Why I Started This Service
One day, while I was in Osaka for my business, I happened to be browsing a community page on Facebook for the Brisbane suburb of Tarragindi where my family and I used to live.
There, I came across a post that said:
“Hi, is there anyone in the community with experience purchasing property in Japan from Australia. I’m a non-Japanese speaker and am finding it difficult navigating the websites I need to for research. Am happy to pay for your time, thank you.”
As someone staying in Australia on an investor visa, I immediately understood how this person felt.
After all, property prices in Japan are about one-third of those in Australia. There was a strong desire to buy, but at the same time, the language barrier created a dilemma—how to even begin researching?
I genuinely wanted to help.
The post mentioned that he was willing to pay for assistance, but I responded by saying that I would do it for enjoyment and that the Queensland minimum wage would be enough for me.
A few days later, I received an MS Word document from him, listing his questions.
The file contained around ten fundamental concerns—questions that anyone considering purchasing real estate in Japan would naturally have.
As a licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist who has been thinking about business and investment since my late 20s, I found these questions extremely simple.
More than that, after analysing his situation, I realised that what he was hoping for was not actually the best course of action for him.
So, while I had to tell him that his initial idea might not be feasible, I provided responses that outlined the best possible approach for his situation.
His response to my reply changed everything.
Up until that point, I had been running businesses in both Japan and Australia, but all of my services had been targeted at Japanese clients.
For a long time, I had been wondering if there was a way to do something meaningful for the people living in Australia. However, I had never found a clear answer.
But that single message from him gave me clarity—I realised that I could contribute to Australian society through my knowledge and experience.
This was the beginning of my new career.
Why Me?
I am not involved in selling real estate in Japan. Throughout my experience in both Japan and Australia, I have always been on the buyer’s side. The logic of sellers and buyers is entirely different.
All real estate companies operating in Japan provide services by acting as sellers.
There is nothing more dangerous than signing a real estate contract simply based on what the seller tells you.
Do you believe that all Japanese people are honest and trustworthy?
The answer is no.
This is a universal truth, especially in the real estate industry.
My compensation is solely based on providing advantageous advice to Australian buyers.
I am not in a position to profit from selling properties. This naturally means that I have no incentive to push subpar properties onto clients. Instead, I build trust by working in the best interests of Australian buyers, which in turn results in my compensation.
When you consider this natural dynamic, it becomes clear that:
I am in the best position to support you when purchasing real estate in Japan.
I am a qualified real estate transaction specialist in Japan, with legal knowledge and hands-on experience in both Japanese and Australian real estate transactions—making me a rare resource in this field.
I am fluent in Japanese, but more importantly, I understand Japan’s business culture and real estate practices, which is critical for navigating transactions successfully.
Additionally, I have over 20 years of business experience in Japan, along with extensive investment experience.
This is also recognised by the Queensland and Australian government.
This is because my visa was assessed based on my previous business achievements in Japan and was issued through an invitation from the Queensland government under the Business Innovation and Investment Visa stream.
If my achievements were not genuine, I would not be living in Australia with a business investment permanent visa (Visa Subclass 888).
This means I approach real estate transactions like a business, focusing on minimising risks, reducing initial investment costs, and negotiating effectively.*
Traditional real estate agencies do not operate with this mindset, which is why I believe my services offer unique value.
My approach ensures that you get the best possible deal while mitigating risks—something that typical real estate intermediaries do not prioritise.
*I do not provide advice as an investment advisor under the law. Additionally, my services are limited to real estate transactions in Japan.
Not Only Help To Buy Properties
I have extensive experience in real estate transactions and property ownership in both Japan and Australia.
I have built a new home in Japan, fully renovated an aging reinforced concrete property for corporate use, and purchased a detached house in Brisbane, Australia.
Through these experiences, I have gained firsthand knowledge of the legal and business practice differences between Japan and Australia, the process of constructing a new home, tax regulations, issues with older properties, and the entire renovation process—from contract negotiations to project completion.
I have personally encountered and navigated all the challenges that Australians may face when purchasing real estate in Japan.
More importantly, these experiences come from the buyer’s perspective, not the seller’s.
When I purchased and renovated an older property, the process was not without difficulties.
I dealt with electrical system upgrades due to aging infrastructure and roof leak repairs, which are not common in standard residential purchases.
When building my own home, I discovered that the lead carpenter was elderly and causing multiple issues.
