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Buying a House in Japan? 6 Foreigner-Friendly Real Estate Companies
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To buy a house and property in Japan, you have to communicate with a real estate agent, sign documents in Japanese, and follow Japanese procedures. We introduce six real estate companies with multilingual support, including English.
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6 Real Estate Companies in Japan to Consult When Buying a House or Property
If you are a non-Japanese resident looking for a house or property in Japan, it is essential to find a trustworthy real estate agent. Find an agency that can offer English support, too, since you typically have to review and sign documents in Japanese, following Japan standards every step of the way.
This article introduces six real estate companies in Japan that will assist you in making this transformative life decision with multilingual support, including English. Below is a brief overview of each company.
| Company | Features | Property Types |
| Blackship Realty | High-end properties in central Tokyo (Roppongi, Azabu, Hiroo areas). English support, bilingual staff wih international experience. Tech-driven. | Residential, investment property |
| Mitsui Fudosan Realty Co., Ltd. | Many property listings in the Chiyoda, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Minato, and Chuo wards of Tokyo. | Residential, investment property |
| Real Estate Japan | Residential properties in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Hokkaido, Fukuoka, and Okinawa. Seminars offered. | Residential |
| Sumitomo Real Estate Sales | Details on property listings are searchable on the website. | Residential, investment property |
| Shingi Fusaya Real Estate (Japanese) | Many properties in Tokyo. Website is easy to understand. Seminars held in Taiwan, Tokyo, and Osaka. | Residential, investment property |
| Tokyu Livable (Japanese) | Buildings and large property listings along Tokyu train lines. | Investment property |
1. Blackship Realty
Picture courtesy of Blackship Realty
Located in the heart of Tokyo’s Hiroo neighborhood, Blackship Realty is the premier real estate agency for high-end properties for rent, purchase, and investment in the city. The agency scours the market for properties from all property management companies, both on the market and private listings, making sure that clients will receive the best options available.
All the agents at Blackship Realty are bilingual native English speakers and have years of experience serving every kind of client, from diplomats to self-employed artists. You can rest assured that they will help you find the perfect house or apartment in the city.
Picture courtesy of Blackship Realty
Blackship Realty strives to be at the forefront of tech-driven agencies in Japan by making full use of personal live virtual showings, filming YouTube tours of special properties, and accepting cryptocurrencies as a method of payment.
2. Mitsui Fudosan Realty Co., Ltd.
Photo by Pixta
Mitsui Fudosan is behind the large commercial complexes in Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi, DiverCity in Odaiba, and Mitsui Outlet Park, with locations throughout the country.
Owned by Mitsui Fudosan, Mitsui Fudosan Realty Co., Ltd. is an agency for individual clients. For 34 consecutive years, they have boasted the highest number of brokerages. Their property listings are centered around the Tokyo wards of Minato, Chiyoda, Chuo, Shinjuku, and Shibuya.
On their website, you can check home layouts, appearances, and brokerage costs, among other details. The website is also available in English, Chinese, and simplified Chinese.
The office locations do not normally have employees who can speak foreign languages. If you require multi-language assistance, we recommend contacting an overseas office.
3. Real Estate Japan
Photo by Pixta
Real Estate Japan specializes in properties listed in six locations: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Hokkaido, Fukuoka, and Okinawa.
Unlike other foreigner-friendly real estate agencies, Real Estate Japan specifically assists overseas nationals living in Japan. Their website is accessible in English, Chinese, and simplified Chinese.
The company periodically hold seminars for foreign nationals in Tokyo. The main topics covered are how to purchase a home in Japan and to apply for permanent residency.
4. Sumitomo Real Estate Sales
Photo by Pixta
Sumitomo Real Estate Sales negotiates properties for both individual customers and businesses and is part of the Sumitomo Group conglomerate.
They primarily offer their services to customers from the Greater Chinese region—namely, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China. Additionally, there is a consultation office for international customers in the Nihonbashi district of Tokyo.
You can search for listings based on property type (i.e. condominiums, houses, or land) and purpose (i.e. residential or investment property). If you purchase for investment purposes, the real estate agency will also take care of the maintenance, so you won't have to worry about managing rental property yourself.
5. Shingi Fusaya Real Estate
Photo by Pixta
Shingi Fusaya Real Estate is the Japanese branch for the Taiwan-based real estate company, Sinyi. In addition to finding property information on their website, the staff are very knowledgeable, and English support is available.
