Christie’s International Real Estate is expanding into Japan. The brokerage announced the launch of its first Japanese affiliate on Wednesday.
The firm is partnering with H2 Group, a Hokkaido-based lifestyle real estate services firm. H2 Real Estate, the group’s residential brokerage division, which has offices in Niseko and Furano, will be rebranded at H2 Christie’s International Real Estate.
The H2 Group was founded by Simon Robinson and Michael Chen. In addition to a residential brokerage division, the group offers development management, property management, and luxury rentals featuring curated lifestyle experiences in Hokkaido’s ski resort areas.
“With their luxury focus, strong international connections and innovative, full-service approach to real estate, Michael and Simon are the perfect partners to expand Christie’s International Real Estate in Japan and give the brand even greater visibility in East Asia,” Mike Golden, the co-CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate, said in statement.
According to Christie’s the H2 Group also signed a licensing agreement to grow the Christie’s International Real Estate brand throughout Japan, including in the key markets of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hakuba, Fukuoka and Okinawa.
“Our affiliation with Christies International Real Estate will give H2 even more credibility and reinforce our expertise in the Hokkaido luxury residential market,” Robinson said in a statement.
Helena de Forton, the managing director and head of EMFA & Asia for Christie’s added: “The Christie’s International Real Estate brand has tremendous growth potential in Asia thanks to a strong network and first-class operators like H2 Group. We are excited to be growing our footprint in this part of the world.”