Buying a home in Japan? Before you get the keys, you need to pass house loan screening (住宅ローン審査 / Jūtaku Loan Shinsa). What Is Loan Screening? Banks check if you can safely repay a home loan. There are 2 steps: ① Pre-Screening (事前審査 / Jizen Shinsa) Quick check Takes: 1–3 days Tells you if you’re likely  approved ② Final Screening (本審査 / Hon Shinsa) Full detailed check Takes: 1–3 weeks Final decision What Do Banks Check? 1. Employment (雇用形態 / Koyō Keitai) -Full-time (正社員)

If you’re exploring real estate in Japan, especially as a first-time buyer or investor, you’ve likely come across the term Flat 50. But what does it actually mean, and why are these properties getting attention? Let’s break it down in a simple and practical way. What Kind of Properties Qualify? Not every property can be purchased using Flat 50. There are strict criteria , mainly focused on quality, durability, and long-term livability. Key Requirements 1. High Durability

When looking for an apartment in Japan, you may hear the terms 先行申込 (Senko Moushikomi)  and 先行契約 (Senko Keiyaku) . These systems are common when a property is popular or when the current tenant has not moved out yet. Understanding the difference can help you secure a property faster and avoid misunderstandings during the rental process. 先行申込 (Senko Moushikomi) – Priority Application A Senko Moushikomi  means submitting an application before you can view the apartment . Thi