36,690 Old Houses in Japan for Sale

Frequently asked

What counts as an "old house" in Japan?

Generally a property built before 1981 (when current earthquake codes were introduced) — but the more typical "old house" character is wooden post-and-beam construction, tile roofs, tatami rooms, and shoji screens. Kominka (古民家) usually means 50+ years old.

Can a foreigner buy an old house in Japan?

Yes. There are no nationality restrictions on property ownership in Japan. Financing is harder for non-residents but cash purchases of older homes are straightforward.

What should I check before buying an older property?

Earthquake compliance (pre-1981 = pre-current-code), termite damage, roof condition, plumbing, and whether the title is clean. We surface hazard zones (earthquake / flood / landslide) on every listing.