What areas does Simcity offer rental properties in?

Simcity specializes in helping foreigners find rental properties in the Kanto area, including: 🏙️ Tokyo (23 wards and suburbs) 🏙️ Yokohama 🏙️ Kawasaki 🏙️ Chiba 🏙️ Saitama 🏙️ Ibaraki 🏙️ Gunma 🏙️ Tochigi

What documents do I need to rent a property?

You usually need: ✅ Residence Card (Zairyu Card) ✅ Proof of income (tax statement or payslip) ✅ Employment certificate (if needed) ✅ Kakuteishinkokusho (for freelancer) ✅ Emergency contact in Japan ✅ Hanko (signature stamp) ✅ Bank account (for rent payments)

Do I need a guarantor (保証人)?

Yes, many landlords require a Japanese guarantor. If you don’t have one, guarantor companies (保証会社) are often used — Simcity can help arrange this.

What are common upfront costs?

Typical move-in costs include: Deposit (敷金): 0–2 months’ rent Key money (礼金): 0–2 months’ rent Agency fee: usually 1 month’s rent + tax First month’s rent Guarantor company fee: about 50–100% of 1 month’s rent Miscellaneous (like key fee, cleaning fee and Fire insurance, etc.)

How long is the typical rental contract?

Most contracts are for 2 years with an option to renew. Renewal fees are common (usually 1 month’s rent)

Are apartments furnished?

Most apartments in Japan are unfurnished (no furniture, no appliances). Simcity can assist you in finding partially or fully furnished options if needed.

Can I rent without speaking Japanese?

Yes — that’s what we are here for! Simcity offers support in English, Chinese, Korean, and Tagalog to make the entire process easy for you.

Can I rent a house with pets?

Some properties allow pets, but many do not. If you have pets, please tell us early so we can show you pet-friendly properties.

How long does it take to move in?

If you have all documents ready and the application is approved, you can usually move in within 2–4 weeks.

Can foreigners get a house loan in Japan?

Yes, foreigners can apply for a housing loan in Japan. However, approval depends on factors like visa type, residency status, income, and credit history.

What kind of visa do I need to apply for a home loan?

Most banks require: ✅ Japanese Nationality (日本国籍) ✅ Permanent Resident (永住者) ✅ Long-term resident (定住者) ✅ Spouse of Japanese national / Spouse of permanent resident Some banks accept long-term work visas (engineer, highly skilled, etc.), but conditions may vary.

Do I need permanent residency to get a home loan?

Not always. Some banks accept applications from foreigners without permanent residency, but usually with stricter conditions (higher down payment, additional guarantor, shorter loan period). Having permanent residency improves your chances.

How much can I borrow?

It depends on your income. A general rule: you can borrow up to 5–8 times your annual income. Each bank has its own calculation method.

How much down payment do I need?

Many banks require 10%–20% down payment. Some banks offer 100% loans, but this depends on your creditworthiness and residency status.

Can I include purchase-related costs (taxes, fees, insurance) in the loan?

Yes — some banks allow you to borrow extra to cover: ✅ Registration costs ✅ Taxes ✅ Fire insurance ✅ Judicial scrivener fee ✅ Real Estate Agent fee

How long can I borrow (loan term)?

Usually up to 35 years. Shorter if your age is higher (loan must be paid off before ~75–80 years old).

What documents do I need to apply for a house loan?

Passport Residence Card My number card (if you have) Driver License (if you have) Setai Zein Juminhyo (Residence Certificate) Gensen (Withholding tax slip) Shakai Hoken or Kokumin Kenko Hoken Proof of income (tax statement, salary slips) Tax return (for self-employed) Kazeishomeisho (Tax certificate) Bank statements within 3 months Certificate of employment Marriage certificate (if applicable) Depends on the property and bank. We will ask other documents if it needed.

How long does the loan approval process take?

Typically: • Pre-approval (事前審査): 3–7 days • Full approval (本審査): 2–4 weeks

Do I need a Japanese guarantor?

Not usually for housing loans — the bank will assess your own financial capacity. In some cases, a spouse or family member may co-sign.

Can Simcity help with the home loan process?

Yes! Simcity can: ✅ Help you find banks that support foreign borrowers. ✅ Assist you in preparing all required documents. ✅ Translate documents, contracts, and all important information throughout the process. ✅ Guide and support you step by step until you successfully purchase your home.