Buying Property in Japan: A Complete Guide for Global Owners

Guide to Buying Property in Japan – Expert Support for Global Owners

Through this platform, you’ll be introduced to reliable agencies and expert guidance — whether for asset management, luxury property, or living in Japan.

3 Recommended
Japanese
Real Estate Agencies –
Tailored to Different Needs

Discover the best real estate services for your needs - whether you're looking for property investment and management, exclusive luxury properties, or budget-friendly residential options.

For Real Estate Investment
& Asset Management

Nomura Real Estate Solutions

Nomura Real Estate Solutions Official Website
Source: Nomura Real Estate Solutions Official Website
(https://www.nomu.com/english/)
Why We Recommend This Agency

From brokerage to management and valuation, they offer a wide range of real estate services.
Backed by Nomura Securities' network and insights, they enables investment-focused proposals that take into account both current returns and long-term growth potential.

Main Service Areas

Major metropolitan areas across Japan
(Tokyo 23 wards, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Sapporo, Fukuoka, etc.)

For High-End Luxury
& Resort Properties

TonTon Forbes
Global Properties

Source: TonTon Official Website
(https://tonton-inc.com/en)
Why We Recommend This Agency

The first and only partner in Japan (*1) of Forbes Global Properties, an international luxury platform that only allows membership to top real estate companies from each country.
They selectively introduce penthouses, resorts, and condominiums priced over USD 2 million.

Main Service Areas

Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and the rest of major cities in Japan.

For Finding a Home That Fits Your Lifestyle

Real Estate Japan

Real Estate Japan Official Website
Source: Real Estate Japan Official Website
(https://realestate.co.jp/en/)
Why We Recommend This Agency

Real Estate Japan is one of the largest portal sites in Japan with property listings for foreigners (*2), where you can research desired real estate properties by preferred area, requirements, and features.
With diverse affordable housing options available, you can easily find a home that matches your needs.

Main Service Areas

Nationwide

(*1) Source: TonTon Forbes Global Properties (https://tonton-inc.com/news/notice/3865 )
(*2) Source: realestatejapan (https://realestate.co.jp/en), as of May 29, 2025

Explained by Your Needs

3 Recommended
Real Estate Agencies
in Japan,
Tailored to Your Goals

For Real Estate Investment
& Asset Management

Nomura Real Estate Solutions

Nomura Real Estate Solutions Official Website
Source: Nomura Real Estate Solutions Official Website
(https://www.nomu.com/english/)

Reasons to Choose
Nomura Real Estate for
For Real Estate Investment & Asset Management

Nomura Real Estate Solutions offers practical support for international clients interested in real estate investment and asset management in Japan. Their services cover the complete process, including property search, due diligence, legal procedures, and post-purchase follow-up. This comprehensive approach makes it easier to navigate the market from overseas.

The company has a dedicated team for foreign investors, with multilingual staff available to assist in English, Chinese, Hindi, and Korean. As part of the Nomura Group, they can also help connect clients with financial institutions familiar with cross-border transactions.For those seeking reliable support and clear guidance, Nomura is a solid option for managing real estate investments in Japan.

Property Listings by Nomura Real Estate Solutions

  • Property Listings by Nomura Real Estate Solutions 1
    Source: Nomura Real Estate Solutions Official Website (https://www.nomu.com/english/id/ED2QX001/)
    • Property Type: Apartment
    • Price: ¥189,000,000 (tax details undisclosed)
    • Location: Hyogo, Kobe
    • Transaction method: Brokerage
  • Property Listings by Nomura Real Estate Solutions 2
    Source: Nomura Real Estate Solutions Official Website (https://www.nomu.com/english/id/EF816002/)
    • Property Type: Apartment
    • Price: ¥191,770,000 (tax details undisclosed)
    • Location: Tokyo, Adachi Ward
    • Transaction method: Brokerage

Company Info

Comany name Nomura Real Estate Solutions
Address Japan Office: Shinjuku Nomura Building, 1-26-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.
Hong Kong Office: 30F Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong.
Singapore Office: #28-04 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, 8 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018981
Phone Tokyo: +81-3-3348-9130 / HK: +852-2536-1380 / SG: +65-6509-0759
For Exclusive Luxury
& Resort Properties

TonTon Forbes Global Properties

TonTon Forbes Global Properties Official Website
Source: TonTon Official Website
(https://tonton-inc.com/en)

Reasons to Choose TonTon Forbes Global Properties for
High-End Luxury & Resort Properties

As the exclusive Japanese partner of Forbes Global Properties, a prestigious platform connecting luxury real estate professionals across 115 locations worldwide, TonTon offers access to properties that meet the highest global standards. Only the most reputable and accomplished agencies are admitted into this elite network.

