London sunset cityscape with Tower Bridge

Buying London property

Equipped with an experienced team of Japanese property professionals, Benham and Reeves Japan makes buying and investing in a London property easy and stress-free. Whether you are a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, our step-by-step process will make the whole buying journey seamless.

We offer buyers proper guidance and also have many well-researched area guides and resources to support buyers with their decision. Buying a home in another country comes with its own set of rules, and we provide full end-to-end support to help you navigate them.

We also work with top UK property developers, offering new homes with world-class amenities in some of the most desirable neighbourhoods. Whether investing to earn a rental income or securing accommodation for your child's education and future needs, we have you covered.

Our 21 local branches across London, along with a dedicated Japan and China Desk, support our international offices in servicing clients in Japan and other countries, helping them find the right investment and maximise returns.

Frequently asked questions

While you budget to pay the full selling price of the property, you also need to plan for a few additional costs. These include Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), survey costs, conveyance (legal/solicitor) fees and agent fees.

SDLT on UK residential property is calculated based on the property's sale price. All overseas or non-resident buyers (including Japanese nationals) need to pay a 2% surcharge on standard rates.

Property transactions in the UK are subject to strict anti-money laundering (AML) checks, and all overseas buyers must provide their source of funds and wealth, including income proofs, to their solicitor and estate agent.

There is no legal obligation to get a home survey, but lenders may require a structural survey to proceed with your mortgage application. While in-depth surveys, such as a Home Buyer Report, are strongly advised for period properties to avoid future risks, new-build homes come with a 10-year build warranty provided by the developer.

As your one-stop property partner, we offer a comprehensive home snagging service to ensure your new home is delivered as promised.

No, you do not need to be physically present in London or the UK, as we can handle the entire buying process with a dedicated team in London and Japan to coordinate everything on your behalf.

Get in touch

Connect with our Japanese-speaking property specialists