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Start with ownership and registration

Many akiya plans stop before the building is even discussed. The first practical question is whether the person making the decision has the legal authority to do so.

After reading, you can identify

Before renovation or sale, confirm who owns the property, how it was inherited, and whether the registry is current.

  • The owner shown in the registry
  • Whether inheritance registration is complete
  • Who must join the next discussion
01

Why registration comes first

Japan made inheritance registration mandatory on April 1, 2024. In general, a person who acquires real estate by inheritance must apply within three years after learning of both the inheritance and the acquisition.

  • Obtain a current registry record
  • Separate the registered owner from the person currently managing the home
  • List heirs or co-owners before discussing a sale or major work
02

Address changes also matter

From April 1, 2026, a registered owner generally must apply to record a change of name or address within two years of the change. Earlier unregistered changes are subject to a transitional deadline of March 31, 2028.

  • Check the spelling of names across documents
  • Confirm the owner’s current address
  • Ask a judicial scrivener when the chain of changes is unclear

Important caution

This guide explains the general framework. Inheritance shares, wills, family agreements, and missing heirs require case-specific legal review.

SOURCE LINKS

Official sources

Open the original source before making a decision. Rules, programs, and contact details may change after the verification date.

This is an akiya.net editorial summary based on linked sources. It is not an official translation or a reproduction of the original material. Confirm the Japanese original before acting.