Based in Tokyo and Singapore, TonTon’s expert team specializes in curating premium properties, including Tokyo penthouses, seaside resort villas, and luxury residences in Japan priced above USD 2 million.

From due diligence and legal or tax advisory to ongoing asset management, TonTon provides end-to-end support. Transactions are conducted via an encrypted platform to ensure privacy and security—offering a seamless, confidential, and elevated investment experience.

View TonTon Forbes
Global Properties Listings

  • TonTon Residence
    Source: Forbes Global Properties Official Website (https://www.forbesglobalproperties.com/members/tonton-inc)
    • Property Type: Residence
    • Price: ¥1,850,000,000 (US $12,818,650) (tax details undisclosed)
    • Location: Near Yoyogi Park, Tokyo
    • Transaction method: Brokerage
  • TonTon Residence
    Source: Forbes Global Properties Official Website (https://www.forbesglobalproperties.com/listings/secluded-residence-in-the-heart-of-aoyama-tokyo)
    • Property Type: Residence
    • Price: ¥5,100,000,000 (US $35,337,900) (tax details undisclosed)
    • Location: Aoyama, Tokyo
    • Transaction method: Brokerage

Company Info

Comany name TonTon Forbes Global Properties
Address Japan Office: 3F, KDX Nakameguro Building, 1-5-4 Higashiyama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0043, Japan
Singapore Office: 2 KALLANG AVENUE #07-25 CT HUB SINGAPORE (339407)
Phone +81-3-3711-8358
If You Want to Research Homes That
Fit Your Lifestyle

Real Estate Japan

Real Estate Japan Official Website
Source: Real Estate Japan Official Website
(https://realestate.co.jp/en/)

Reasons to Choose
Real Estate Japan for
Finding a Home
That Fits Your Lifestyle

Real Estate Japan is a trusted platform for expats and international residents looking to buy a home suited to their lifestyle in Japan. It features a wide range of listings—from city apartments to family houses—with clear descriptions, photos, and transparent pricing. Full English-language support and expert guidance help users navigate the buying process with confidence.

The platform removes common hurdles like language barriers and connects buyers with agents experienced in working with foreigners. For those planning to settle in Japan, it offers a simple, reliable path to finding the right home.

Property Listings by
Real Estate Japan

  • Property Listings by Real Estate Japan 1
    Source: Real Estate Japan Official Website (https://realestate.co.jp/en/forsale/view/1188115)
    • Property Type: House
    • Price: ¥61,800,000 (tax details undisclosed)
    • Location: Kyoto, Fushimi
    • Transaction method: Brokerage
  • Property Listings by Real Estate Japan 2
    Source: Real Estate Japan Official Website (https://realestate.co.jp/en/forsale/view/1239197)
    • Property Type: Apartment
    • Price: ¥80,800,000 (tax details undisclosed)
    • Location: Osaka, Shimmachi
    • Transaction method: Brokerage
  • Property Listings by Real Estate Japan 3
    Source: Real Estate Japan Official Website (https://realestate.co.jp/en/forsale/view/1128345)
    • Property Type: Apartment
    • Price: ¥37,200,000 (tax details undisclosed)
    • Location: Kanagawa, Yokohama
    • Transaction method: Brokerage
  • Property Listings by Real Estate Japan 4
    Source: Real Estate Japan Official Website (https://realestate.co.jp/en/forsale/view/1204537)
    • Property Type: House
    • Price: ¥62,000,000 (tax details undisclosed)
    • Location: Fukuoka, Fukuoka City
    • Transaction method: Brokerage

Company Info

Comany name GPlusMedia Inc.
Address Sotokanda S Bldg. 4F, 5-2-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone +81-3-5829-5900

Japanese Real Estate Agencies List

We’ve curated a list of trusted real estate agencies and services in Japan to help you find the right fit.
Each company profile highlights key strengths, service areas, and example properties—making it easier to compare options and choose based on your needs and goals.

A luxury-focused agency offering full support from brokerage to property management. Known for handling high-end homes in Japan support available in English and Chinese. Main service areas: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama.

