List of Real Estate Portal Sites in Japan A typical first step when buying real estate in Japan is to search for property listings online. There are several websites that list Japanese properties. In this post we will provide a list of the most popular Japanese property listing websites (with descriptions), and give you a plan that will help you be successful as you take steps to rent or buy property in Hokkaido. Before we begin: Find out why you should always speak with a buyer’s agent before you try to contact a particular listing you see online. An initial conversation, including advice abo ..read more

Listing Agreements for Property Sellers’ in Japan In every property transaction in Japan, there are two sides; the seller and the buyer. And commonly, there are two agents; a seller’s agent and a buyer’s agent. In almost all cases, the seller and the seller’s agent will sign an agreement, so they are clear about their relationship, the agent’s fees and responsibilities, and how the agent will help the seller to find a buyer for the property. For help finding a pre-screened seller’s agent in Hokkaido – contact us anytime. We are happy to help. A Listing Agreement in Japan is Called a Mediation ..read more

Sapporo Real Estate Agents Sapporo is the fifth largest city in Japan, and the largest city in Hokkaido. The vast majority of the population of Hokkaido is located in Sapporo, and that is where the majority of the real estate is located as well. When you’re ready to find a real estate agent in Sapporo, you’ll have many choices. Referrals to Sapporo Real Estate Agents At Find Hokkaido Agents we have the largest database of real estate agents in Hokkaido. We specialize in providing personalized introductions to pre-screened real estate agents in Hokkaido that speak English and other languages. W ..read more

2022 Population of Otaru, Hokkaido by Year As part of our series on real estate in Hokkaido, we present some population statistics for Otaru, Hokkaido. Otaru, A City by the Sea Otaru is a seaside city, with a canal that historically served shipping and business interests. Until the early 1900s, Otaru was a significant business and financial center, with substantial trading with the US and European countries. There was a railroad connection to Sapporo, that helped pass goods from the see to the capital. Otaru is a beautiful city, popular with both Japanese and International tourists. Like much ..read more

Average Price for Land in Niseko As we work with clients that are interested in buying property in Niseko, we have receive many requests about Niseko land prices. Visitors come to Niseko on vacation, enjoy the snow and the natural environment, and often begin thinking about buying a house in Niseko, or make plans to buy Niseko land for development (immediately, or in the future). Which leads to a common question: “How much is land in Niseko?” Niseko Land Price per Square Meter As of this report, the average price for undeveloped land in Niseko is about ¥93,000 per square meter. For compariso ..read more

Find a Lawyer in Hokkaido For business and other needs, foreigners and expats commonly need the services of a lawyer in Hokkaido. In fact, for foreigners trying to buy property or to extend their stay in Japan, a local Hokkaido attorney often provide services that are an essential part of a successful plan. In this post, we’ll describe some of the various types of lawyers in Hokkaido, and in particular, the role attorneys play in helping foreigners with real estate and related needs. Kinds of Lawyers in Japan To begin with, there are two basic categories of legal help in Japan: “Lawyers” “Non ..read more

How many Foreigners Live in Sapporo? As part of our research on Sapporo real estate, we present some data on the estimated numbers of foreigners living in Sapporo, as well as the percentage of foreign born population in Sapporo from each country. Foreign Residents in Sapporo Sapporo is a big city (the fifth largest city in Japan), but unlike Tokyo, it does not have a particularly large population of foreign residents. Based on recent data (see below), approximately 16,000 foreigners live in Sapporo city, which is less than one percent of the total residents of Sapporo. And while not as famous ..read more

Rent Guarantor Cost for an Apartment in Sapporo As part of our series on Renting an Apartment in Sapporo, we will share what you need to know about an apartment guarantor company in Sapporo. What is a Guarantor Company for Rent When you’re renting an apartment in Japan, it is common that the owner of the property will want a “guarantee” that the rent will be paid (in the United States, they would call this a co-signer). A guarantor for property is usually a person; could be a relative. In some cases, your employer can act as your guarantor when you rent an apartment. In some parts of Japan, yo ..read more

2022 Niseko Population Statistics, Hokkaido As part of our series of reports on real estate in Niseko, Hokkaido, we bring you some relevant Niseko population statistics. Below we’ll provide trends about the population of Niseko (and Kutchan town), and also show the relative size of Niseko, with local comparisons to the population of Sapporo or the population of Otaru. We also provide some light data on foreigners in Niseko (yes, Australians, and more). Niseko City Population? As we describe in our post on The Niseko Story (about Niseko’s peak season, real estate, and more), we explain that wha ..read more

How to Find a Hokkaido Real Estate Agent As you consider buying property in Hokkaido, one of the most important steps is finding a local Hokkaido real estate agent that represents your interests and has the experience to help you make a smart purchase. This can be even more of a challenge (and even more vital) if you’re buying property in Japan as an expat or a foreigner. In this guide, we’ll give you a strategy to help you to be more prepared and to find a real estate agent you can trust. Below we’ll give you everything you need to find a Hokkaido agent, to understand their fees, and to have ..read more