You can also read their article that covers the process of buying a home in Japan. Most of their listings are located in Tokyo, followed by Osaka, Kanagawa, and Kyoto. Additionally, they offer special seminars in Chinese in Taiwan, Tokyo, and Osaka.
We recommend Shingi Fusaya to both residents of Japan and Taiwan who are interested in Japanese real estate.
Shingi Fusaya Real Estate Official Website (Japanese)
6. Tokyu Livable
Photo by Pixta
Tokyu Livable is a real estate agency owned by the Tokyu Group, which operates a major railway in Tokyo and its surroundings. They specialize in investment properties and buildings located along the Tokyu train lines.
In addition to offices in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, they have overseas branches in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The website is also available in English, Chinese, and simplified Chinese. Some store locations, however, may not have staff that can speak these languages.
If you need multi-language assistance, we recommend contacting one of their overseas branches.
Tokyu Livable Official Website (Japanese)
FAQ
Can foreigners buy houses in Japan?
Foreigners can buy houses and other real estate properties in Japan, although there are certain regulations and requirements that they need to navigate. Non-residents can purchase property in Japan, including houses, apartments, and land, without holding Japanese citizenship or residency. However, there are some restrictions in place, particularly when it comes to buying agricultural land or land designated for national security purposes.
Foreigners looking to buy property in Japan may need to have a registered address in the country, obtain a residency card, and open a local bank account. It's also important to work with a real estate agent or legal advisor who is familiar with the process of purchasing property in Japan as a foreigner. Additionally, some properties may have restrictions based on zoning laws or building regulations that should be investigated before making a purchase.
Why is property in Japan so cheap?
Property prices in Japan can be relatively affordable due to factors like a declining and aging population, rural depopulation, economic conditions, and an abundance of older housing stock. These elements contribute to varying property values across different regions in Japan, with rural areas typically offering more affordable housing options compared to major cities. The interplay of demographic shifts, economic dynamics, and the housing market supply contribute to the overall affordability of property in Japan, making it a market where prices can vary significantly based on location and local conditions.
Is owning a house in Japan expensive?
Owning a house in Japan can be expensive, especially in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto where property prices are relatively high. Factors that contribute to the cost of owning a house in Japan include land prices, construction costs, maintenance expenses, property taxes, and insurance.
Is it good to invest in property in Japan?
Investing in property in Japan can be a viable option for those looking to diversify their investment portfolios. Japan's real estate market, especially in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, has shown resilience and growth potential over the years. Factors like stable rental yields, a strong legal framework, and a reputation for quality construction can make property investment in Japan attractive.
However, it's essential to consider factors like fluctuating property prices, demographic trends, and local regulations before investing. Additionally, understanding the cultural and legal aspects of property ownership in Japan, as well as conducting thorough research on the specific market and property type you're interested in, can help mitigate risks and make more informed investment decisions. Like any investment, it's important to approach property investment in Japan with careful consideration and the guidance of local experts if needed.
Which part of Japan has the cheapest houses?
In Japan, certain regions are known for more affordable housing options compared to major metropolitan areas like Tokyo. Prefectures such as Aomori, Iwate, and Miyazaki are considered to have relatively lower property prices. Additionally, cities like Tokushima and Kochi are known for more affordable real estate compared to places like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. These areas often offer a more relaxed pace of life and lower living costs, making them attractive for those seeking affordable housing in Japan. It's important to note that regional variations in housing prices exist, so local property markets and economic conditions can influence affordability.
Find the Right Place in Japan
Purchasing a house in Japan or any country in the world is a major life decision. The real estate companies introduced in this article offer different property types and specialize in varying services. Compare listings from these five real estate agencies to find the right home for you and support that makes you feel ready for making Japan more of your home.
Read also
Main image by Pixta
Written by
I am currently working as the Taiwan version editor for MATCHA. I am from Changhua County and during my time in Taiwan, I worked as a domestic Japanese tour guide and in interview PR for a Japanese television station. I am skilled at arranging travel itineraries, particularly for food and hot spring-related attractions. My interests include photography, especially food and portrait photography. Due to my age and my fondness for places like bars and izakayas, I call myself 'Matcha Uncle'.
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