tool for foreign buyers and overseas property owners.

Estimate Japan Property Costs

Estimate the taxes and fees involved in buying property in Japan.

This is a rough estimate tool. All figures shown are approximations and may differ from actual amounts. For accurate figures, please consult a qualified professional.

Want to understand these taxes in more detail? Read our Japan Real Estate Tax Guide →

Property Type Select type

Sale Price and Land Info Sale price (JPY) Land assessed value for property tax (JPY)Official assessed value used by municipalities for property tax calculations. This is usually lower than market value and is not the same as the purchase price. Land area (m2)Used for acquisition tax reduction calculation Residential land special exemptionApplies when the property is used as residential land, including many owner-occupied homes and homes with a residential building on the land.

For condominium units, enter the assessed value and area of the land ownership share.

Building Info How to specify the building value

Structure Total floor area (m2)Exclusive area for a condo unit Date of constructionYear alone is acceptable if the exact date is unknown If entering the year of construction only

About the building value estimate: This tool uses a simplified national-average formula with fixed reconstruction unit prices (wood 160k / light steel 170k / steel 180k / RC 200k yen per m2). The estimated building value may differ from the actual assessed value by approximately 20 to 30 percent, and this margin also applies to all tax calculations that depend on the building value (registration tax, acquisition tax, property tax, city planning tax). Results for these items are therefore shown as a range.

Why can taxes be calculated on values higher than the purchase price?
In Japan, many real estate taxes are based on government-assessed values rather than the negotiated sale price. For older rural properties, vacant homes, or kominka properties, assessed values may be higher or lower than the actual purchase price.

Reduction Measures Apply acquisition tax deduction for qualifying residential buildings Also show the estimate with the land acquisition tax reduction applied

The land acquisition tax reduction deducts the larger of 45,000 yen or a floor-area-based amount. Eligibility requires a floor area of 50 to 240 m2, plus residency and timing requirements.

Other Costs Not Included in This Estimate

The following may apply depending on your situation.

At the time of purchase

Consumption tax on the building (10%) - applies only if the seller is a business; land is non-taxable.
Mortgage-related costs - loan stamp duty, mortgage registration tax, bank fees, guarantee fees.
Fire and earthquake insurance - typically required when using a mortgage.
Pro-rated property tax settlement - reimbursement to the seller for the remainder of the tax year.
Management and repair-reserve settlement - for condominium units, settled as of handover date.

While owning the property

Insurance renewal premiums - recurring at each contract renewal.
Management and repair-reserve fees - the main monthly cost for condominium owners.
Repair and maintenance costs - periodic costs for detached houses.

At a future sale, inheritance, or gift

Capital gains tax - 20.315% if held over 5 years, or 39.63% if 5 years or less.
Inheritance tax - may apply on inherited property.
Gift tax - applies on lifetime gifts.
Inheritance registration tax - 0.4% of assessed value; mandatory since April 2024.

Consult About Sale, Inheritance, or Gift Tax

En Beau lo Co., Ltd. - Osaka, Japan

Estimate Property Purchase Costs in Japan

Buying property in Japan involves more than just the purchase price. Taxes, registration fees, brokerage commissions, and other closing costs can add significantly to the total amount required — and the breakdown is often unfamiliar to overseas buyers.

This estimator gives you a quick overview of common cost items so you can compare properties more accurately and prepare funds with greater confidence.

Why Cost Estimation Matters Before Buying

Understanding estimated costs in advance helps you avoid unexpected expenses and make more informed decisions. This is especially important for foreign buyers who may not be familiar with Japanese real estate taxes, registration procedures, or ownership-related fees.

For property-specific checks and area research, you can also use our Property Research page or explore the Japan Nearby Guide to check the surrounding area.

Helpful Next Steps

If you are checking property costs in Japan, these pages may also help.

Check Nearby Stations and Places
Request Property Research
Contact En Beau lo