Find a local agent
Find and compare a real estate agent in Japan
In Japan most people find an agent through one of the big property portals, which let you request free valuations (査定) from several local real estate companies (宅地建物取引業者) at once and compare them. Sellers often use these multi-company appraisal tools, while buyers and renters frequently start from a portal listing or a personal referral.
Where to find and compare agents in Japan
- SUUMO (Sell / Appraisal)
The sell-and-appraisal section of Japan's largest property portal, operated by Recruit, where you enter your property once and request free valuations from several vetted local agencies to compare.
- LIFULL HOME'S Appraisal
The appraisal arm of a major portal that lets you compare thousands of participating real estate companies by profile and specialty and request valuations from several at once, including an anonymous option.
- AtHome Appraisal
A free bulk-appraisal service from a large portal with a wide network of affiliated agencies, letting you send one property to multiple local companies and compare their responses.
- MLIT Licensed Real Estate Business Search
The official Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism register where you can search and confirm that a real estate company holds a valid takken licence before working with it.
How to choose a good one
Request valuations from a few companies rather than one, since fees and service vary and the listing agency relationship is negotiable. Confirm the agent's takken licence and identification, look at their recent sales and specialty in your area, and ask which costs and brokerage commission apply before you sign.
For the full method, what to ask, how to compare fees, and how to vet an agent anywhere, see our guide to finding and comparing a real estate agent.
. Agent directories and fees change, so confirm current details on each site.