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“Dual Agency” is Not Illegal in Japan Yet Causes Conflicts of Interest for Everyone
In Japan’s real estate market, the practice of “Kakoikomi” (囲い込み) has been a growing concern. This refers to a situation where a seller’s agent intentionally prevents a buyer’s agent from scheduling property viewings or introducing a particular property to clients. The reason? The seller’s agent wants to find a buyer independently to secure commissions from… More
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Understanding Unspoken Rules in Japanese Real Estate: Seller’s Agents will not Allow Buyers to Work with Multiple Agents for Viewings
Japan’s real estate market is unique in many ways, with cultural norms and industry-specific rules that may not always be clearly communicated to prospective buyers, particularly those from overseas. One such rule that plays a crucial role in the buying process is the expectation that once you view a property with a real estate agent,… More
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Akiya in Japan: The Reality Behind “Abandoned” Homes
When people hear the term akiya (空き家), often translated as “abandoned house,” they may imagine a ghostly structure left to decay, offered for free or at rock-bottom prices. While such properties do exist, the common narrative surrounding akiya is misleading. In reality, when an akiya is listed with a price, it is simply a second-hand… More
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A brief guide to finding your apartment in Japan
If you are planning on renting an apartment in Japan, there is a lot of information you will need to know to be prepared. In this article, I will explain the most important points as succinctly as possible, while linking each point to a more detailed article for those interested. The following will be covered:… More
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How apartment applications work in Japan
Once you’ve found an apartment you like in Japan, you’ll need to submit an application in order to put the property on hold. Apartment applications aren’t too complicated, but they do require a lot of information. In this article we will explain what documents you need, the information you will need to prepare, and what… More
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When should you start searching for an apartment in Japan?
If you’ve decided to move to Japan, or are already in Japan and know you need to move soon, it’s natural to want to start looking at apartments as early as possible. Depending on your plans and needs though, searching too early could end up being an inefficient use of your time. In this article,… More
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How to Find a Good Real Estate Agent in Japan as a Foreigner
Finding a good real estate agent in Japan can be a challenge, especially for foreigners who may not be familiar with the language, regulations, or market conditions. A reliable agent can make the process smooth and make you feel supported through the entire process. Here’s what to look for and how to find the right… More
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How to Buy a Home in Japan as a Foreigner: A Step-by-Step Guide
Buying a home in Japan as a foreigner is more straightforward than many people expect. Unlike many other countries, Japan does not have restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate. Whether you’re looking for an investment property, a second home, or a permanent residence, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process. 1.… More
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(Webinar02) How to Buy a Home in Japan as a Foreigner
Global interest in Japanese residential real estate is perhaps at an all-time high. Japan offers property buyers a stable and transparent economic and legal framework, freehold property rights and a safe and vibrant living environment, especially in Tokyo. More recently, the Japanese real estate market also offers opportunities for price appreciation and a very favorable… More
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How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Japan?
Most commonly, you can expect 4-6 month’s rent worth of costs when moving into a Japanese apartment. But what kind of fees do you need to pay? And in total, how much can you expect to have to pay upfront? In this short article, I will explain everything you need to know about apartment costs… More
