Finding an English Realtor in Japan: Your Complete Guide
Looking for an English realtor in Japan to help you navigate the property market? You’re not alone. Foreign buyers purchased 3.5% of newly built Tokyo condominiums in the first half of 2025, with Shinjuku Ward seeing a 14.6% concentration of international buyers. Whether you’re searching for a Tokyo investment apartment, an Osaka rental property, or a rural akiya (vacant house), working with a licensed English-speaking agent can make the difference between a smooth transaction and a costly mistake.
Last Updated: February 2026 | Reflecting new foreign buyer reporting requirements effective April 2026
This comprehensive directory covers vetted English-speaking real estate agents across Japan’s major cities, along with essential information on verifying licenses, understanding commission structures, and avoiding common scams.
| Quick Reference | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission Rate (over ¥4M) | 3% + ¥60,000 + 10% tax |
| License Required | Takkenshi (宅建士) |
| New Reporting Rule | April 2026 for foreign buyers |
| Total Closing Costs | 6-10% of purchase price |
Why You Need an English Realtor in Japan
All real estate contracts and official documents in Japan are written exclusively in Japanese. There’s no legal requirement for English translations, and most sellers and government offices operate only in Japanese. Even native Japanese speakers find the legal documentation system “extremely detailed, formal, and paperwork-heavy,” according to Real Estate Guide Japan.
For foreign buyers, an English-speaking agent provides:
- Contract translation and explanation of legally binding terms
- Negotiation support with Japanese sellers and their agents
- Navigation of bureaucratic requirements including the new April 2026 reporting rules
- Connection to English-speaking judicial scriveners for title verification
- Cultural guidance on Japanese business practices and expectations
💡 Pro Tip: Even with an English-speaking agent, many expats recommend having basic Japanese or a Japanese-speaking friend present during property viewings. Building staff and neighbors you’ll interact with typically won’t speak English.
Tokyo English-Speaking Real Estate Agents
Tokyo offers the largest selection of English-speaking agents, reflecting its status as the primary market for foreign buyers.
Established Agencies (20+ Years)
Plaza Homes | realestate-tokyo.com
- Operating since 1969 (55+ years)
- Services: Rentals, sales, property management, relocation
- Specialty: Luxury expat housing
- Coverage: Tokyo metropolitan area
Ken Corporation | kencorp.com
- 50+ years in business
- 7,000+ properties listed
- Serves 1,600+ foreign companies and embassies
- Coverage: Tokyo, Yokohama
- Services: Rentals, sales, corporate relocation, office leasing
Tokyo Yohan Real Estate | tokyo-yohan.com/en
- 20+ years serving expatriates
- Services: Rentals, brokerage
- Coverage: Tokyo
Sun Realty
- 60+ years in business
- Specialty: Luxury housing for expats and families
- Coverage: Hiroo, Azabu, Roppongi
Investment-Focused Agents
Tokyo Portfolio | tokyoportfolio.com
- 130,000+ YouTube subscribers
- Specialty: Premium properties for expats
- Coverage: Minato, Shibuya, Meguro, Chuo wards
- Services: Sales, investment properties
Lead Home | lead-home.jp
- Specialty: Luxury residential (¥100M-¥5B)
- Coverage: Meguro, Setagaya, Minato, Shibuya
- Services: Sales, off-market listings
Tokyo Prime Realty | tokyoprimerealty.com
- RE/MAX affiliated
- Services: Rentals, sales, investment
- Coverage: Tokyo
Property Management for Foreign Owners
Housing Japan | housingjapan.com
- 95%+ occupancy rate
- Virtual bank accounts for overseas owners
- Services: Property management, sales, rentals
- Coverage: Tokyo
Blackship Realty | blackshiprealty.com
- Specialty: Premier expat real estate
- Services: Sales, consultations
- Coverage: Tokyo
Major Japanese Brokerages with English Support
Sumitomo Fudosan Step | global.sumitomo-res.com
- Multilingual support: English, Chinese, Korean
- Coverage: Tokyo and nationwide
- Contact: +81-3-6450-2591 (English line)
For detailed Tokyo investment analysis, see our Tokyo Investment Guide.
