How to Sell Property in Kyoto as an International Owner
1. Confirm what you own—and what is secured against it
Start with the registered owner name, land/building details, any mortgage or revolving mortgage, and whether the property is occupied by you, a tenant, or a lodging guest. If a loan is secured by the property, speak with the lender early so the release conditions can be coordinated with closing.
2. Check a price range before you commit to one company
There are two reasonable approaches. If you want the broadest comparison, use several appraisal portals and compare the agencies that contact you. If you do not want multiple sales approaches, ask a local company you trust for a direct appraisal and request the evidence behind the suggested price.
Compare widely
Use multiple Japanese appraisal portals, then organize agency name, suggested price, comparable sales, marketing plan and fees. The same agency may appear through more than one portal.
Appraisal portals (Japanese) →Choose a trusted local agent
Verify the real estate license, administrative records, low-star reviews and local sales experience before asking for a direct appraisal.
How to check an agent →3. Choose the agent based on more than the highest appraisal
A high appraisal is not the same as a high sale price. Ask each agent which comparable transactions support the number, how the asking price will be set, where the property will be advertised, and what will happen if buyer response is weak.
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism publishes information about the legal framework and real-estate transaction process, including English-language materials for foreign investors. MLIT real-estate information
4. Prepare documents before the buyer is found
- Property registration and title-related documents
- Identification and current address information
- Building plans, inspection records, renovation records and equipment lists where available
- Loan payoff/release instructions if security is registered
- For an overseas owner, confirm early what signature certification or notarization will be required
The Ministry of Justice explains that where a person living abroad cannot obtain a Japanese seal certificate, a Japanese consular signature certificate may be accepted for real-estate registration, and in some circumstances a foreign notary’s signature certification may also be accepted. Ministry of Justice guidance
5. Tax and registration need separate planning
For a seller who is a non-resident for Japanese tax purposes, the sale of Japanese real estate can create Japanese tax filing and withholding issues. Do not wait until closing to ask about this—see the separate taxes and costs guide.
Taxes & costs for international owners →6. Two practical ways to start
Compare several companies first
Use multiple appraisal services and compare the agencies that appear, while removing duplicate agencies from your list.
Compare appraisal portals →Discuss a Kyoto sale directly
Contact SHUJU with the property location, property type and your current country of residence.
Contact SHUJU →