Buying an apartment in Japan usually means buying a condominium unit. It can be easier to manage than a detached house, but monthly fees and building rules matter.
What to check
- Management fee
- Repair reserve fund
- Building age and repair history
- Earthquake resistance
- Owner-occupancy vs investment use
- Rules for pets, renovation, and short-term rental
Advantages
Condominiums can be convenient, easier to rent out in urban areas, and simpler to maintain from overseas.
Risks
Older buildings may need major repairs, reserve funds may rise, and some buildings have weak resale demand.