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FAQ
These are the ones local agents field most often, with the answers they give. Some of them are less encouraging than a property website usually prints. That is the point. It is cheaper to read a disappointing answer now than to discover it after a deposit.
Getting there, getting in, and what a winter visit actually involves.
Viewing
Yes, if within business hours and available.
Closed Tue/Wed; usually 10:00–17:00.
Meeting point
We will confirm based on access and parking.
Property, station, convenience store, or a landmark.
Winter access
Wear snow boots and allow extra time.
Parking may be narrow or snowy; winter tyres useful.
Ski access
We can give approximate drive times; winter may take longer.
Check target and alternative resorts within 40 to 50 km.
The condition of the house, what has been done to it, and what can still change.
Renovation
Possibly, depending on timing and feasibility.
Easy: fixtures, wallpaper. Hard: plumbing, bath, structure.
Included works
Please check the written scope for each property.
Kitchen, bath, toilet, lighting, flooring, exterior, AC.
Japanese style
We can check whether they can be kept or replaced in a similar style.
Tell us must-keep items early.
Floor plan
Older homes may not have full drawings.
New measurement or an architect may cost extra.
Blueprints
Usually not created for standard renovations.
Old city-hall drawings may exist; changes can be marked.
Measurements
Often possible by appointment; installation after handover.
Useful for furniture, curtains, appliances.
Availability, money, paperwork and how long any of it takes.
Availability
We confirm the latest status before viewing or offer.
Available, under negotiation, or sold.
Priority
The first acceptable purchase application may be prioritised.
A viewing booking does not reserve the house.
Price
We can ask, but large discounts are hard.
Renovation and inspection are often included.
Total cost
We can provide an estimate; the final cost may vary.
Price, tax, stamp, registration, scrivener, insurance, adjustments.
Buyer documents
Depends on residence, finance and representative use.
Passport, address proof, signature certificate, POA, translations.
Language
Local agents may not provide legal English support.
Arrange an interpreter or bilingual support for contracts.
Timeline
You may take time, but availability is not guaranteed.
If serious, view early and prepare funds and documents.
Completion
Dates are estimates and may shift after inspection or repairs.
Photos may be shared; furniture usually after handover.
Looking after a house from ten thousand kilometres away, and what you may and may not do with it.
Management
The agent may introduce providers but may not manage directly.
Snow removal, grass cutting, ventilation, cleaning, rental ops.
Minpaku
We can provide zoning info, not guarantee licence approval.
Confirm with the city office, manager, architect or scrivener.
Minpaku documents
Requirements depend on the city and property condition.
Zoning, floor plan, dimensions, fire safety, ownership docs.
Other properties
Share budget, area, rooms and use; we can check.
Consider Iiyama, Iizuna, Nakano, Myoko, Niigata and more.
Ask us. The first conversation is free, and questions that are specific to one house are usually faster to answer out loud than in writing.