Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Foreigners can legally own land and property in Japan (excluding agricultural land). There are no residency or visa requirements. However, most banks do not offer mortgages to non-residents, especially outside Tokyo, so expect to purchase with cash. Owning property can also make it easier to register a vehicle in your name.

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Construction rules vary around the Niseko and Rusutsu area, but you should expect to be able to build on 40-50% of your land area with a floor area ratio of 200-300% and height restriction of 13m. This means if your land is 250sqm, your house footprint can be 100sqm and size of up to 200sqm.

Our design phase takes 1–3 months, depending on project scope and decision-making speed. Lindal homes are manufactured and shipped from the U.S., typically arriving in 3–6 months. In Hokkaido, construction season runs from April to November. We aim to complete builds within a single season when possible. Pouring the foundation the prior year can accelerate timelines. Outside construction season in Hokkaido is shortened by the winter snow. We aim for construction to start after the snow melt – around April / May – and complete by November the same year though this might take longer depending on size and complexity of build. Time can be saved by pouring foundations the year before if we have agreed and signed off the plan.

• ​​1-year construction warranty for any build issues

• Lindal’s Lifetime Structural Warranty (unique in the industry)

• 10-year window warranty (shipping not included)

• Lindal’s post-and-beam system has never experienced a structural failure since its inception.

Cost per square foot for the frame of the house is a combination of multiple factors including:

• modifications to standard designs;

• complexity;

• raw material costs for wood cement; and

• labor costs for the construction of the home.

To that, we need to add the fit out and interior design costs – bathrooms, kitchen, flooring, lights, etc.

Overall, we typically see mid level finishes costed at US$ 3,500-4,500 per square meter though this comes with caveats around exchange rates (US dollar for cost of frame and Japanese yen for constrution work and finishes) and raw material price fluctuations.

Lindal supplies:

• Signed architectural blueprints

• Structural frame, insulation, siding, doors, windows, trim, nails, floorboards

• Optional interior packages

• Shipping is included.

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• You can choose to source finishes and interiors locally or use Lindal’s offerings.

Yes, Lindal homes can be built across Japan. We specialize in Hokkaido locations like Niseko and Rusutsu, but will ensure your project complies with local building codes, snow load requirements, and zoning laws.

No visa or residency is required to own land or build a home. However, if you plan to live in Japan long-term, you’ll need the appropriate visa. Property ownership alone does not grant residency.

Buyers should plan for:

• Acquisition tax

• Registration & license tax

• Stamp duty

• Annual fixed asset (property) tax Our team helps estimate and plan for these costs during the land acquisition process.

We go beyond home delivery. Our services include:

• Project management

• Coordination with local contractors

• Assistance with land prep and permits

• Ongoing build supervision We help foreign clients navigate the entire build process in Japan with confidence.

ou’ll need access to:

• Water and sewage (or septic)

• Electricity

• An accessible road for deliveries We’ll help evaluate and prepare your site before materials are shipped.

Absolutely. All Lindal designs are flexible and customizable to meet local Japanese standards, including earthquake resistance, insulation values, and snow load. We coordinate all necessary adaptations with local professionals.

Yes. Many of our clients build Lindal homes in popular resort areas like Niseko and Rusutsu for personal use and vacation rental income. Be sure to check local zoning and rental regulations, as they vary by municipality. We can help you navigate those details during the planning process.

Your custom home package is packed at Lindal’s facility in the U.S. and shipped directly to your site in Japan. Delivery is included in the pricing and carefully coordinated to ensure a smooth handoff to your local builder.

We guide you every step of the way—from finalizing blueprints and placing your order to working with your local builder during construction. Our team in Japan is available to ensure smooth coordination between Lindal’s specifications and Japanese building practices.

Yes. Lindal homes are engineered to meet or exceed local building codes, including seismic requirements in Japan. Our post-and-beam system is particularly well-suited for structural strength and flexibility in earthquake-prone areas.