The Japanese government has put forth a proposal aimed at prohibiting the resale of condominium units before handover. The move is in response to growing concerns about property flipping for quick gains, which has significantly accelerated the surge in condo prices. While the implementation timeline for the prohibition remains uncertain, it is clear that the proposal redefines the real estate landscape in Japan.

In recent years, the resale of condo units before handover (flipping) has become a hot-button issue in Japan, causing a real estate price surge that has outpaced income growth. Many Japanese fear being priced out of the housing market, especially in major urban cities. The proposed change in policy reflects the Japanese government's commitment to housing affordability and market stability.

In both the US and EU, regulation on property flipping varies widely. While some places have restrictions aimed at discouraging speculative buying for quick profits, others have relatively relaxed rules. The focus of governance is different, tending toward protection of buyers, ensuring they have accurate information about the home's value and any associated repair costs.