We hope you will find this information useful when considering the use of real estate purchase resale agents as a new option for selling real estate.
Basic Concept of Real Estate Purchase Reseller
Definition and Role of a Real Estate Purchase Reseller
A realestatepurchase reselleris a real estate company that purchases real estate directly from individuals or corporations, renovates or remodels it as necessary, and then resells it to third parties.
As compensation for this risk-bearing, the purchase price is generally set at a certain level lower than the market price.
Fundamental difference from a conventional intermediary
Understanding the differences between a real estate purchase and resale agent and a traditional brokerage is critical to selecting the appropriate sales method.
The following table summarizes the key differences.
Item |
Purchase and resale agency |
Intermediary |
Transaction form |
Direct purchase (vendor is the buyer) |
Brokerage (brokerage of sale to a third party) |
Period of sale |
Immediate to about 1 week |
About 3 to 6 months |
Sale price |
Approx. 70-80% of market price |
Close to market price |
Commission fee |
Not required |
Brokerage fee (3% + 60,000 yen + consumption tax) |
Pre-viewing |
Not required |
Necessary |
Liability for non-conformity to contract |
Often exempted |
Seller bears responsibility |
Timing of encashment |
Simultaneous with settlement |
After the buyer's mortgage loan approval |
The brokeracts asa bridge between the seller and the buyerand aims to sell the property at the highest possible price.
This fundamental difference creates differences in transaction terms and procedures.
Position in the Industry and Market Size
According to statistics from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the percentage of purchase and resale in the existing home distribution market is increasing every year.
Financial institutions are also becoming more aggressive in their lending stance toward the purchase-and-resale business, which is encouraging business expansion.
Structure and Process of Purchase and Resale
Overall flow from purchase to resale
The purchase-and-resale businessconsists of three main phases:acquisition of properties,renovation to enhance their value, andresale to the market.
The detailed process for each stage is explained below.
Phase 1: Property Acquisition Process
The acquisition of a property by a purchase and resale company proceeds in the following steps.
In theappraisal and investigationphase, the subject property is comprehensively evaluated in terms of its location, building condition, legal restrictions, market trends, and other factors.
An important part of this stage isto accurately calculate theestimated resale valueandestimated renovation costs.
Experienced buyers and resellers utilize their own databases and expertise to perform highly accurate assessments.
The following factors are considered indetermining the purchase price
-Assumed resale value
-Renovation and refurbishment costs
- Miscellaneous expenses during the holding period (property taxes, management fees, etc.)
- Sales activity expenses
-Appropriate business profit
Taking all of these factors into consideration, thepurchase price is generally set at70-85% of the market price.
Contracts and settlementsare quickly proceeded with as soon as an agreement is reached with the seller.
In most cases, it takes one to two weeks from appraisal to settlement, and the seller receives cash.
Phase 2: Repairs and Renovations to Increase Value
The post-purchase renovation processis the core ofvalue-addedcreation inthe purchase and resale business.
In formulating the renovation plan, the target buyer demographic is clarified and the details of the renovation are determined according to their needs.
For example, when targeting families, we will emphasize functionality and safety, while for singles, we will focus on design and convenience.
In implementing the construction work, the following types of renovations are typically undertaken
-Upgrading of water facilities (kitchen, bathroom, washbasin, toilet)
- Complete interior renewal (wallpaper, flooring, lighting fixtures)
- Floor plan changes (reconfiguration of space by removing or building new walls)
- Renewal of facilities (water heater, air conditioner, intercom, etc.)
-Exterior improvements (exterior wall painting, balcony renovation, etc.)
Quality controlis an important factor in the success of a project.
Ensuring construction quality and adherence to the construction schedule will ensure that the project proceeds as planned.
Phase 3: Resale activities to the market
Appropriate pricingandeffective salesstrategies are important forresale activities after the completion of renovation.
Inpricing, the appropriate sales price is determined based on a comprehensive analysis of the property's value after renovation, the surrounding market price, and market trends.
Precise pricing based on market sense is required, as too high a price setting will prolong the sales period and too low a price setting will worsen profitability.
Sales activitiesinclude posting on real estate portal sites, providing information to brokers, and creating a model room-like viewing environment.
We aim for early sales by effectively promoting the property's appeal, which has been improved by the renovations.
Price Determination Mechanism and Basis of Calculation
Purchase Price Calculation Method
Purchase price = estimated resale price - renovation costs - overhead costs - reasonable profit
Theestimated resaleprice is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of similar properties, current market trends, location characteristics, and other factors.
Overhead costsinclude the following items.
