When considering real estate transactions, whether buying, selling, or renting, you may often hear the term "brokerage fee."
Many people may wonder:
- What exactly is a brokerage fee?
- How much does it cost?
- Why is it necessary?
In this article, we will explain the basic concept of brokerage fees and the specific fees charged by SUNSUMAI.
What is a Brokerage Fee?
A brokerage fee is a commission paid to a real estate company for facilitating a purchase or rental transaction.
Since buying, selling, or renting real estate involves specialized knowledge and negotiations,
brokerage fees serve as compensation for ensuring a smooth transaction.
Brokerage Fee Limits in Japan
In Japan, the maximum brokerage fee that a real estate company can charge is legally regulated.
For Real Estate Sales
Maximum Fee: 3% of the sale price + ¥60,000 + tax
Example: If the property price is ¥30 million
¥30,000,000 × 3% + ¥60,000 = ¥960,000 (+ tax)
For Rental Transactions
Maximum Fee: 1 month’s rent + tax (shared between tenant and landlord)
Example: If rent is ¥100,000 per month
¥100,000 × 1 month = ¥100,000 (+ tax)
Who Pays the Rental Brokerage Fee?
Brokerage fees for rental transactions are usually paid in one of the following ways:
- Tenant Pays Full Amount (Common Practice)：A case where the tenant pays one month's rent plus tax.
- Tenant & Landlord Split the Fee (Common Practice)：A case where the tenant and landlord each pay half a month’s rent.
- Landlord Pays Full Amount (SUNSUMAI’s Policy)：A case where the landlord pays one month’s rent plus tax, and the tenant pays nothing.
| Fee Distribution | Tenant Pays | Landlord Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant Pays Full Amount (Common Practice) | 1 month’s rent (+ tax) | ¥0 |
| Tenant & Landlord Split the Fee | 0.5 month’s rent (+ tax) | 0.5 month’s rent (+ tax) |
| Landlord Pays Full Amount | ¥0 | 1 month’s rent (+ tax) |
SUNSUMAI’s Brokerage Fees
For Real Estate Sales
- Buyer：New Property: ¥0, Pre-Owned Property: Sale Price × 3% + ¥60,000 (+ tax)
- Seller：Sale Price × 3% + ¥60,000 (+ tax)
Unlike many real estate agencies, SUNSUMAI does not charge a brokerage fee for new property buyers.
This reduces the financial burden on buyers and makes the purchasing process smoother.
| Buyer | Seller | |
|---|---|---|
| Common fee structure | Sale Price × 3% + ¥60,000 (+ tax) | Sale Price × 3% + ¥60,000 (+ tax) |
| SUNSUMAI | New Property: ¥0 Pre-Owned Property: Sale Price × 3% + ¥60,000 (+ tax) | Sale Price × 3% + ¥60,000 (+ tax) |
For Rental Transactions
- Tenant：¥0 (Free)
- Landlord：Negotiable
To reduce the initial costs for renters, SUNSUMAI offers free brokerage fees for tenants.
| Tenant | Landlord | |
|---|---|---|
| Common fee structure | 1 month’s rent (+ tax) | 1 month’s rent (+ tax) |
| SUNSUMAI | ¥0 (Free) | Negotiable |
Is It Okay for the Brokerage Fee to Be Free?
You might wonder, “Is there a downside to free brokerage fees?”
At SUNSUMAI, we operate by receiving compensation from landlords and property sellers, so buyers and tenants do not have to bear unnecessary costs.
Additionally, this system benefits landlords and sellers by:
- Attracting More Buyers & Tenants：Lower upfront costs make properties more appealing.
- Faster Deals：Lower financial barriers lead to quicker contract signings.
- Fewer Fee Negotiations：Eliminates disputes over brokerage costs.
Conclusion
For anyone considering buying, selling, or renting a property, brokerage fees are an important factor.
SUNSUMAI reduces customer costs by offering free brokerage fees for buyers (new homes) and tenants.
However, if we are unable to receive a brokerage fee from the seller or landlord, some properties may not qualify for a free service.
Interested in a property? Feel free to ask us, "Can this be free?"