English-Speaking Property Management in Hokkaido

Property management in Hokkaido — FAQ

My inherited house is in a small town hours from Sapporo. Can it realistically be checked in winter?

Yes, but distances in Hokkaido are long and winter roads can close for blizzards, so visits are planned around the weather rather than a rigid calendar. We schedule inspections for clear spells and pair them with the local snow-clearing contractor's work, so each trip covers the roof, the entrance and the inside of the house together.

Who clears the snow at an empty house, and isn't the town responsible?

The town clears public roads, but the snow its ploughs push into your driveway and the snow on your roof and paths are the owner's to deal with. Most absent owners use a local snow-clearing contractor on a seasonal agreement; we get quotes, agree the scope with you, and check with photos that the work was actually done.

I live abroad. How do I receive and pay the property tax on a Hokkaido house?

Fixed asset tax notices are sent by the municipality, usually once a year, and owners living outside Japan are normally asked to name a tax administrator (nozei kanrinin) in Japan. We can receive and forward the notice and explain it in English; for the formal appointment and any tax questions we refer you to the town office or a licensed tax accountant (zeirishi).

How much does property management in Hokkaido cost?

Plans run from ¥14,000 to ¥42,000 per month depending on how often we visit — quarterly, every other month, or monthly. The right cadence depends on your Hokkaido property's type, age, and condition. Rental management is 5% of rent, and renovation is quoted separately.