How to search for a property in Japan

Navigating the Real Estate Market in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the Real Estate Search Process in Japan

Looking for properties in Japan can be a hassle and often takes a considerable amount of time. Here’s a brief explanation to help you understand how to search for a property here.

How Real Estate Companies Search for Properties

Maido, like all other real estate agencies, uses a common database to search for properties. There are many databases, but the most famous and accurate one is called Reins: Real Estate Information Network Systems for IP Service. This platform contains 70% of all current real estate information in Japan. Other platforms cover the remaining 29%. These applications are available only to professionals in the market.

Note: These applications are not very user-friendly, making the research process very analog and time-consuming.

The "Off-Listing" Market

The remaining 1% is what we call the "off-listing" market, which includes information not available in the database:

• Fresh Listings: Properties that are so new they haven't been entered into the database yet.
• Owner Preferences: When owners choose not to list on the platform to avoid costs.

Accessing Off-Listing Properties

Accessing off-listing properties relies heavily on the branding and network of the real estate company. Having a strong brand and network helps secure these rare and often excellent opportunities. Advanced information and exclusive listings are key to achieving sales and boosting the credibility of a real estate company.

Understanding Platforms like Suumo and Homes

Platforms like Suumo and Homes are not real estate agencies but portals that list offers from various real estate agencies. An agency doesn’t need to manage a property to list it, which is why you often find multiple similar listings for one property. Some dishonest agents may list outdated properties or lie about rental prices just to obtain your contact information.

Suumo, while being more of a commercial platform than a real database, has its benefits. Its user-friendly interface and accurate, high-quality photos provide a valuable visual aid for your search, complementing the less visual databases used by real estate professionals.

Expert Advice for Expats in Japan

As a professional and a long-term expat in Kansai, my strong advice is:

1. Initial Research: Start by browsing Suumo and Homes to get an idea of prices and areas.
2. Choose a Trustworthy Agent: Select a real estate agent you trust to help you navigate the sea of information in Japan.

I always tell my friends that in real estate, you often cannot negotiate directly with the owner. So, don’t try to save money by avoiding real estate agents, but be careful when choosing one. Having a reliable agent can make all the difference in finding your perfect home in Japan.

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