To ensure a higher-quality build, I negotiated with the construction company, had all the carpentry work redone, and replaced the lead carpenter with a younger, more capable professional.
These experiences have proven invaluable in providing practical and realistic advice to my clients today.
Consulting
Services
Q&A Service
I provide written answers to common questions that arise when purchasing real estate in Japan. Document preparation is available at a rate of $50 per hour. This is our most popular service.
Property Research
I conduct research based on specific criteria or for particular properties. Additionally, I directly contact real estate agencies handling the properties to assist in obtaining property documents and provide translations into various languages.
Property Tour Assistance and Interpretation
Once you have identified a specific property, we assist with inquiries to the real estate agent, support the deposit payment process, and accompany you from Australia as an interpreter for the property inspection. Additionally, we can help arrange accommodation and other necessary arrangements. Enjoy a stress-free property viewing trip with our support.
Contract Review Service
on 100% buyer’s side
Real estate sales contracts in Japan are highly complex, and even native Japanese speakers often struggle to fully understand them. As a certified Real Estate Transaction Specialist, I will carefully review the contract to ensure every detail is clear. I am not a seller—I am 100% on the buyer’s side. My goal is to help you avoid unfavourable contract terms and support you throughout the process.
Hazard Map and Stigmatised Property Investigation Service
We provide a service that researches and compiles reports based on hazard maps issued by local municipalities. Additionally, we conduct investigations to help ensure that you avoid purchasing properties with a history of incidents such as suicides or homicides.
Home Maintenance Support
Maintenance requirements vary between urban areas and snowy regions. In snowy regions, even a small mistake can lead to burst pipes, making the property uninhabitable.
We assist in ensuring reliable maintenance using the most efficient and cost-effective methods.
Airbnb Maintenance Support
In Japan, short-term rentals (Minpaku) are regulated by law. The standard limit for rental operations is 180 days per year, but in certain government-designated areas, special zone Minpaku regulations allow for more flexible rental terms.
We not only research and support your property purchase before you buy, but we also offer comprehensive consultation on cleaning, management, and operations after your purchase. Feel free to reach out for full support.
Real Estate Registration Support (Title registration)
I introduce trusted lawyers who specialise in real estate and corporate registration. Additionally, I act as an intermediary between you and the lawyer, ensuring that all your questions are answered while assisting you throughout the registration process.
New Home Construction Support
If you want to purchase vacant land and build a new home in Japan, I provide support by acting as an intermediary between you and Japanese construction companies or builders who do not speak English.
Renovation Support
If you want to purchase a second-hand property in Japan and renovate it but face language barriers or struggle to find a renovation style that matches your vision, I provide support from researching renovation offices to arranging meetings and assisting with discussions.
Land Purchase Support
I provide support for purchasing land in Japan. Japanese land is categorized by zoning regulations, such as designated land use zones, urbanization areas, and urbanization control areas, some of which may have restrictions on construction. I conduct thorough research in advance to ensure the land meets your specific needs.
My qualification for real estate
A Qualified residential land and building trader (Takken-shi) is a nationally certified qualification for conducting real estate transactions in Japan.
4.9
Out of 5
Out of 5 What My Clients Say
4.9
Tats’ advice is entirely buyer-focused, allowing me to avoid being misled by dishonest real estate companies and ending up with a bad property. He is an indispensable partner for my ongoing real estate investments in Japan.
Sophie Mitchell
5.0
When I first wanted to buy real estate in Japan, he helped me through the process. Initially, I was considering it as a holiday home, but thanks to his guidance, I was able to make the best choice from an investment perspective as well. I am still grateful for his support.
Emma Collins
4.8
I purchased a holiday home in Osaka. While some real estate agencies in Japan offer bilingual services, I realised that most of them are not run by Japanese, which puts foreigners at a disadvantage when it comes to negotiations. This experience made me understand that when dealing with Japanese real estate transactions, it is best to rely on a trustworthy Japanese professional.
Thanks to his support, I was able to secure a great property under favourable terms. I truly appreciate his help.
Chloe Anderson
4.9
I entrusted Tats with everything from property research to accompanying me on inspections, attending the contract signing, and reviewing the contract. I was deeply impressed by his thorough dedication to protecting the buyer, and thanks to his support, I was able to purchase my desired property in Kobe. I sincerely appreciate his help.
Olivia Reynolds
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