In the United States, Zillow is a go-to platform for anyone looking to buy, sell, or rent a property. But what about in Japan?
The Japanese real estate market also offers a variety of online platforms designed to help individuals find their ideal property. However, it’s important to note that most of these platforms are primarily offered in the Japanese language. If you don’t speak Japanese, using Google Translate or a similar service is advisable when navigating these sites.
In this article, we will introduce you to the top alternatives to Zillow in the Japanese real estate market, focusing on platforms that cater to individual property seekers.
Let’s get started…
3 Major Real Estate Portals in Japan
1. SUUMO
- Operated By: Recruit Housing Company
- Types of Properties: Rentals and Sales
- Website: https://suumo.jp/
Suumo is operated by Recruit, a company famous for its job search platform, Rikunabi. The portal is characterized by its green color scheme and mascot. It has won numerous customer satisfaction awards and is known for its user-friendly interface.
2. LIFULL HOME’S
- Operated By: LIFULL Co., Ltd.
- Types of Properties: Rentals and Sales
- Website: https://www.homes.co.jp/
LIFULL HOME’S is Japan’s largest real estate portal in terms of the number of listings. The site is known for its orange color scheme and detective character often seen in its TV commercials.
3. AtHome
- Operated By: AtHome Co., Ltd.
- Types of Properties: Rentals and Sales
- Website: https://www.athome.co.jp/
AtHome is notable for having the most extensive network of over 55,000 affiliated real estate agencies.
Portals by Major Real Estate Companies
4. Ii Heya Net
- Operated By: Daito Kentaku Co., Ltd.
- Types of Properties: Rentals
- Website: https://www.eheya.net/
Ii Heya Net is operated by the Daito Kentaku Group, which has been the leader in managed properties for 21 years.
5. Century 21
- Operated By: Century 21 Japan Ltd.
- Types of Properties: Rentals and Sales
- Website: https://www.century21.jp/
Century 21 is the leading real estate franchise in terms of the number of stores.
6. CHINTAI
- Operated By: CHINTAI Corporation
- Types of Properties: Rentals and Sales
- Website: https://www.chintai.net/
CHINTAI is operated by a group company famous for its real estate franchise, “Able.
7. HomeMate
- Operated By: Tokken Corporation
- Types of Properties: Rentals
- Website: https://www.homemate.co.jp/
HomeMate is a franchise with branches all over Japan.
Portals by Companies Operating Various Sites
8. Yahoo! Real Estate
- Operated By: Yahoo Japan Corporation
- Types of Properties: Rentals and Sales
- Website: https://realestate.yahoo.co.jp/
Yahoo! Real Estate is operated by the well-known search engine company, Yahoo Japan.
9. Smocca
- Operated By: Jigen Co., Ltd.
- Types of Properties: Rentals
- Website: https://smocca.jp/
Smocca offers a unique feature where tenants receive a 50,000 yen gift upon moving in.
Portals by Real Estate Specialized Companies
10. Ielove
- Operated By: Ielove Group
- Types of Properties: Rentals and Sales
- Website: https://www.ielove.co.jp/
Ielove is operated by the Ielove Group and specializes in both rental and sales properties.
12. Ouccino
- Operated By: Ouccino Inc.
- Types of Properties: Rentals and Sales
- Website: https://o-uccino.com/
Ouccino offers a wide range of properties, including new constructions and second-hand homes.
Conclusion
If you’re an individual looking to navigate the Japanese real estate market, you have a wealth of online platforms at your disposal. Each portal comes with its unique features and advantages, offering a range of options to find the property that suits your needs. However, it’s important to note that most of these platforms are offered in the Japanese language only.
For those who prefer listings in English, Tokyo Portfolio (our website) is your go-to platform, especially if you’re in the market for high-end properties. Whether you’re interested in renting, buying, or exploring commercial spaces, Tokyo Portfolio provides comprehensive solutions for your property search in a language you’re comfortable with.
