FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why are there no internal photos of properties?

This is often the case with tenanted, income-generating properties – Japan’s tenancy laws are highly tenant-oriented, and aim to protect the typically docile Japanese tenants from predatory landlords. One of the implications is that no one, including property owners and property managers, can enter properties while tenanted. 

While this may seem daunting, the reality is that the Japanese are, without a doubt, the world’s best tenants – they are quiet, respectful, polite, are almost never delinquent on their rent payments, and would on no occasion trash or damage an apartment (save for everyday wear and tear, accidental damage, etc.)

To further mitigate this issue, NTI requests the tenancy history for every potential property sourced prior to purchase, to ensure that any problems, if such exist, have been fully addressed and resolved. We also attempt to insert a “seller’s responsibility” clause to all purchase contracts (although this may not always be possible).

Do I have to visit Japan to purchase my property?

No – although we highly recommend visiting at some point, either before or after your purchase, to familiarize yourself with Japan generally and with the area/s you purchase in specifically (contact us to arrange an investors’ tour).

NTI represents you, the investor, through the use of a limited power of attorney document and services agreement. The combination of these two documents (signed and witnessed before a proper authority, with supporting identification documents attached) enables us to represent you in all dealings with Japanese entities in Japan – and also enshrines our obligations to you, as well as your rights.

How do I get my money back home?

You can –

1) Open a Japanese bank account – to do this, you would need to visit Japan on a non-visitor visa (contact your local Japanese embassy to enquire about a business/investors visa, which may or may not be available, depending on your country of origin and financial activities in Japan), obtain a verifiable Japanese address (by virtue of a rental lease of purchase contract), and register your residency at the corresponding local municipality. Armed with your registration certificate, you’ll then need to visit a local bank and apply for an account in person.

This is not a simple, straightforward procedure, as it is in many other countries, and would depend on the type of visa you are able to acquire – while we can and will assist you in this process if you so wish, we cannot guarantee success.

This is why the vast majority of our clients who do not reside in Japan choose to go with option no. 2, below –

2) NTI can and will facilitate, as part of our portfolio management service, complete financial services through our corporate bank accounts in Japan – we will pay all of your property portfolio-related expenses on your behalf, and, if you own an investment property, will also collect your rent from the property management firm on your behalf, hold on to it for you, and remit it to your chosen bank account, anywhere in the world, at your request (standard bank charges apply).

To maximize profitability and minimize expenses, we can also assist you in opening an account with OFX, our foreign exchange partner. We will also advise you on profitable exchange rate trends, discounted withdrawals achieved through conducting electronic wire transfers for several clients simultaneously – or we could alternatively utilize your collected funds in any other way you instruct us to, such as further purchases, remittance to your hotel upon your next visit to Japan, and so forth.

This service comes with an annual balance sheet, which will include all incomings or outgoings, fully itemized, documented and provided to you on a regular basis.

To set your mind at ease regarding our reliability and professionalism in managing your investment portfolio and funds, please feel free to request our credibility pack, which includes letters from our legal and financial representatives – all registered and government-certified lawyers, accountants, and judicial scriveners, whose livelihood and reputation depends on associating themselves with reputable companies only – and NTI is one of the more reputable companies around.

We are also more than happy to put you directly in touch with some of our existing clients, who will be able to testify as to their experience using our services for many years.

More Questions?

Ask away – we pride ourselves on providing complete transparency to our clients at all times, “bombarding” them with all and any information until they are completely satisfied and comfortable with our principals, staff, and services – whether prior to, during, or after any dealings with our company – this is what enables us to stay on top of our market, provide cutting edge services, and maintain the stellar reputation we hold.

We’re looking forward to hearing from you in person and serving you at the highest professional standard!