[Thank you]

congrats on acting so quickly, a nice forum you have here

[FEATURES: Interview with "Fattwins"]

From a newcomers perspective this is a great initative for the site.

 

I really enjoyed the interview and learning a little more about fattwins and what brought him to Japan

 

Cheers

[face shots and rooster-tails]

jeez, this thread isn't helping my SDS (snow deprivation syndrome) one little bit

[Goggles]

yep yellow for me. I hate flat light more than anything !

[What does Habuka need?]

 Quote:

Originally posted by panhead_pete:
I get there but through researching as much as I can b4 getting there via this site and many other sources I will be prepared as much as possible.

I plan to live the dream where ever that takes me, not just talk about it. This may just be the next chapter.

besides Pete, research is half the fun !

Follow your dreams, you only live once

[Who's buying in Hakuba]

yeah, love to know if you don't mind sharing

 

Congrats.

[What does Habuka need?]

 Quote:

Originally posted by le spud:
I asked my Japanese girlfriend, I said babe, what do you think Hakuba would benefit from? She thought about it for a while and to my surprise, she suggested a titty bar.

[Who's buying in Hakuba]

 Quote:

Originally posted by thursday:
TJ, you thinking of off-loading already?

[Who's buying in Hakuba]

as per my earlier post, I am seriously thinking about it

[Opinions on Japanese ski property]

Drop Inn, good to get the perspective of a Hakuba local, thanks for posting.

 

From our perspective, i can only say I would much prefer a more authentic cultural experience. That is why Hakuba appeals more than Niseko, not just the price.

[Opinions on Japanese ski property]

Some very interesting comments in this thread. A great read.

 

My thoughts are this. I want to ski more, an overseas trip can cost me and my better half A$15,000 and more quite easily. I also only get limited holidays a year.

 

I could afford a place in Hakuba which might say cost A$160,000. That is the cost of say 10 or so overseas trips, but I also then have ongoing property ownership costs over that.

 

The market, may or may not improve. I can't help think that Japan is one of the few places left in the world where you can buy something so close to a ski hill where snow conditions are often excellent. In that scenario prices sooner or later are likely to increase, especially if the country is just beginning to emerge from an economic slump. I realise that is simplistic as other economic conditions and factors need be met.

 

Travelling to Japan is not too difficult for Europeans and Australians at least. Much of the future investment is likely going to be overseas money so it can't be too difficult to travel to.

 

Besides, whilst I am not a fantastic skier I love it, I really do, it is my wife and my passion. There are many others like us. So, we often travel massive distances, 36 hours door to door to get to a resort, without too much trouble. Somewhere closer appeals, not just to us, but to others I am sure.

 

So, any purchase for us, would be just that, something we can use a few times a year, hopefully reducing our holiday costs and being able to ski more, using Xmas and Easter hols for example. (Fights may also be a tax deduction to inspect your "investment" property.)

 

Also, there is perhaps an opportunity to rent it out, if the demand is there. We won't make a fortune I know, it may help a little though. We are not loaded with cash, like perhaps many of you we are just trying to find a way to ski a little more without changing our lives too dramatically. Who knows, we may decide Japan is not for us and move onto researching another area, but research itself is a lot of fun

 

Now, if money were no object I would probably buy in Europe,say Zermatt or Chamonix. I am English and to have a place back in Europe with the ease of travelling to other countries and to other world class resorts close by would appeal enormously. However I can't really aford to and it is too far away from Oz, at this stage in my lfe.

 

Now.....back to the reseach

[Opinions on Japanese ski property]

 Quote:

Originally posted by Fattwins:
but I would also hope that people respect the other people in the area. whether it be in Hakuba or Niseko.

Or indeed, in Sydney, London, my hometown Hailsham or any other place in the world. If moving to an area, or investing in an area you need respect and compliment that area in my view.

Anyway, back on topic, I don't want to upset the opening poster

[Opinions on Japanese ski property]

 Quote:

Originally posted by thursday:

 Quote:

Originally posted by holo:
I will as you suggest contact a couple of the Niseko agents to get their thoughts as well.

Yes, get some unbiased views from them.

ooh, you cynic thursday, or is that realist

[Opinions on Japanese ski property]

thanks for the info and links all. Especially thanks Rag-Doll for typing all that out, very useful points.

 

I will as you suggest contact a couple of the Niseko agents to get their thoughts as well.

 

Thanks for the links SnowConnection, let me just get my laptop to accept Japanese characters.

 

I appreciate everyones time in replying.

[Canada]

I have been to a few places in Canada. Whistler is great when it is on, however there can be negatives such as heavier, wetter snow, lift queues and cost. The village and terrain are awesome though.

 

Lake Louise is incrediby beautiful, Fernie has great snow and terrain.

 

We went to Sun Peaks in Jan and really loved that, lots of snow, few lift lines anywhere and a pretty village with lots of ski in and ski out.

 

If you want to know any specific feel free to ask.

 

Lots of great choices

[Opinions on Japanese ski property]

Afternoon all,

 

I was just after your opinions if I may on the Japanese property market.

 

My wife and I have long been interested in purchasing an overseas ski property, primarily for our own use, however with the possibility of renting it out as well where possible.

 

We have looked in Europe and North America but for various reasons, cost and distance being 2 of the major ones, turned our search to Japan. Further research has led us to Hakuba. We like the variety of terrain, the fact it is underdeveloped currently compared to some and of course the snow record. Also we have followed with interest the stories of some of you Hukuba locals, both the existing and recent locals. Congrats again TJ

 

However, despite all the positives there remain some undeniable negatives. These include some unusual principals for this Gaijin. For example, the fact that a property devalues like a car, and perhaps over 30 to 40 years all you have left is the land value. (does this mean buying land and building is a better option ?)The fact the population is aging and declining is also a worry.

 

We don't need to continually rent a property out (although extra income is always welcome) however nor do we necessarily want to spend money on something that will depreciate to very little.

 

I would be grateful for any thoughts you may have.

 

Thanks