Cost items | Contents |
Fixed costs during the holding period | Property tax, city planning tax, management fee, and reserve for repairs |
Financing costs | Procurement cost of purchase funds, interest expenses |
Selling expenses | Advertising expenses, brokerage fees, registration fees |
Others | Insurance premiums, tax accountant fees, various procedural costs |
Resale Price Setting Strategy
In setting the resale price, itis important to strike a balance betweenmarket competitivenessandprofitability.
By setting prices that match the needs and purchasing power of target customers, efficient sales can be achieved.
Strategic Role of Renovation and Remodeling
In the purchase and resale business, renovation and remodelingare positioned as an important means of creatingadded value, rather thansimplyrestoring the property to its original condition.
Responding to modern lifestyles
In order to achieve the functionality and comfort demanded by modern homebuyers, the following renovations are emphasized
Spaces must be created to accommodate new work styles, such as a separate study or a work corner in the corner of the living room.
Energy Conservation and Environmental Consideration
Improved insulation performanceimproves living comfort and reduces utility costs.
These capital investments provide long-term benefits to purchasers and contribute to improving the competitiveness of the property.
Combination of design and functionality
Through the adoption ofmoderndesign, we create attractive living spaces that do not show the age of the building.
By eliminating steps, installing handrails, and ensuring wide corridor widths, we provide housing that can be lived in with peace of mind well into the future.
Advantages and disadvantages of purchase and resale
Merits from the seller's point of view
Quick turnaround to cash
The greatest merit isthe short time from sale to cash.
If you need to raise funds foryour business, you can quickly convert real estate into cash and raise funds without missing out on business opportunities.
Reduction of burdens associated with the sale
Theelimination of the need to respond to previewsis a major advantage, especially when selling a property that is being lived in.
Since the brokerage fee is "sale price x 3% + 60,000 yen + consumption tax," the higher the price of the property, the greater the savings.
Transaction with high certainty
The buyer's mortgage examination riskcan beavoided.
In the case of sale by intermediary, there is a risk of market price decline during the sale period, but in the case of purchase, the price is fixed at the time of appraisal and is not affected by market fluctuations.
Demerit from the seller's side
Restrictions on sale price
The biggest disadvantageis that the sale price is below the market price.
A detailed analysis of the factors contributing to the price difference consists of the following
Item |
Percentage of market price |
Repair/renovation costs |
10-15% of the total |
Miscellaneous expenses during holding period |
2~3% (% of market value) |
Sales activity expenses |
2~3% (2~3%) |
Business risk and reasonable profit |
5~10% Total reduction |
Total reduction |
19-31% Total reduction |
It is important to evaluatethis price difference interms ofreturn on investment.
The seller must make the best choice based on a comprehensive evaluation of the price difference and the benefits of quick cash conversion, simplified procedures, and risk avoidance.
Limitations of Choice
Another disadvantage is that the choices ofbuyersare more limited than those of intermediaries.
Since purchase and resale companies focus on properties that have good prospects for resale, they may refuse to purchase properties depending on the location and condition of the building.
Advantages from the Buyer's Perspective
Acquisition of renovated properties
The ability to acquire a property in aready-to-move-incondition is a major advantage for buyers.
Compared to renovations conducted by individuals, purchase and resale agentsutilize economies ofscaleto conduct efficient renovations, resulting in a reduced burden on the buyer.
Quality Assurance
A certain level of quality is assuredthrough construction by specialized contractors.
Many purchase and resale companies offer post-sale defect handling and maintenance services, providing peace of mind after the purchase.
Disadvantages from the Buyer's Perspective
Restrictions on customization
A disadvantage is that it is difficult tocustomize the product according to personal preferences.
If you want to change the floor plan or facilities after purchase, you will need to remove the new facilities and re-construct them, which may be more expensive.
Price Premium
The pricedifference froma new propertymay not be as large as expected.
Compared to similar properties in the same area, it is necessary to carefully determine whether the price increase for renovation costs is appropriate.
Overall evaluation of advantages and disadvantages
Time value evaluation
Evaluate thetimebenefitinterms of monetary value.
Opportunity profit obtained by early conversion to cash, time cost reduction effects such as response to previews, and mental burden reduction effects are comprehensively evaluated and compared with the price difference.
Evaluation of Risk Tolerance
Appropriate evaluation ofrisk aversionvalue.
We evaluate the value of the exemption from contractual non-conformity liability, avoidance of buyer's mortgage screening risk, and avoidance of market price fluctuation risk, in accordance with the seller's risk tolerance.
Consideration of Individual Circumstances
Theseller's individual circumstancesmust be fully considered in making a decision.
