fj.life.in-japan

Just the FAQs, ma'am, just the FAQs

The incomplete, unauthoritative answers to some, but not all, of your questions on life in Japan

updated August 05, 2001
by topic
culture
working
travel
intergender
entertainment
immigration/visas
money matters
internet
JET/AET/ALT/CIR

1. As a foreigner, can I get a home loan?

Answers from: [Ryan Ginstrom] [Chris]
Rantecdotes from: [Ed Mills] [Ryan Ginstrom]

Your chances of getting a loan are in fact zero, unless you are a permanent resident.

If your spouse is Japanese, she can get the loan in her name if she qualifies. Any assets in your name will not count in her loan application, however, nor will your salary. [rg]

I am not a permanent resident nor do I plan on being one but it didn't stop me from getting a sizeable auto loan with zero down payment.

As for a home loan my wife qualified for a home loan on her own with me being a guarantor. So my income did count in this case. I do feel that it all depends on who you deal with and that actual mileage will differ from person to person. [cb]

 

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