What changed in Japanese real estate in October 2026 (so far)

MLIT's survey of FY2025 shows 133,727 licensed brokers at the end of March 2026, 1,436 more than a year earlier. Supervisory dispositions rose by 16 to 163: 85 licence revocations (14 fewer), 36 business suspensions (20 more) and 42 instructions (10 more). Administrative guidance rose by 176 to 768. A further 34,714 people registered as real estate transaction specialists, bringing the total to 1,243,738.

Why it matters to trainees: these are industry statistics, not a change to exam rules or dates. See MLIT's release of October 2.

MOJ Ordinance No. 23 of 2026 took effect on October 5. Nationality (or the designated region) is now included in search information submitted by natural persons applying to become registered owners in preservation, transfer and specified other registrations. Corporations and owners who are not the registration applicants are excluded from this simultaneous submission procedure. MOJ's public-comment response confirms that Japanese and foreign nationals are covered and the nationality information remains non-public. Check the official procedural guidance for the applicable registrations and documentary exceptions.

Why it matters to trainees: this took effect after the April 1, 2026 baseline. Confirm treatment in 2027 against RETIO's guide for that year; the effective date alone does not establish exam coverage. See our explainer and MOJ's response and procedural guidance.

On October 6 the Cabinet decided orders fixing the start of part of the amended Architects Act (Act No. 74 of Reiwa 8, promulgated on July 31, 2026). From April 1, 2027, every contract for design or construction supervision undertaken by an architect must be in writing, and preparing an estimate becomes a duty to endeavour. MLIT’s October 6 release lists October 9 for promulgation.

Why it matters to trainees: the date falls on April 1, 2027, the day the next exam's law baseline is expected to be set, but it concerns architects' contracts, not brokerage. We have not seen RETIO list it as exam material. See MLIT's release of October 6.

MLIT announced on October 7 and held on October 9 the first meeting of a panel to review the standard form, guidelines and commentary for long-term repair plans. The review follows a July 31 revision of the national basic policy on condominium management. That revision, which takes effect on April 1, 2027, sets certification criteria for developer applicants, whose eligibility is added by the statutory amendment taking effect on the same date.

Why it matters to trainees: the April 1, 2027 date again lines up with the baseline, but the guidelines under review are not law. Sources: MLIT notice of October 7 and the July notice.

MLIT announced on October 2 and held on October 8 the first meeting of a study panel on housing maintenance and distribution. It is to discuss a market framework that encourages upkeep of housing quality and performance, and ways for buyers of existing homes to trade with confidence. According to the notice, the meeting was closed to the press apart from its opening.

Why it matters to trainees: the panel has published draft discussion directions, but holding this meeting does not itself create a new binding rule. If it leads to a law, that would be the one to watch for existing-home brokerage. See MLIT's notice of October 2.