fbpx
    • Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.
    • Summer
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        mead brewing in japan

        The Sweet Secrets of Brewing Mead

        Wander into the world of mead brewing and find yourself immersed in a fascinating journey spanning centuries and continents.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
        sea to table yamagata

        Sea to Table in Yamagata

        An unforgettable way to intimately explore the Shonai Region in Yamagata is a culinary experience bringing bounty of the sea straight to your table.
    • Autumn
    • Winter
    • Near Tokyo
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Near Kyoto
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • River and Lake
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Snow and Ice
      • climbing mt. fuji off season

        Mt. Fuji: The Path Less Traveled

        Fuji-san is the most climbed mountain in the world. If you are in good shape, there is a way to avoid the traffic for a more peaceful Mt. Fuji experience during the off-season.
    • Travel
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
    • Food and Drinks
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
    • Races and Events
      • dd4d brewing

        DD4D Brewing

        In nearly e...
        fuji rock japan

        2023 Summer Music Festivals

        Get into the groove this green season while enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends.
        Summer Events Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        2023 Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        Enjoy these fireworks festivals held throughout Japan this summer and autumn.

Is Now the Right Time to Buy?

With economic uncertainty throughout the market, blood pressures running high and Japan and much of the world mired in a recession, could now be the time to buy? Or is waiting out this storm a better option?

“The year 2009 offers a buying opportunity we haven’t seen in 10 years. People forced to sell and bankruptcies have created an opportunity to pick up properties at fire sale prices,” says Jason Holt, CEO of EastEdge Partners.

Simon Jackson, President of the NorthPoint Network, puts this opportunity in historical terms. “This is 1998 all over again. In 1998, Japan’s GDP took its biggest hit in history and came on the back of economic crises in Thailand and South Korea that brought Japan screeching to a halt. That prompted some of the best property buys in Japan in recent history. They say history doesn’t repeat itself. But, in 2009, history has.”

He goes on to point out the Golden Rule for buyers, “If you like it, buy it.” These thoughts are echoed by nearly every person in the industry we talk to. “If you like the area, now is a great time to buy. The prices are artificially low,” according to Charlie Dawson, Sales Associate at Niseko Real Estate.

Some of those to whom we talked pointed out other economic advantages of buying in this market. “Interest rates are particularly low (around 1-3% on short-term fixed rate mortgages), and lower than in many western countries,” argues Mark Chapman, a buyer who purchased recently in Ishikari’s exclusive Sweden Hills area. On top of generally favorable interest rates, a number of people remarked about the benefits of the trying to purchase Australian-held Japanese properties.

“Buying from Australian sellers at the moment can be mutually beneficial. Property prices are low, but Australian sellers can make that up quickly on the exchange rate which has seen the Australian dollar weaken 40% versus the yen. Buyers benefit in turn from the low property prices caused by the turmoil in the market,” notes Graeme Glen, Sales Manager at West Canada Properties.

Certainly, the faint of heart may be hesitant to jump into the property market at this time, but for those who study the market and hire a good agent, this may be the best time in years for buying the property of your dreams. 

[novo-map id=2 individual=”yes”]

Outdoor Japan logo tree

Related

Latest posts

Categories