How to Choose and Check a Real Estate Agent in Kyoto
1. Verify the real-estate license
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism provides an official search system for licensed real-estate businesses. Search by company name or license information. Official licensed-agent search
2. Check administrative actions
MLIT also operates a negative-information search site where administrative actions against real-estate businesses can be checked. For Kyoto-licensed businesses, Kyoto Prefecture also publishes supervisory-action information. MLIT negative information / Kyoto Prefecture
Use official systems as one layer of due diligence, then check current reviews, the specific office and the person who will actually handle the sale.
3. Search the company name + “掲示板” and read low-star reviews
For Japanese consumer feedback, search the company name together with 掲示板 (message board), 評判 (reputation) and トラブル (trouble). On Google reviews, read 1- and 2-star reviews first and look for repeated patterns such as pressure to sign, poor follow-up, unclear fees or unexplained price changes.
Anonymous posts are not verified facts. Use them to identify questions to ask—not as proof that an allegation is true.
4. If the property is a condominium, check the management company too
The building’s management quality can affect buyer confidence, long-term repair planning and the documents available during due diligence. Research the management company name, its reputation and the building’s management records.
5. Compare the reasoning, not just the appraisal number
| Ask each agent | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which comparable sales support this price? | Shows whether the appraisal is evidence-based. |
| What is the listing-price strategy? | A high appraisal can simply become an unrealistic asking price. |
| Who is the likely buyer? | Local resident, investor, overseas buyer, developer, etc. |
| How will the property be marketed? | Portal listings alone are not a full marketing plan. |
| What happens if there is little response? | Reveals whether there is a realistic review process. |
Want multiple proposals?
Use several appraisal portals and compare agencies after removing duplicates.
Appraisal portal guide →