A recent survey has uncovered that more than 20% of existing buildings in Japan remain unregistered. Legal experts and homeowners alike are concerned, given the potentially significant issues that may arise from undeclared properties. The relevance of this issue escalates amidst Japan’s rapidly urbanizing landscape. Initiatives to address the undersight and put these properties on record are under discussion.

In Japan, property registration holds a significant place in society due to legal implications surrounding inheritance, tax implications, and urban planning. An unregistered building can be a recipe for disputes and complications in paperwork. Hence, the high percentage of unregistered buildings revealed in this survey is a major concern to the public and the relevant governing bodies.

Unlike in Japan, in the U.S or EU, property registration is usually more streamlined and strict enforcement ensures lower rates of unregistered buildings. Discrepancies in property records are dealt with more promptly and property ownership is heavily regulated to avoid disputes.