Address Japan Office: 3F, KDX Nakameguro Building, 1-5-4 Higashiyama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0043, Japan
Singapore Office: 2 KALLANG AVENUE #07-25 CT HUB SINGAPORE (339407)
Phone +81-3-3711-8358

A trusted name for real estate brokerage and consulting in Japan’s urban markets. Ideal for investors looking for mid- to large-scale properties in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.

Address Japan Office: Shinjuku Nomura Building, 1-26-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hong Kong Office: 30F Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong
Singapore Office: #28-04 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, 8 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018981
Phone Tokyo: +81-3-3348-9130 / HK: +852-2536-1380 / SG: +65-6509-0759

One of the largest online portals for foreigners buying property in Japan. Users can search by area, property type, and lifestyle preferences—all in English.

Address Sotokanda S Bldg. 4F, 5-2-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone +81-3-5829-5900
View more

A go-to for luxury rentals and sales in central Tokyo. Perfect for expats, with bilingual agents guiding you from property search to contract signing.

Address 7F BPR Place Kamiyachō, 1-11-9 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone Not listed on official website

Specializes in properties for foreigners and wealthy clients in Tokyo’s Minato Ward. Provides English-language support, translation services, and daily living assistance for a smooth life in Japan.

Address 1-9-12 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone +81-3-3588-0131

Over 50 years of experience in Tokyo and Yokohama’s luxury market. Offers one-stop service for rentals, sales, and asset management, with English-speaking staff always available.

Address 1-2-7 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone +81-3-5413-5666

Supports overseas buyers with personalized service and off-market listings. Offers bilingual market insights and property sourcing tailored for global investors.

Address Room 401, H¹O Aoyama, 3-1-30 Jingūmae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone +81-3-6434-0801

Part of the global Sotheby’s network, focusing on high-end properties in Tokyo and Kanagawa. Support available in English and Chinese.

Address 7F LIST EAST BLD., 3-35 Onoe-chō, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Singapore Office 111 Somerset Road #15-04 TripleOne Somerset, Singapore 238164
Phone 045-671-1195

Specializes in supporting foreign investors with property purchases and asset management. Offers a seamless one-stop service, including research, buying, and ongoing management—particularly strong in regional cities and tourist areas.

Address 1-4-17-202 Sakurazaka, Chūō-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Phone +81-92-834-2373

Provides English-language listings and brokerage services for international residents and investors. Known for strong support for non-Japanese speakers and smooth communication throughout the transaction process.

Address 5-15-12 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone +81-3-5447-8700

One of Japan’s major real estate companies with a broad nationwide network. Offers bilingual support for both personal and corporate clients, covering everything from residential to investment properties.

Address Kasumigaseki Building, 3-2-5 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone +81-3-6758-4060

Focuses on rentals and sales for foreign nationals. Bilingual agents offer housing solutions customized to expat lifestyles and investor goals.

Address 1F Bykouns Building, 1-11-36 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone +81-3-3584-6171

Specialists in luxury resort properties in Niseko and Furano. Multilingual teams support purchases of vacation homes and commercial properties in Japan’s top ski regions.

Address B1F Hirafu 188 Building, 1-3-6-24 Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Phone 0136-21-6960

Connects overseas investors to a wide range of properties—urban, regional, and resort. Staff fluent in Japanese, English, and Chinese offer easy, reliable consultations.

Address Tokyo Office: 2-1-29 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Osaka Office: 1-16-15 Minami-Horie, Nishi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Hong Kong Office: 16F Wing Lok Commercial Centre, 235 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan
Phone Tokyo: +81-3-6277-6094 / Osaka: 06-6563-9419 / HK: +852-9265-1016

Tailored for international investors focused on high-end apartments and resort assets. Provides full support from financial planning to post-purchase management with strong investment expertise.

Address 4F Koyo Building, 2-2 Sakuragi-chō, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Phone 045-550-3733

Handles a broad range of investment and vacation properties in Tokyo and nearby areas. Provides support in English and Chinese, including complex purchase procedures and post-sale management.

Address 4F Nihon Kodokai Building, 1-6-3 Nishikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone +81-3-6261-4097 / +81-3-6261-4096 (Overseas Division)

A full-service agency handling everything from Tokyo condos to detached homes. Supports international buyers from search to handover, all in English.