Osaka and Kansai Region English Realtors
The Kansai region offers excellent value compared to Tokyo, with growing interest from foreign investors.
Omoroi Osaka | omoroiosaka.com
- Founded by Zach Mitchell, US-licensed realtor
- Services: Sales, virtual tours, document translation, renovation referrals
- Coverage: Kansai region
Maido Real Estate | maidorealestate.com
- Specialty: Foreigner rentals, purchases, Airbnb investment
- Coverage: Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto
First Housing Consultants | firsthousingconsultants.jp
- 50+ years in business
- Services: Rentals, sales, relocation
- Coverage: Kansai area
Move2Japan | move2japan.com
- Full-service for international clients
- Coverage: Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo
Link Realty | link-realty.co.jp/en
- Specialty: Overseas resident support
- Services: Sales, contract translation, visa assistance
- Coverage: Kansai region
Learn more about the Osaka market in our Osaka Investment Guide.
Kyoto English-Speaking Property Agents
Kyoto’s unique regulations and traditional properties require specialized knowledge.
Mate in Kyoto | mateinkyoto1.com
- Specialty: Buying and selling new or used properties
- Coverage: Kyoto city
💡 Pro Tip: Kyoto has strict building regulations to preserve its historical character. An agent with specific Kyoto experience is essential for understanding height restrictions, facade requirements, and protected areas.
Hokkaido and Sapporo Bilingual Realtors
Hokkaido attracts foreign buyers interested in ski resort areas and rural properties.
ResCom Hokkaido, LLC | rescomhokkaido.com/english
- Specialty: Non-resident foreigner property services
- Services: Sales, purchases, contact person registration, mail management, business establishment
- Coverage: Hokkaido, Sapporo, nationwide
- Note: Provides domestic contact person service required since April 2024
Fukuoka English Real Estate Services
Fukuoka is emerging as a popular destination for foreign buyers seeking lower prices and high quality of life.
Yes! Fudousan | realestate-fukuoka.yes-fudousan.com
- Full English support
- Minimum purchase: ¥10 million
- Family-run business
- Contact: 092-558-8872, LINE, WhatsApp
Seaside Real Estate | seaside.ne.jp/english.html
- Experience serving consulates and international clients
- Services: Sales, rentals, property management, assessment
- Coverage: Fukuoka
Okinawa and Regional English Agents
Okinawa offers unique investment opportunities with its tourism market and subtropical climate.
Villa Resort (VILLA Okinawa Real Estate) | villa-realty.com/english
- Specialty: Buy, sell, invest in Okinawa
- Coverage: Okinawa, Miyakojima, Ishigakijima
Port Real Estate Ltd. | portrealestate.jp/en
- Multilingual support for overseas customers
- Services: Rentals, sales, remote services
- Coverage: Okinawa
Century 21 Okinawa | century21global.com
- 9 offices in Okinawa
- International franchise with local expertise
Yokohama:
Tokunaga Real Estate | tokunaga-realestate.com/index-en
- 100+ years of experience in Yokohama
- Services: Rentals, sales, property management, commercial
Akiya and Rural Property Specialists
Rural Japanese properties require specialized agents who understand municipal akiya banks and renovation requirements.
Akiya & Inaka | akiyainaka.com
- Works directly with municipal governments
- Services: Buyer services, seller services, investor services, renovation assistance
- Coverage: Rural Japan nationwide
As they note: “Rural Japanese real estate acquisition is complex and bureaucratic. While properties may be inexpensive, purchasing independently involves significant challenges.”
