北海道で家を買う

How to Buy a House in Hokkaido

北海道の気候

Hokkaido Climate

面接合と点接合の荷重のかかり方の違い

Why Hokkaido’s Climate Is Surprisingly Comfortable

Hokkaido is often imagined as a land of harsh cold, but many people find it remarkably comfortable once they actually live here. Unlike Honshu, Hokkaido has almost no rainy season, and summers are dry and pleasant, with only a limited number of days above 30°C.

Typhoons also have far less impact than on Honshu, making the climate agreeable throughout the year. In addition, homes in Hokkaido are built to cold-climate standards with high levels of insulation and airtightness, so interiors stay warm even in winter—warm enough to relax in light clothing. In fact, it is often said that “in winter, the inside of a Hokkaido home is warmer than the inside of a Tokyo home.”

北海道は「寒さが厳しい土地」というイメージを持たれがちですが、実際に暮らすと快適だと感じる方が多い地域です。本州のような梅雨がほとんどなく、夏は湿度が低くカラッとして、30℃を超える日は限られています。

台風の影響も本州に比べて少なく、一年を通して過ごしやすい気候です。また、北海道の住宅は寒冷地仕様として高い断熱性・気密性を備えているため、冬でも室内は暖かく、薄着で過ごせるほど。「冬は東京の部屋の中より、北海道の部屋の中のほうが暖かい」と言われることも珍しくありません。

面接合と点接合の荷重のかかり方の違い

What to Expect from Hokkaido's Snowy Winters

Winter in Hokkaido begins with the first snowfall around November, and beautiful snowy landscapes continue from December through March. Even in the city of Sapporo, annual snowfall reaches about five meters, but snow-removal systems are well established—main roads are cleared overnight—so disruptions to city functions are infrequent.

Daily life does require some winter preparation, such as shoveling snow, switching to winter tires, and wearing non-slip footwear. However, features like snow-melting systems, carports, and flat “snow-free” roofs can greatly reduce the burden of snow when incorporated into your home. And with world-renowned powder-snow ski resorts close at hand, winter in Hokkaido offers pleasures all its own.

北海道の冬は11月頃から雪が降り始め、12月から3月にかけて美しい雪景色が続きます。札幌市内でも年間降雪量は約5mに達しますが、除雪体制が整っており、幹線道路は夜間のうちに除雪され、都市機能が止まることは少ないです。

暮らしの面では、雪かきや冬タイヤへの交換、滑りにくい靴の用意など冬支度が必要ですが、住宅に融雪設備やカーポート、無落雪屋根を取り入れることで、雪の負担は大きく減らせます。世界的に評価されるパウダースノーのスキー場が身近にあるのも、北海道の冬ならではの楽しみです。

札幌で暮らす:一年を通しての天気と快適さ

Living in Sapporo: Weather and Comfort Throughout the Year

Sapporo is a city with four distinct seasons. In spring (April–May), cherry blossoms and lilacs bloom under refreshing skies. Summer (June–August) brings average temperatures of around 20°C with low humidity, and sweltering tropical nights are almost unknown. Autumn (September–October) is a pleasant season of beautiful foliage and crisp, clear air. In winter (December–March), temperatures stay below freezing and snow accumulates, but with a well-insulated home, indoor life remains comfortable all year round.

Thanks to Sapporo’s extensive subway network and underground shopping streets, you can get around comfortably even on snowy days—enjoying the convenience of a major city and the richness of nature at the same time.

札幌は四季がはっきりした街です。春(4〜5月)は桜とライラックが咲き、爽やかな陽気が続きます。夏(6〜8月)は平均気温20℃前後で湿度が低く、寝苦しい熱帯夜はほとんどありません。秋(9〜10月)は紅葉が美しく、空気の澄んだ心地よい季節。冬(12〜3月)は氷点下の日が続き雪も積もりますが、断熱性能の高い住まいなら室内は一年中快適です。

地下鉄や地下街が発達している札幌では、雪の日でも天候を気にせず移動でき、大都市の利便性と自然の豊かさを同時に楽しめます。

よくある質問

FAQ

  • Q.1

    Can I buy a home in Hokkaido even if I don’t live in Japan?

    Yes, you can. In Japan, there are no legal restrictions preventing foreign nationals or overseas residents from purchasing and owning real estate—you can buy under the same conditions as Japanese citizens. Even if visiting Japan is difficult, we can assist with document exchange and procedures, so please feel free to consult us.

    Q.1

    日本に住んでいなくても北海道で家は買えますか?

    はい、購入できます。日本では外国人や海外在住の方でも不動産を購入・所有することに法律上の制限はなく、日本人と同じ条件で購入できます。来日が難しい場合でも、必要書類のやり取りや手続きのサポートが可能ですので、お気軽にご相談ください。

  • Q.2

    Can foreigners get a home loan (mortgage) in Japan?

