Finding a home in Tokyo can be hard for several reasons, especially for expatriates who are new to the country.
Looking for a home in Tokyo can be really tough, especially if you don't speak Japanese well. It can be confusing to understand rental contracts, talk to landlords, and figure out what to do. This can make you feel lost and stressed.
There are also many rules and costs that are different from other countries. You might need a guarantor, pay key money, and deal with other fees that you’re not used to. This can make renting or buying a home feel complicated and scary.
Not all properties are available to foreigners. Some landlords are hesitant to rent to non-Japanese tenants due to perceived risks and communication barriers.
I’m a freelance real estate agent and system engineer in Tokyo, and I'm here to make finding a home in Tokyo easy for you.
As a fellow foreigner, I’ve lived in Tokyo for almost 20 years. Having navigated the challenges of finding a home in Tokyo myself, I am committed to guiding my clients through the complexities of the Japanese rental and buying market with honesty, transparency, and a deep understanding of their unique needs.
My goal is to make the process of finding a home in Tokyo as smooth and stress-free as possible, ensuring that every client feels supported and confident in their decisions. With a focus on excellent customer service and local expertise, I strive to be the trusted real estate partner for foreigners in Tokyo.
With over 20 years of living in Tokyo, I have firsthand experience navigating the local real estate market.
As a licensed real estate notary and financial planner, my deep understanding of the cultural and legal nuances ensures that you receive expert guidance tailored to your needs.
Leveraging my skills as a system engineer, I provide a modern, tech-savvy approach to real estate.
From virtual tours to data-driven market analysis, I utilize technology to make your home search efficient and stress-free.
Fluent in English, Chinese, and Japanese, I bridge the communication gap, making it easier for you to understand every step of the process.
This ensures clear, effective communication with landlords and their real estate agents.
Honesty, transparency, and personalized support are the cornerstones of my service.
I am dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction and making your transition to a new home in Tokyo as smooth as possible.
Just send me an inquiry from this website, and we will schedule an online meeting to discuss your needs and preferences, such as location, budget, and property type. During this meeting, we can also see if we are a good fit to work together.
We look for properties together. I will provide a list of available properties that match your criteria, and you can send me your list of properties you're interested in as well.
I will schedule appointments to visit the selected properties. I will accompany you to provide additional information and answer any questions you may have.
Once you have chosen a property, I will help you submit a rental application. This typically includes personal information, proof of income, and identification documents. I'll guide you through completing and submitting the necessary paperwork.
If your application is approved, we will proceed to sign the rental contract. The contract will be in Japanese, so I can assist in translating and explaining the terms and conditions. Make sure to read and understand all clauses before signing.
Prepare for the initial payments, which may include a security deposit (敷金, shikikin), key money (礼金, reikin), my agent fees, and the first month's rent. I will provide a detailed breakdown of these costs.
Once the contract is signed and initial payments are made, we can arrange your move-in date. I will help coordinate with the landlord for any preparations needed before you move in.
On move-in day, you will receive the keys to your new home. Please conduct a thorough inspection of the property and note any existing damages or issues. Report these to the landlord or me to avoid disputes later.
I will continue to provide support even after you move in, helping with any issues that arise and ensuring a smooth transition into your new home.
Just send me an inquiry from this website, and we will schedule an online meeting to discuss your needs and preferences, such as location, budget, and property type. During this meeting, we can also see if we are a good fit to work together.
If you require financing, I will assist you in getting pre-approval for a mortgage from a bank. This involves submitting documents such as proof of income, property information, and identification. Additionally, we will work on a detailed budget plan, considering all potential costs such as down payment, agent fees, and other associated costs. Knowing your budget upfront will help guide our property search.
We look for properties together. I will provide a list of available properties that match your criteria, and you can send me your list of properties you're interested in as well.
I will schedule appointments to visit the selected properties. I will accompany you to provide additional information and answer any questions you may have.
Once you have chosen a property, I will help you conduct preliminary checks, including the property’s legal status, any existing loans, and any potential issues with the property. We will also review and update your financing plan to ensure it aligns with the chosen property. Unlike typical Japanese real estate agents, I provide this comprehensive service to ensure you are fully informed and prepared.
With your financing in place, I will help you make an offer to the seller. This includes negotiating the price and terms of the sale. If the offer is accepted, we move to the next step.
Once your offer is accepted, we will proceed to sign the purchase agreement. I will assist in translating and explaining the contract terms. Ensure you understand all clauses before signing.
If you require financing, I will help you finalize your mortgage application. The bank will conduct a detailed assessment of the property and your financial status before approving the loan. Then prepare for initial payments, including the down payment, my agent fees, stamp duty, and registration fees. I will provide a detailed breakdown of these costs.
Before the final handover, conduct a thorough inspection of the property to ensure everything is in order. I will help coordinate the handover process, including transferring the property title and receiving the keys.
Congratulations! Once all payments are made and the title is transferred, you can move into your new home. I will be available to assist with any issues that arise during the move-in process.
I will continue to provide support even after you move in, helping with any issues that arise and ensuring a smooth transition into your new home.
Please note that these fees are standard practices in Japan, and it's important to budget for them when planning your move or purchase. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. I'm here to help you navigate the real estate market in Japan with ease and transparency.
Get in TouchIt covers the services including property search, viewings, negotiations, and assistance with the application process.
This commission is typically paid once the rental contract is signed.
This means it's free until you sign the contract.
It covers the services including property search, viewings, negotiations, contract signing assistance, and support throughout the buying process.
The commission is generally paid upon the successful closing of the property purchase.
This also means it's free until you sign the contract.
I'm here to help you find your perfect home in Tokyo. Whether you have questions, need more information, or are ready to start your property search, feel free to reach out. Let's make your home buying or renting experience smooth and stress-free.