Akiya Air | akiyaair.com
- Specialty: Vacant homes and kominka (traditional houses)
- Services: Property search, purchase guidance, renovation, property management
- Coverage: Rural Japan
Teritoru | akiyajapan.com/teritoru
- Bilingual brokerage for foreign investors
- Services: Consultations ($100 initial fee), purchase support, property management, sale support
- Coverage: Nationwide
How to Verify a Licensed Real Estate Agent
Japan requires all real estate agents to hold proper licensing. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Required Credentials
All agents conducting property transactions must hold Takkenshi (宅建士) certification, officially known as “Real Estate Transaction Specialist” certification from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).
Legitimate brokerages must:
- Be licensed under the Real Estate Brokerage Act (Act No. 176 of 1952)
- Establish an official office
- Appoint full-time transaction specialists
- Deposit a business guarantee and join a guarantee association
Verification Steps
- Request the agent’s license number - All licensed agents have a registration number
- Check with the prefectural government - Each prefecture maintains a registry of licensed agents
- Verify the brokerage - Confirm the company is registered with MLIT
- Request to see physical credentials - Licensed agents carry identification cards
Red Flags to Watch For
- Agent refuses to provide license information
- Pressure to skip property registry verification
- Requests for large upfront payments before contract signing
- Unwillingness to involve a judicial scrivener for title verification
- Properties not listed in the Legal Affairs Bureau registry
⚠️ Important: Japan has no title insurance system. Property verification through the Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局) registry is your primary protection against fraud.
Understanding Japan Real Estate Fees and Commissions
Commission fees in Japan are regulated by law with statutory limits based on purchase price.
Commission Structure
| Purchase Price | Commission Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to ¥2 million | 5% of purchase price |
| ¥2 million to ¥4 million | 4% + ¥20,000 |
| Over ¥4 million | 3% + ¥60,000 |
| Over ¥100 million | Often negotiable to 1% |
Add 10% consumption tax to all commission fees.
Dual Agency Considerations
Approximately seven out of ten Japanese brokers engage in dual-agency deals, representing both buyer and seller. This is legal in Japan but creates potential conflicts of interest.
- Dual agency must be disclosed
- The broker may charge the statutory commission limit from both parties
- Consider whether your agent’s primary relationship is with you or the seller
Total Closing Costs
Budget 6-10% of the purchase price for total closing costs, including:
- Agent commission (as above)
- Judicial scrivener fees
- Registration and stamp duties
- Property acquisition tax
- Insurance
For detailed cost breakdowns, see our Complete Guide to Buying Property in Japan.
Property Management Services for Foreign Owners
Non-resident owners need reliable management services, especially given new requirements effective April 2024.
Domestic Contact Person Requirement
As of April 2024, non-resident foreign owners must register a domestic contact person with the property registry. This person handles official correspondence and legal notices on your behalf.
Recommended Property Management Companies
Nihon Zaitaku Management | nihonzaitaku.co.jp/kanri/global/en
- 33,039 units managed
- 99.52% occupancy rate
- Languages: English, Chinese
- Coverage: Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa
- Services: Tenant management, rent collection, maintenance
Tokyu Housing Lease Corporation | tokyu-housing-lease.co.jp/en/global
- Multilingual support: English, Chinese
- Coverage: Japan nationwide
- Services: Leasing, rent collection, tax payments, international transfers
Nationwide Services
M-CENTRAL | mcentral.jp
- Filipino and English-speaking staff
- Services: Sales, tax support, mortgage assistance
- Coverage: Japan nationwide
Property Pilot Japan | propertypilotjapan.com
- Works as consultant, not broker
- Services: Property sourcing, document translation, management
- Coverage: Japan nationwide
RealEstate.jp | realestate.jp
- Dedicated service for foreign buyers
- Services: Sales, financing assistance, home loans
- Coverage: Japan nationwide
Online Listing Portals
Real Estate Japan | realestate.co.jp/en
- Listing portal with agent directory
- Languages: English, Japanese, Chinese
- Coverage: Japan nationwide
GaijinPot Apartments | apartments.gaijinpot.com/en
- 36,000+ listings
- Listing portal with agent directory
- Coverage: Japan nationwide
How to Choose the Right English-Speaking Agent
Matching Agent to Your Needs
| Your Goal | Recommended Agent Type |
|---|---|
| Tokyo investment property | Tokyo Portfolio, Lead Home, Housing Japan |
| Kansai purchase | Omoroi Osaka, Maido Real Estate, First Housing |
| Rural/Akiya purchase | Akiya & Inaka, Akiya Air, Teritoru |
| Non-resident investment | Agents offering property management + contact person services |
| Luxury properties | Ken Corporation, Plaza Homes, Lead Home |
Questions to Ask Potential Agents
- How long have you been helping foreign clients specifically?