    Yes, it is possible. However, conditions vary by financial institution; screening generally focuses on factors such as stable income in Japan, residency status, and length of employment. Having permanent residency widens your options, but some banks also offer loans to non–permanent residents. We will support you according to your situation, including introducing financial institutions you may be able to use.

    Q.2

    外国人でも日本で住宅ローンを組めますか?

    可能です。ただし、金融機関によって条件は異なり、一般的には日本国内での安定した収入、在留資格、勤続年数などが審査のポイントになります。永住権があると選択肢が広がりますが、永住権のない方向けのローンを扱う金融機関もあります。お客様の状況に合わせて、利用できる金融機関のご紹介も含めてサポートいたします。

  • Q.3

    Can I purchase a home without permanent residency?

    Yes, you can. Permanent residency is not required to purchase or own real estate in Japan. If you are buying in cash, permanent residency status is not an issue at all. If you wish to use a home loan, your choice of banks may be more limited, but options may still be available—for example, by preparing a larger down payment. Please consult us for details.

    Q.3

    永住権がなくても購入は可能ですか?

    はい、可能です。不動産の購入・所有に永住権は必要ありません。現金でのご購入であれば永住権の有無はまったく問題になりません。住宅ローンをご希望の場合は選べる金融機関が限られることがありますが、頭金を多めに用意するなどの方法で組める場合もありますので、ご相談ください。

  • Q.4

    How much do I need for a down payment and initial costs?

    In general, many buyers prepare a down payment of about 10–20% of the property price, though depending on loan screening, a smaller down payment may be possible. In addition, separate costs such as registration fees, taxes, and insurance are required. Since every buyer’s financial plan is different, we will work with you to create a plan that fits comfortably within your budget.

    Q.4

    頭金や初期費用はどれくらい必要ですか?

    一般的には物件価格の1〜2割程度の頭金をご用意いただくケースが多いですが、審査条件によってはこれより少ない頭金で組める場合もあります。このほかに、登記費用や税金、保険料などの諸費用が別途必要です。資金計画はお客様ごとに異なりますので、無理のないプランを一緒に考えましょう。

  • Q.5

    How much are the additional costs of purchasing real estate?

    In addition to the property price, you should budget roughly 5–10% of the price for additional costs. These mainly include registration fees and judicial scrivener fees, stamp duty, real estate acquisition tax, a prorated share of property tax, fire insurance premiums, and loan-related fees if you use a mortgage. When we provide an estimate, we will clearly present the total amount including these costs.

    Q.5

    不動産購入にかかる諸費用はどのくらい?

    物件価格とは別に、目安として物件価格の5〜10%程度の諸費用がかかります。主な内訳は、登記費用・司法書士報酬、印紙税、不動産取得税、固定資産税の精算金、火災保険料、住宅ローンをご利用の場合はローン関連費用などです。お見積もりの際に、諸費用も含めた総額を分かりやすくご提示します。

  • Q.6

    Do I need an interpreter when signing the purchase contract?

    There is no legal requirement, but contracts and the legally required “explanation of important matters” are conducted in Japanese, so we recommend interpretation or translation support to ensure you fully understand the contents. You are welcome to bring your own interpreter, and we also have a support system in place so that international customers can sign with confidence.

    Q.6

    売買契約時に通訳は必要ですか?

    法律上の義務はありませんが、契約書や重要事項説明は日本語で行われるため、内容を正しく理解していただくために通訳や翻訳のサポートをおすすめしています。ご自身で通訳の方に同席していただくことも可能ですし、当社でも外国人のお客様が安心してご契約いただけるようサポート体制を整えています。

  • Q.7

    Will the property be registered in my own name?

    Yes, it will. Foreign nationals can register ownership in their own name and acquire the same full ownership rights as Japanese citizens (freehold—the right to freely sell, lease, or bequeath the land and building). Registration procedures are handled by a judicial scrivener, so you can proceed with peace of mind.

    Q.7

    所有権は自分の名前になりますか?

    はい、なります。外国人の方でもご本人名義で所有権を登記でき、日本人と同じ完全な所有権(土地・建物を自由に売却・賃貸・相続できる権利)を取得できます。登記手続きは司法書士が代行しますので、ご安心ください。

  • Q.8

    Can I buy the land together with the house?

    Yes, you can. In Japan, foreign nationals can purchase and own both land and buildings. A distinctive feature of Japanese real estate is that you acquire ownership of the land itself—not just a leasehold. For custom-built homes, we can also help you search for land, so please let us know your preferred area and budget.

    Q.8

    土地も一緒に買えますか?

    はい、買えます。日本では外国人でも土地と建物の両方を購入・所有できます。借地ではなく、土地そのものの所有権を取得できるのが日本の不動産の特長です。注文住宅の場合は、土地探しからお手伝いすることも可能ですので、ご希望のエリアやご予算をお聞かせください。

あなたの暮らしを実現するお手伝いを、ぜひ私たちに。

Helping global residents
find their ideal home in Hokkaido

*Our staff communicates in Japanese only