Question 1

Q1. Currently, my father is receiving a rental income from a land in Okinawa. In the future, we would like to change ownership and be able to receive that income. However, we are not Japanese citizens and are living in another country. Could you advise on this?"

Accepted Answer

A1. If your father is the owner of that piece of land, please check if he has the title certificate of the property at hand. If he doesn’t have the title certificate with him, the owner of the land can be identified by the address at the property registration office. In case of multiple ownerships, a transfer or sale agreement becomes necessary to settle it. We recommend you to find out the current situation of the land ownership and then decide what to do with. Since you are living outside Japan, we can inquire on your behalf at the registration office for a fee.

Question 2

Q2. I got from my father a land title certificate under the name of my uncle (my father’s brother). My uncle passed away 3 years ago without marrying. I want to know the current situation of that land; if anyone is using it, and if respective property tax is being paid, and etc."

Accepted Answer

A2. If you can provide us the address and the name of the land owner, we can obtain the above information on your behalf. Information on the current situation of the land can be obtained at the property registration office, and property tax can be checked at relevant municipal offices.

Question 3

Q3. There is a piece of land under my father’s name in Okinawa. What options do I have to manage it effectively?

Accepted Answer

A3. The value of the property depends on the location and the degree of development done in the surrounding area. We work with reliable real estate agents to provide land appraisal services and proposals for property management options.

Question 4

Q4. Since I live in South America, I want to know if it is possible to assign a local to manage (pay tax, collect rents, etc.) my property in Okinawa."

Accepted Answer

A4. In Japan, there is a position called a tax manager. Tax managers are entrusted with administrative duties for managing properties such as collecting rents, paying the respective tax, filing for tax returns and other administrative works related to managing properties. Most of the commissioned property tax manager positions are entrusted to licensed tax accounts and administrative scriveners.

Question 5

Q5. I want to sell a piece of land that I own in Okinawa. Can you assist me with this process by appraising the land, finding a buyer and selling the land?"

Accepted Answer

A5. Most real estate agents provide land appraisal services free of charge, however, in case a transaction agreement is concluded an average of 5% (as of 2018) commission fee is charged. If you wish to place a land appraisal request to our partner real estate agent, please fill in the below inquiry form.

Question 6

Q6. Can you tell me about taxes on rents or when buying and selling properties?

Accepted Answer

A6. In case of rents, the owner shall declare the income for the period January-December of the year and file a report at the nearest tax office. After calculations, the tax office will inform the amount of tax to be paid. In the case of a sale, 20% of the sale price shall be paid as revenue tax. In the case of purchase, 5% of the fixed property tax shall be paid as real estate acquisition tax.

Question 7

Q7. Can I sell my share of a piece of land that I jointly own in Okinawa?

Accepted Answer

A7. An agreement from all owners is needed when you plan to sell a share of a jointly owned land. Furthermore, selling a share of a jointly owned land to a stranger is not popular in Japan because management and decision-making may become difficult among owners. It is best to work with a real estate agent that you trust if you wish to sell your share. If you need assistance or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.