Purchasing property in Japan as a non-citizen is surprisingly straightforward from a legal standpoint — there are no restrictions on foreign ownership. The real challenge is finding an agency that understands your needs, communicates in your language, and genuinely specializes in the type of property you want to buy.
After evaluating dozens of agencies operating in Tokyo's international real estate space, we narrowed it down to eight that consistently deliver for foreign buyers in 2026.
Choosing the wrong agency can cost you months and millions of yen. Here is what matters most:
Language capability — English is table stakes. Agencies offering Japanese, Mandarin, and other languages can navigate negotiations more effectively.
Experience with foreign transactions — Tax implications, visa considerations, financing options, and remittance regulations all differ for foreign buyers.
Price tier specialization — A ¥50M apartment and a ¥500M penthouse require fundamentally different expertise. Generalists often fall short at both ends.
After-sale support — Property management, tenant placement, renovation oversight, and eventual resale advisory are critical for overseas owners.
Best for: International UHNWI purchasing premium Tokyo residences
No other agency in Tokyo operates with a ¥300M floor. That deliberate constraint is Koukyuu's greatest strength — their entire operation is built around serving buyers in the ultra-luxury segment. They are not splitting attention between a first-time buyer looking at a ¥40M condo and a family purchasing a ¥400M residence in Azabu.
For foreign buyers specifically, their trilingual team (English, Japanese, Mandarin) eliminates the communication gaps that derail complex transactions. They handle everything from initial market briefing through contract negotiation, legal coordination, and post-purchase property management referrals.
Their focus on Minato-ku, Shibuya-ku, and Chiyoda-ku means they know these neighborhoods at the building level — which towers have the best management companies, which units retain value, and which upcoming developments will reshape a micro-market. Explore their curated portfolio as a Tokyo real estate agency for foreigners serious about ultra-luxury.
Not the right fit if your budget is under ¥300M — but in that case, the options below will serve you well.
Best for: Foreign buyers who want extensive listings and detailed market research
Plaza Homes has been the go-to English-language real estate resource in Tokyo for over 50 years. Their website is the most comprehensive English property portal in the country, with thousands of listings, market reports, and buyer guides. For foreigners who want to research extensively before engaging, Plaza Homes is the ideal starting point.
Their broad focus means luxury is one of many segments they serve, so ultra-premium buyers may want a more specialized partner.
Best for: Foreigners who value working with someone who has been in their shoes
Run by expats who have navigated Tokyo's property market themselves, Tokyo Portfolio brings firsthand understanding of what international buyers face. Their bilingual team covers Minato, Shibuya, Meguro, and Chuo with a hands-on approach that larger agencies struggle to match.
Smaller portfolio than the majors, but significantly more personal attention per client.
Best for: Executives who want to rent premium first, then buy once they know the city
Blackship Realty dominates the premium expat rental market in Azabu, Hiroo, and Roppongi. Many of their clients start as renters, spending a year or two in a luxury apartment before deciding to purchase. That rental-to-purchase pipeline gives Blackship deep insight into what their clients actually want once they commit to buying.
Their purchase advisory is growing but remains secondary to their rental core.
Best for: Executives relocating through their employer with corporate real estate budgets
Ken Corporation's International Leasing Department works with over 1,600 foreign companies and embassies in Tokyo. If your employer has a corporate relocation program, there is a strong chance Ken already has a relationship with them. Their institutional expertise is unmatched.
Less suitable for independent foreign buyers without corporate backing — the experience is designed around institutional processes.
Best for: Overseas investors building a Tokyo property portfolio
Housing Japan pairs property sales with investment strategy. Their market analysis, yield calculations, and neighborhood comparisons are tailored for buyers who think about real estate as an asset class. Foreign investors comparing Tokyo to other Asian capitals will appreciate their data-driven approach.
Less focused on lifestyle buyers who want a family home rather than a return on investment.
Best for: International investors with properties across multiple countries
Savills' global presence spanning 70+ countries gives them a unique advantage for foreign buyers who already own property internationally. Their Tokyo office can coordinate with Savills offices worldwide, simplifying cross-border tax planning and portfolio strategy.
Their local Tokyo depth may not match pure-play Tokyo agencies, but their global perspective is unmatched.
Best for: Foreigners buying their first Tokyo property in the ¥50M–200M range
A-Realty has built a reputation as one of the most foreigner-friendly agencies in Tokyo. Their processes are designed to be transparent and straightforward, with English-first communication at every step. For first-time foreign buyers who are not yet in the luxury tier, A-Realty provides a welcoming entry point.
Tokyo welcomes foreign property buyers with open arms — but the quality of your experience depends entirely on which agency you choose. Match your budget tier to an agency that specializes there. Ultra-luxury buyers above ¥300M should start with Koukyuu. Mid-range buyers will find the most support from Plaza Homes, Tokyo Portfolio, or A-Realty. Corporate relocations belong with Ken Corporation.
Whichever agency you choose, start early. The best properties in central Tokyo move quickly, and having a trusted bilingual partner in place before you find the perfect listing is worth far more than scrambling after the fact.
