Welcome back to Julie Spark’s blog, where we inspire you to achieve financial freedom and live life to the fullest! Today, I’m ecstatic to share some incredible news—my brother and I have decided to buy a house in Japan! This journey has been a whirlwind of excitement, and I can’t wait to share all the details with you. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning property in Japan or want to learn how to make smart investments abroad, this post is for you.
Why Japan?
Having done business in Indonesia and Thailand, we found that while these countries are fantastic for investment, the ownership rules can be limiting for foreigners. You often need to set up complex structures to own property, and it’s never entirely in your name. Japan, however, offers the unique benefit of allowing foreigners to own property outright, making it a more secure and straightforward investment.
A Dream Realized
Our decision to invest in Japan was also deeply personal. My brother has always dreamt of visiting Japan. He loves manga, the culture, the food—everything! After the passing of our grandmother, who he took care of selflessly, I wanted to give him something really special. What better way than to turn his lifelong dream into reality?
The Adventure Begins
Being a travel agent for over 15 years, I started researching Japan meticulously. The more I looked into it, the more I fell in love with the country. From its chaotic yet fascinating cities like Tokyo to its serene countryside adorned with cherry blossom trees, Japan captivated my heart. I stumbled upon a property listing in a charming town called Yoshi in the Hokkaido region. Excitedly, I shared the details with my brother, and he immediately loved it.
Why Hokkaido?
Hokkaido is renowned for its natural beauty, offering a perfect blend of mountains, oceans, and recreational activities like skiing and snowboarding. Yoshi, our chosen town, is located closer to the ocean, making it less cold than other parts of Hokkaido. It’s a town where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the thrill of skiing and the tranquility of a coastal lifestyle. Plus, the area boasts a whiskey distillery, wineries, and an abundance of fresh produce like apples, making it a delightful place to live or vacation.
The Purchase Process
You might think buying property in a foreign country is complicated, but Japan surprised us with its transparency and efficiency. We found a fantastic property management service called Mailmate, which handles all your mail and utilities for just $100 a month. They scan your mail and send it to you within 24 hours, manage payments, and deal with all the utilities like electricity and water. This service is a game-changer, especially for remote property owners.
The entire process—from signing contracts to making payments—was incredibly smooth and fair. The deposit was made via Wise, an international money transfer service, and everything was fully legal and transparent. Unlike in Indonesia and Thailand, where we constantly had to be cautious, Japan’s straightforwardness put our minds at ease.
Our Future Plans
We plan to rent our new Japanese home on Airbnb or for long-term stays when we’re not there. This will create a steady income stream while allowing us to have a beautiful place to retreat whenever we wish. The property’s location makes it ideal for tourists and locals alike, who flock to Hokkaido for its ski resorts and natural beauty.
Documenting the Journey
I will be documenting this entire journey, from purchasing the house to managing rentals and everything in between. I’ll share how-to guides, tips, and updates, ensuring you have all the information needed if you’re considering a similar path. If you want to delve even deeper, I’m offering a comprehensive course on buying property in Japan. This course covers everything—from finding the perfect location to finalizing contracts, all with detailed addresses, contact information, and scan examples of contracts.
Join Our Tribe
Are you inspired by our adventure and eager to explore property investment in Japan? Join our tribe to gain access to exclusive masterclasses, Q&A sessions, and one-on-one coaching. We’re here to guide you every step of the way towards financial freedom and a more fulfilling life.
Conclusion
Financial freedom is not just a dream; it’s a destination you can reach with smart decisions and a courageous heart. By making informed investments, you can break free from wage slavery and start living life on your own terms. My brother and I are excited about this new chapter in our lives, and we invite you to join us on this incredible journey.
Julie Spark | Path to Financial Freedom
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Thank you for being part of our story. Let’s dream big, invest smart, and embrace the beauty of living life fully. 🌸🏔️✨
Feel free to leave your questions in the comments section below, and I’ll gladly help you navigate your own path to financial freedom. Let’s make smart investments and create a life we love.