- Can you provide references from previous foreign buyers?
- Do you handle properties in my target area and price range?
- What services do you provide after purchase (management, contact person)?
- How do you handle communication across time zones?
- Do you work with English-speaking judicial scriveners and tax advisors?
Community Recommendations
Word-of-mouth from expat communities is highly valued. Before engaging an agent:
- Check their social media presence and reviews
- Ask in expat forums like GaijinPot
- Look for agents who specialize in working with foreign clients rather than general agencies that happen to have English staff
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can foreigners buy property in Japan without speaking Japanese?
Yes, foreigners can legally purchase property in Japan regardless of language ability or residency status. However, all contracts and legal documents are in Japanese only. An English-speaking agent and judicial scrivener can translate and explain documents, but you’ll be signing Japanese-language contracts. Some buyers also hire independent translators for additional verification.
How do I verify if a Japanese real estate agent is licensed?
Request the agent’s Takkenshi (宅建士) license number and verify it with the prefectural government where they’re registered. Legitimate agents carry identification cards with their registration number. You can also check if their brokerage is registered with MLIT. Any reluctance to provide this information is a major red flag.
What fees do real estate agents charge in Japan?
Agent fees are regulated by law: 5% for properties up to ¥2 million, 4% + ¥20,000 for ¥2-4 million, and 3% + ¥60,000 for properties over ¥4 million. Add 10% consumption tax. For high-value properties (over ¥100 million), fees are often negotiable down to 1%. Total closing costs typically run 6-10% of the purchase price.
Do I need a local representative to buy property in Japan as a non-resident?
As of April 2024, non-resident foreign owners must register a domestic contact person with the property registry. This person receives official correspondence and legal notices on your behalf. Some agents and property management companies offer this service. Starting April 2026, foreign buyers must also file reports with the government disclosing nationality in the registry.
What is the difference between an agent and an intermediary in Japan?
Under Japanese law, a real estate agent (broker) must be licensed and can facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers. An intermediary or consultant may provide advice and property sourcing but cannot legally conduct the transaction itself. Some English-speaking services operate as consultants who then connect you with licensed Japanese brokers for the actual purchase.
Useful Resources
Related Guides
- Complete Guide to Buying Property in Japan as a Foreigner - Full process walkthrough
- Tokyo Investment Property Guide - Market analysis and neighborhoods
- Osaka Real Estate Investment Guide - Kansai market overview
Official Sources
- Real Estate Brokerage Act (English) - Japan’s real estate licensing law
- Ministry of Justice - Property Registration - Official registration information
- MLIT - Government authority overseeing real estate regulations
- Legal Affairs Bureau - Property ownership verification
Final Thoughts
Finding the right English realtor in Japan can transform your property purchase from a stressful ordeal into a manageable process. The agents listed in this directory represent verified options across Japan’s major regions, but your choice should ultimately depend on your specific needs: location, property type, budget, and whether you need ongoing management services.
Start by identifying agents in your target area, verify their licensing credentials, and schedule initial consultations with two or three candidates. The right agent will be transparent about fees, communicate clearly about the process, and have demonstrable experience helping foreign clients.
Ready to begin your Japan property search? Review our Complete Guide to Buying Property in Japan for a full walkthrough of the purchase process, from initial search to final registration.
This directory was last updated in February 2026. Agent availability and services may change. Always verify licensing and current services directly with agents before engaging their services.