Are Japanese Real Estate Agents Required to Help Foreigners?

Are Japanese Real Estate Agents Required to Help Foreigners?

If you’re a non-Japanese buyer interested in purchasing property in Japan, one of the first challenges you may face is finding a real estate agent who’s willing—or able—to help. Unlike many countries where equal service is expected by law, the situation in Japan can feel less clear-cut.

So, are Japanese real estate agents required to help foreigners? The short answer: **No, they’re not required to—**but many do, and more are becoming foreigner-friendly with the growing interest in Japanese real estate.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re a foreign buyer looking for agent support in Japan.

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1. There Is No Legal Obligation to Serve Foreign Clients

Japanese real estate agents are licensed professionals governed by the Real Estate Brokerage Act (宅地建物取引業法). While this law regulates how agents must present properties, disclose information, and manage contracts, it does not require them to work with everyone.

Agents are allowed to turn away clients if:

• They don’t speak the same language
• They are unfamiliar with how to handle foreigner paperwork
• They believe communication issues may cause contract risk
• They prefer to avoid legal complexity involving visas, inheritance, or foreign income

This isn’t necessarily discrimination—many agents are simply cautious due to unfamiliarity or lack of resources.

2. Language Is Often the Main Barrier

The most common reason agents hesitate to work with foreigners is the language barrier. Real estate transactions involve:

• Legally binding contracts (in Japanese)
• Important verbal explanations of property conditions
• Coordination with banks, city offices, and legal affairs bureaus

If the agent doesn’t speak English—and the buyer doesn’t speak Japanese—it increases the risk of misunderstanding or liability. Some agents will require that you bring your own interpreter or Japanese-speaking representative to proceed.

3. Some Agencies Specialize in Foreign Clients

The good news? More and more agencies are now catering specifically to foreign buyers, particularly in popular areas like:

• Tokyo
• Kyoto
• Osaka
• Fukuoka
• Niseko
• Okinawa

These firms often provide:

• Bilingual agents
• Translated contracts and materials
• Support with bank transfers, visas, and legal issues
• Connections with international tax and legal advisors

At Old Houses Japan, we partner with these kinds of agents and help foreign buyers navigate properties that other firms might avoid.

4. Even Japanese-Only Agencies Can Be Persuaded (With Help)

In many rural or akiya transactions, the seller’s agent may only speak Japanese and initially be reluctant to work with a foreigner. But when you bring in:

• A Japanese-speaking liaison
• A bilingual real estate advisor
• A judicial scrivener or lawyer

…it often puts the agent at ease and allows the deal to move forward. This is where platforms like Old Houses Japan make a major difference—we act as your bridge and take pressure off local agents who may be unsure how to help you on their own.

5. Tips for Finding Foreigner-Friendly Agents

✅ Use websites that offer English listings (or ask Old Houses Japan to filter them for you)
✅ Reach out to agents with specific questions to gauge responsiveness
✅ Mention if you already have a translator, interpreter, or Japan-based representative
✅ Be respectful of their limitations—especially in smaller towns
✅ Focus on partnerships, not just expectations. A little patience goes a long way.

How Old Houses Japan Helps

We’ve built relationships with agents across Japan who:

• Are open to working with international buyers
• Understand how to explain contracts clearly
• Can handle long-distance or remote transactions
• Are willing to collaborate with our bilingual support team

If an agent isn't willing to work with you directly, we can often mediate, translate, or recommend an alternative who will.

Final Thoughts

Japanese real estate agents are not legally required to work with foreign buyers—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. With the right support system and cultural understanding, many doors open. Whether you’re fluent in Japanese or just getting started, Old Houses Japan is here to help you find agents who are ready to help you succeed.