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Japan – Finding Property to Buy

Popular Estate Agencies

  1. JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) – an international real estate company that provides property and investment management services.
  2. CBRE – one of the largest commercial real estate services and investment firms.
  3. Savills – a leading global real estate service provider.
  4. Colliers International – a global real estate firm specializing in commercial real estate services.
  5. Knight Frank – a global property consultancy firm.

Qualifications and Licences in Japan

Estate agents in Japan must be licensed by the government and pass a written test to become a licensed real estate agent. Additionally, they must be affiliated with a licensed real estate brokerage firm.

Breakdown of Estate Agent Fees in Japan

In Japan, estate agents typically charge a commission based on a percentage of the sale price of the property. This commission is usually paid by the seller, but can also be paid by the buyer. The commission fee is usually between 2% and 3% of the sale price, with a minimum fee of around JPY 200,000 (approximately $1,900 USD).

Other Ways to Find Property for Sale in Japan


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  1. Property websites: Suumo, At Home, and LIFULL Home’s.
  2. Expat websites: Japan Today, GaijinPot.
  3. Newspapers: Asahi Shimbun, Yomiuri Shimbun.
  4. Magazines: AERA, Nikkei Real Estate Market Report.
  5. Word of mouth: Ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations.

The Use of a Buyer’s Agent

The Use of a Buyer’s Agent is not very common in Japan, but they can be used to help with the purchasing process. A Buyer’s Agent must be licensed by the government and be affiliated with a licensed real estate brokerage firm. They typically charge a commission fee of 1% to 2% of the sale price of the property.

Organizations for Foreign Property Buyers in Japan

There are no specific organizations for foreign property buyers in Japan. However, potential buyers can contact the Embassy of Japan or a licensed real estate brokerage firm for assistance with the purchasing process.


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