A foreign man, engaged to be married to a Japanese woman, has a problem. They have decided they want to buy a mansion (apartment) rather than pay rent for someone else's property. He has heard that foreigners wishing to buy property or arrange a mortgage are required to have permanent residence status, but he was told that he must live here five years before he can apply. This has been generally true in the past, but a law passed in 1998 allows a person, married to a Japanese and living in Japan, to apply for permanent residence after three years. However, this should be checked at his local immigration office because there can be different applications of general rules. Unfortunately, the change will not help him though it may benefit other readers. He is not yet married, and they want to buy their house now so it will be ready to move into when they are.

That does not necessarily disqualify him. In general, any foreigner can purchase a house or apartment in Japan if the property is to be used as his/her own residence. No permanent visa or other government approval will be required. However, the problem may come in obtaining financing. In general the following conditions must be met:

1. He should be prepared to assure the bank that he intends to reside in the house until the loan is fully paid.