1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and explain what made you interested in buying an akiya in Japan?
We are Janssen and Geih from Australia. We became interested in buying an akiya because it seemed like a unique opportunity to own a property in Japan at a relatively affordable price. We were also drawn to the idea of experiencing life in a smaller community and having a place to call home in Japan in the future.
2. What were your biggest concerns before purchasing, and how did you overcome them?
Our biggest concerns were understanding the legal and administrative process and estimating renovation and repair costs. We were also worried about hidden structural issues and whether we would be able to manage the property while living abroad. We overcame these concerns by doing a lot of research and working with local professionals (Akiya Heaven) for inspections and paperwork. Some concerns never completely disappeared, especially those related to unexpected renovation and repair costs. However, having a realistic budget and clear expectations made them much more manageable.
3. How would you describe your experience working with Akiya Heaven, from your first consultation to finalizing the purchase?
From the initial consultation to the final closing, Sam and Anthony made the process much easier to understand and navigate. They were very responsive and transparent about both the process and the potential challenges. They were also extremely helpful in coordinating everything and making the experience as smooth as possible, especially since we were purchasing our dream akiya while living abroad.
4. Did the buying process go as you expected? Were there any surprises along the way?
Mostly, yes. There were a few surprises, such as how quickly properties sell, certain paperwork requirements, timelines, and some property details that only came up during the due diligence process. However, nothing was major. Thanks to Sam and Anthony’s guidance, we had a clear understanding of the process beforehand, so any unexpected issues felt manageable rather than stressful.
5. What part of our service was the most valuable to you, and why?
The most valuable part of the service was having expert guidance throughout the entire process. Buying an akiya in Japan can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with language barriers, local regulations, and unfamiliar procedures, as the process is very different from what we are used to in Australia. Having someone who could explain every step, answer questions promptly, and coordinate with all the parties involved gave us a great deal of confidence and saved us a significant amount of time and stress.
We also appreciated the transparency regarding potential risks and costs. Rather than simply helping us find a property, the service helped us make informed decisions and set realistic expectations, which ultimately made the entire experience much smoother.
Unlike some other akiya consulting services that charge hidden fees, require ongoing subscriptions, can be unresponsive, or do not provide support throughout the entire process, Akiya Heaven was the complete opposite. They guided us every step of the way and were always available whenever we needed assistance.
6. What are your plans for your akiya property moving forward?
We plan to use the property as a rental investment at first and then eventually enjoy it as our vacation home in the years to come.
7. What advice would you give to someone considering buying an akiya in Japan?
Do plenty of research. Be clear about why you want to buy an akiya in the first place. Visit the area and make sure you understand the renovation requirements and associated costs. If you approach the process with realistic expectations and a long-term mindset, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.