Hiroshima

Comprehensive Guide to Real Estate Agencies in Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima, a vibrant city known for its historical significance and modern amenities, offers a variety of housing options for both short-term visitors and long-term residents. Navigating the real estate market in Hiroshima as a foreigner can be challenging due to language barriers, cultural differences, and legal requirements. Below is a detailed guide to help you understand the role of real estate agencies in Hiroshima, the services they offer, costs involved, and the procedures for renting or purchasing property.

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1. Categories of Services Offered by Real Estate Agencies in Hiroshima

Real estate agencies in Hiroshima cater to a wide range of housing needs. Their services typically include:

a. Rental Services

• Long-term Rentals: Apartments, houses, and mansions (condominiums) for individuals, families, or corporate clients.
• Short-term Rentals: Furnished apartments or serviced apartments for temporary stays.
• Share Houses: Affordable shared living spaces, often popular among students and young professionals.

b. Property Purchase Services

• Assistance with buying residential properties, including houses, apartments, and land.
• Guidance on investment properties, such as rental apartments or commercial spaces.

c. Relocation Support

• Help with finding housing tailored to specific needs (e.g., proximity to schools, workplaces, or public transport).
• Assistance with setting up utilities (electricity, gas, water, and internet).

d. Property Management

• For property owners, agencies offer tenant placement, rent collection, and maintenance services.

e. Multilingual Support

• Some agencies specialize in assisting foreigners by providing English-speaking staff or translation services.

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2. Typical Costs Involved

When renting or purchasing property in Hiroshima, you should be aware of the following costs:

a. Renting Costs

1. Monthly Rent: Varies depending on location, size, and type of property.
   • Studio apartments: ¥40,000–¥70,000/month.
   • Larger apartments or houses: ¥80,000–¥150,000/month.
2. Initial Move-in Costs (typically 4–6 months' rent upfront):
   • Key Money (礼金, Reikin): A non-refundable "thank you" payment to the landlord, usually 1–2 months' rent.
   • Deposit (敷金, Shikikin): Refundable security deposit, typically 1–2 months' rent.
   • Agency Fee (仲介手数料, Chūkai Tesūryō): A one-time fee paid to the real estate agency, usually equivalent to 1 month’s rent plus tax.
   • First Month’s Rent: Paid upfront.
   • Guarantor Fee (保証会社利用料, Hoshōgaisha Riyōryō): If you don’t have a Japanese guarantor, you may need to pay a guarantor company fee (around 50–100% of one month’s rent).

b. Purchasing Costs

1. Property Price: Varies widely based on location, size, and type of property.
   • Apartments: ¥20 million–¥50 million.
   • Houses: ¥30 million–¥70 million.
2. Additional Fees:
   • Agent Commission: Typically 3% of the property price plus ¥60,000 and consumption tax.
   • Stamp Duty: ¥10,000–¥60,000 depending on the property price.
   • Registration Fee: Around 0.4–2% of the property value.
   • Property Acquisition Tax: 3–4% of the assessed value.
   • Loan Fees: If taking a mortgage, expect additional costs for loan processing and insurance.

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3. Procedures for Finding and Renting/Purchasing Property

a. Renting Property

1. Search for Properties:
   • Use online platforms like Suumo, Homes.co.jp, or GaijinPot Housing.
   • Visit local real estate agencies in Hiroshima, such as:
     • Able (エイブル): Known for assisting foreigners.
     • Apamanshop (アパマンショップ): Offers a wide range of rental properties.
     • Housecom (ハウスコム): Provides English support in some branches.
2. Visit Properties:
   • Schedule viewings with the agency. Be prepared to remove your shoes when entering properties.
3. Application:
   • Submit an application form with personal details, proof of income, and a copy of your residence card (在留カード, Zairyū Kādo).
   • A guarantor or guarantor company is usually required.
4. Contract Signing:
   • Review the lease agreement carefully. If it’s in Japanese, ask for assistance from the agency or a translator.
   • Pay the initial move-in costs.
5. Move-in:
   • Set up utilities and register your new address at the local ward office.

b. Purchasing Property

1. Consultation:
   • Meet with a real estate agent to discuss your budget, preferences, and financing options.
2. Property Search:
   • Visit properties and review detailed information about the building, land, and neighborhood.
3. Preliminary Agreement:
   • Once you find a property, sign a preliminary agreement and pay a deposit (usually 5–10% of the property price).
4. Due Diligence:
   • The agency will conduct checks on the property’s legal status, ownership, and any potential issues.
5. Final Contract:
   • Sign the purchase agreement and pay the remaining costs.
6. Registration:
   • Register the property under your name at the Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局, Hōmukyoku).

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4. Local Considerations Unique to Hiroshima

a. Neighborhoods

• Central Hiroshima (Naka-ku): Convenient for shopping, dining, and public transport. Popular but more expensive.
• Higashi-ku and Minami-ku: Affordable residential areas with good access to the city center.
• Asaminami-ku and Asakita-ku: Suburban areas with larger houses and a quieter environment.

b. Natural Disasters

• Hiroshima is prone to heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons. Check if the property is in a flood-prone area and ensure it has proper disaster prevention measures.

c. Proximity to Public Transport

• Hiroshima’s tram system (Hiroden) and JR lines are the main modes of transport. Properties near tram stops or train stations are highly sought after.

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5. Cultural and Legal Factors for Foreigners

a. Language Barrier

• Many real estate contracts are in Japanese. Consider hiring a translator or working with an agency that offers English support.

b. Guarantor Requirement

• Most landlords require a guarantor. If you don’t have a Japanese guarantor, you’ll need to use a guarantor company, which adds to the cost.

c. Discrimination

• While rare, some landlords may be hesitant to rent to foreigners. Agencies specializing in foreign clients can help mitigate this issue.

d. Residency Status

• To rent or buy property, you’ll need a valid residence card. Long-term visas (e.g., work or spouse visas) make the process easier.

e. Cultural Etiquette

• Punctuality and politeness are crucial when dealing with agents and landlords.
• Always remove your shoes when entering properties.

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6. Recommended Real Estate Agencies in Hiroshima

1. Able Hiroshima (エイブル広島)

   • Website: www.able.co.jp
   • Services: Rentals, English support.

2. Apamanshop Hiroshima (アパマンショップ広島)

   • Website: www.apamanshop.com
   • Services: Rentals, property management.

3. Hiroshima Housing

   • Website: www.hiroshima-housing.com
   • Services: Rentals, sales, relocation support.

4. GaijinPot Housing

   • Website: www.gaijinpot.com
   • Services: Rentals for foreigners, English support.

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By understanding the services, costs, and procedures involved, as well as the cultural and legal nuances, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the real estate market in Hiroshima. Working with a reputable agency that caters to foreigners can make the process smoother and more efficient.