Address 14F Jingūmae Tower Building, 1-5-8 Jingūmae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone +81-3-6635-2195

Supports foreign investors in purchasing and managing properties in major Japanese cities. English and Chinese-speaking teams offer end-to-end assistance from property selection to rental management.

Address 2F MO Building, 3-14-15 Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone Not listed on official website

Offers nationwide support for foreign buyers, from property search to post-purchase operations. Covers a wide range—from Hokkaido to Okinawa—with a strong one-stop service model.

Address 1-2 Minato-machi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
Phone 089-921-1567

Utilizes a global network to assist with everything from buying property to asset and tax management. Handles a diverse range of properties, including resorts and city housing.

Address 3-4-10 Nihonbashi, Chūō-ku, Tokyo
Phone +81-3-6202-0148

Known for its strong presence in Tokyo and Yokohama, especially with luxury high-rise apartments. Multilingual consultants assist with asset management and inheritance needs.

Address 1-9-5 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone English: 0120-085-006 / Chinese: 0120-307-887

Yamamoto Property Advisory supports Singapore investors with end-to-end English assistance for secure, transparent property purchases across Japan, covering selection, legalities, financing, and management.

Address3-18-1-301 Tsuruma, Fujimi City, Saitama 354-0021
Phone+81-3-6915-7078

Shiki Real Estate was established in 2020 following six years of property investment support since 2014. We offer end-to-end services specializing in Kyoto and Kansai real estate for foreign buyers, leveraging extensive bicultural expertise.

Address173-5 Sanjo Aburanokoji-cho, Nakagyo-ku Kyoto-shi Kyoto-fu, Japan
Phone075-285-3420

SUGEE Housing offers multilingual support, remote consultations, and guidance for foreign buyers, providing mainly rental listings and personalized advice for Singapore-based clients exploring property in Japan.

AddressAmagasaki K.R Building 5F, 3-90-1, Showa Dori, Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture
Phone+81-6-6423-8240
A Regional Breakdown of Japan’s Property Market

A Regional Breakdown of Japan’s Property Market

Japan’s real estate market offers diverse opportunities for global buyers, from luxury resorts in Hokkaido to redevelopment hotspots in Osaka and Fukuoka. Each city has its own risks and rewards, making it essential to understand trends, regulations, and strategies. This guide highlights key market insights and practical tips for Singaporeans investing in Japan.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido

While land prices in Sapporo surge and luxury resorts in Niseko sell out, Hokkaido remains a strong investment destination. Yet, challenges like rising construction costs and limited land add complexity. This guide highlights key trends in hotel and vacation rental investments, plus tips on selecting the right local partners for success.

Tokyo

Tokyo

In Minato, Chuo, and Shibuya wards, land prices are steadily climbing, and demand for hotels and vacation rentals is also expanding. From long-term capital gain strategies to urban second-home ownership, we break down key price indicators and the essentials for investing in Japan’s capital city.

Kyoto

Kyoto

Due to strict landscape regulations, new construction in Kyoto is limited, making it a rare and competitive market. With unique hurdles such as permit acquisition and renovation costs, investors must carefully assess both cultural value and financial risk. This section highlights strategic points to keep in mind when entering Kyoto’s property market.

Osaka

Osaka

Osaka is drawing attention with the upcoming World Expo and IR (Integrated Resort) developments, driving rapid growth in accommodation demand. Diverse investment strategies are possible: capital gains through Umeda redevelopment, high-yield short-term rentals in Shinsaibashi, and early-stage investments in bayside and Morinomiya districts.

Fukuoka

Fukuoka

Fukuoka, a compact international city just 10 minutes from the airport, is gaining attention thanks to major redevelopment projects like Tenjin Big Bang and Hakata Connected, along with a surge in inbound tourism. With airport expansion and active promotion of international events and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), foreign capital is flowing into local development projects.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property in Japan

Whether you're planning to purchase, own, or eventually sell property in Japan, understanding the process is essential. This guide covers everything from buying procedures and associated fees to taxes and legal steps—helping you make informed decisions every step of the way.

Janese taxes

How Real Estate Taxes Work in Japan:
Essential Knowledge for Investors

When buying property in Japan, several taxes apply beyond the purchase price. This section explains the key taxes you’ll encounter, including acquisition tax, registration and license tax, fixed asset tax, city planning tax, and income tax. It's a helpful overview for anyone budgeting for a real estate purchase in Japan.

3 Recommended
Japanese Real Estate Agencies
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