We will select the most appropriate method of sale, comprehensively taking into account the urgency of the need for funds, the burden of property maintenance and management, tax considerations, and other factors.
How to Select a Purchase and Resale Agent
How to identify a reliable vendor
Evaluation of business performance and experience
Confirmation of business experienceis the basis for selecting a vendor.
Through information such as before/after photos, refurbishment details, and sales records, we can evaluate a builder's technical capabilities and sense of style.
Confirmation of financial soundness
We evaluate the stability of the builder by confirming thecapital and financial condition of thebuilder.
Selecting a builder that has appropriate insurance coverage, such as business liability insurance and construction insurance, will ensure that the builder is prepared for any accidents or problems that may occur.
Confirmation of Legal Compliance
Confirmation of thebuilding lot and building transaction business license isa must.
Membership in major organizations such as the National Federation of Building Lots and Buildings Transaction Business Associations and the Real Estate Distribution Management Association is proof of a certain level of reliability.
Assessment Price Validity Evaluation
Comparative assessment by multiple vendors
We will obtain appraisals from about3 to 5vendors and evaluate the appropriateness of the prices.
An appraisal report that clearly states the property's evaluation points, planned refurbishment areas, and anticipated issues shows the high level of expertise of the builder.
Comparative analysis with market value
We verify the appropriateness of the appraisal value by conducting our own research on thesurrounding market.
By comparing the contracted prices of properties with similar building age, area, location, etc., we can determine the appropriateness of the appraisal value.
Confirmation of detailed contract conditions
Purchase Price and Payment Terms
Confirmation ofprice finality.
Confirm in advance the division of burdens for registration fees, stamp fees, reimbursement of property taxes, etc., to avoid unexpected burdens.
Contract Cancellation Conditions and Scope of Liability
Confirmcontract cancellationconditions in detail.
We clarify the timing of delivery, the current condition of the property, disposal of leftover items, and the method of handing over the keys to ensure a smooth transaction.
Checklist for Selecting a Builder
Evaluation Items | Check Details | Evaluation |
Business performance | Number of purchases per year, number of years in business | ○/△/× |
Financial soundness | Capital, relationship with financial institutions | ○/△/× |
Legal compliance | Licenses/permits obtained | ○/△/× |
Appropriateness of appraisal | Clarity of Basis of Assessment | ○/△/× |
Contract terms | Clarity of price and payment terms | ○/△/× |
Quality of response | Explanation politeness, response | ○/△/× |
After-sales service | Post-sale support system | ○/△/× |
Characteristics of vendors you should be aware of
Characteristics of vendors to avoid
Be wary of vendors that offerextremely high appraisalprices.
Frequent phone calls and pushy sales visits raise questions about sound business operations.
Measures to Avoid Trouble
Be sure to confirm thedetails of the contract.
Even if you are asked to make an immediate decision, allow at least several days for consideration and make a calm decision.
Points for identifying a good vendor
Characteristics of vendors that should be actively chosen
A vendor that providestransparentexplanations is trustworthy.
A builder that can provide high-quality renovations with professional human resources, such as architects and interior coordinators, can be expected to improve resale prices and, consequently, purchase prices.
Conclusion
Real estate purchase resale agentsare playing an important role in the real estate market as anew alternativeto traditional brokerage sales.
Based on the content explained in this article, we reiterate the following key points.
Key Points of Using Purchase Resale Agencies
Rapid cashconversion andsimplified proceduresare the biggest advantages.
Comprehensive consideration of the urgency of funding needs, property characteristics, tax considerations, future plans, etc., and comparison with a sale through an intermediary will allow you to select the most appropriate sales method.
Future Market Outlook
The real estate purchase and resale market isexpected to continue to grow on the back ofeffective utilization of housing stockanddiversifying consumer needs.
Inaddition,from anESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) perspective, the business has increasing social significance as it contributes to the creation of a sustainable housing stock.
Next Action Steps
If you are considering selling your real estate, we recommend that you proceed with the following steps
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the sale of real estate, please feel free to contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. How is the purchase price determined?
Q2. Can I be refused to purchase the property?
Q3. Can the price be changed after the contract is signed?
Q4. Which should I choose, purchase or brokerage?
Q5. Are there any tax considerations?

Daisuke Inazawa
Representative Director of INA&Associates Inc. Based in Osaka, Tokyo, and Kanagawa, he is engaged in real estate sales, leasing, and management. He provides services based on his extensive experience in the real estate industry. Based on the philosophy that “human resources are a company's most important asset,” he places great importance on human resource development. He continues to take on the challenge of creating sustainable corporate value.