The Value of Comparing Global Real Estate Markets in One Place

On May 19 and 20, 2026, the global independent real estate network 'LeadingRE (Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®)' hosted the 'APAC Forum & Investor Exchange,' with our International Property Agents (IPA) leading the event's organization in Japan.

Real estate professionals from around the world—including the Asia-Pacific region, the United States, Europe, Dubai, and Africa—gathered in Tokyo for this forum.

Representatives from the global real estate industry convened in Tokyo to actively discuss the latest market trends and the potential for cross-border real estate investment.

As interest in overseas real estate grows, so does the number of critical factors investors must consider before purchasing—such as local legal systems, tax regulations, financing options, property management, and exit strategies. This article presents the highlights from the sessions held in Akasaka, Tokyo, along with an exclusive interview with Mr. Oka, a key member of our team who led the planning and execution, offering insights into the future trends of overseas real estate investment.

1. What is the APAC Forum & Investor Exchange?

The APAC Forum & Investor Exchange is an international forum where real estate companies, agents, and investment professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region and worldwide gather to exchange information on the latest trends in the global real estate market and emerging investment opportunities.

During this Tokyo edition, industry experts with deep knowledge of their local markets shared valuable on-the-ground insights that go beyond headlines and statistics—revealing the true dynamics of their respective markets.

As the lead organizer in Japan, our IPA team coordinated international expert participation, session planning, and networking opportunities. This event was highly significant for IPA, reinforcing our role as a bridge connecting Japanese investors with global real estate markets.

2. Global Experts Unite: Highlights from the APAC Forum

On May 20, at the Akasaka InterCity Conference Center, top agents and real estate specialists from around the world shared real-time, on-the-ground market insights that went far beyond news headlines. The venue became a vibrant hub of information exchange, bringing together participants at the forefront of global real estate investment.

Trends Among Japanese Investors and Key Considerations for Overseas Purchases: Mr. Suzuki from our IPA team took the stage to present the latest trends in global markets of interest to Japanese investors—such as the U.S., Australia, Europe, and Dubai—and explained the essential legal, tax, and operational checkpoints that must be verified before purchasing overseas property.

Insights into Gateway Cities in the West and Dubai’s Market: Active discussions were held with local agents on lifestyle shifts among buyers in major U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, and Miami, as well as the growth drivers behind Dubai and other Gulf regions, which continue to attract strong investor interest.

Emerging Markets in Asia and Africa, and the Appeal of Branded Resort Residences: Investment opportunities were comprehensively covered across diverse themes, including practical entry strategies into Asian markets such as Thailand, South Korea, and Malaysia, emerging real estate markets in Africa, and the value proposition of branded resort residences that attract international buyers worldwide.

3. [Special Interview] Mr. Oka, Lead Organizer, Shares the Inside Story of the APAC Forum

An exclusive interview with Mr. Oka, a key member of our team who led the planning and execution of this forum.

With top agents from the U.S., Europe, Asia, Dubai, and even Africa gathering under one roof, this was an exceptionally international forum. Having led such a large-scale global event, how do you feel about the experience?

What stood out most was 'the value of being able to compare and understand global real estate markets all in one place.'

Typically, investors are exposed only to information about their home country or limited regions. But this time, top agents from the U.S., Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa—each with vastly different economic backgrounds and investment cultures—came together, many of whom we rarely get to interact with.

As a result, rather than just property introductions, we were able to share in real time:

Where global capital is flowing right now

What risks are being identified in each country

Which cities are entering their next growth phase

This real-time exchange of insights was incredibly valuable.

It was also significant that representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism participated, helping international attendees better understand Japan’s policy direction.

Additionally, numerous cross-border partnerships were formed, reinforcing IPA’s role as a 'hub connecting Japan with the world.'

With so much market information exchanged, were there any particular points during the sessions that stood out as 'interesting for Japanese investors' or 'trends that must not be missed'?

What was particularly striking was the global acceleration of 'diversified investment' and 'lifestyle-driven investment.' I felt that more people will begin shifting their bases according to their life circumstances, rather than being tied to a single country. Perhaps it’s wise to secure an EU Golden Visa now while the opportunity exists.

Previously, investment focused mainly on yield. But now, more investors are choosing properties by considering factors such as:

Quality of education Ease of long-term stay Visa and tax policies Safety Potential for future relocation

In particular, in Dubai and certain parts of Southeast Asia, there is a strong influx of young affluent individuals and families, accelerating a trend of simultaneously considering 'living, working, and wealth building.' It’s understandable that more parents want to raise their children in English-speaking environments.

On the other hand, the Japanese market was highly praised for its 'stability,' 'transparency,' and 'favorable environment due to the weak yen,' and I strongly sensed renewed interest in Japanese real estate.

One-on-one meetings and networking between investors and experts were also very active at the event. What kinds of 'encounters' and 'enthusiasm' did you observe on-site?

What was most impressive was the strong atmosphere of 'building trust.'

For example:

International agents asking in-depth questions about the Japanese market

Agents from across Asia discussing cross-border deals

Participants actively seeking long-term partners

Conversations focused not on sales, but on 'who we can build lasting relationships with' were very common.

Many one-on-one meetings turned into deep discussions, with participants overcoming language barriers to connect. The level of engagement and passion among attendees was truly remarkable.

Finally, how do you plan to leverage the valuable information and networks gained from this forum to benefit IPA’s clients moving forward? Please share your outlook.

We believe the greatest assets gained were 'real-time market intelligence' and 'directly connected global networks.'

While vast information is available online, insights gathered directly from top agents and developers actively operating on the ground carry a sense of authenticity and realism.

Going forward, IPA will