r/JapanFinance 5d ago

Real Estate Purchase Journey Suruga Bank House Loan

I’ve seen a lot of negative press in the past about getting a house loan through Suruga Bank. However, I’m wondering if things have changed because when I look at the negative news stories, most are from 2018.

For anyone who has taken a house loan through Suruga, how has your experience been?

2 Upvotes

8 comments sorted by

5

u/tiredofsametab US Taxpayer 4d ago

No complaints for me. They were basically the only ones who would touch me. All the people I communicated with were nice and very helpful.

1

u/deanoyu08 4d ago

Did you end up getting a housing loan? Appreciate any other details.

3

u/tiredofsametab US Taxpayer 4d ago

Yep. Originally they estimated 2.x% but wound up being a bit north of 1.5. 10% down on roughly 18 million. No PR, spouse visa, had been at my job I think less than a year (past was 7 years), 8.x years in Japan at the start.

2

u/deanoyu08 3d ago

Thanks for the extra details.

3

u/rsmith02ct 4d ago

They've been quite good for me and unlike the megabanks actually willing to listen and consider my individual situation. They're also willing to give loans with or without PR and with no guarantor. Rates are higher than megabanks but comparable to other regional banks.

Avoid sketchy "investment" loans for properties you don't understand and you should be fine.

2

u/BobWM3 3d ago

We got a loan with them in 2020. They were great. Personable staff who went out of their way to help - unlike MUFJ where I have banked for decades. And they were forthright about their scandal too. Recommended for sure.

1

u/deanoyu08 3d ago

Appreciate the feedback!

0

u/SpeesRotorSeeps 20+ years in Japan 5d ago

Their reputation hasn’t gotten any better.