Niseko Property & Real Estate http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:35:33 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty Niseko Property & Real Estate http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/42/lang,en/ You've come to the right place! Utilise NisekoProperty.net's comprehensive network of real estate professionals to locate and secure the perfect property in Niseko. Investing in Japan has never been easier. Find out more! (http://nisekoproperty.net/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,48/) News - Latest Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:15:53 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/41/lang,en/ One of Australia's largest real estate and property brokers to enter Hokkaido market. One of Australia's largest real estate brokerage houses, L.J.Hooker (LJH) is entering the Hokkaido real estate market. It was announced recently that they will be starting business in Hokkaido from early next year. Due in large part to the prospering Niseko region, foreign interest in Hokkaido property and real estate has been judged to be extremely high. LJH is looking to open 35 franchises in Hokkaido and a total of 70 throughout Japan within 3 years. L.J. Hooker was founded in 1928 in Sydney and operates more than 800 offices throughout Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Dealing in homes, resorts properties, and office space, they've also set up an online brokerage. Even in the big world of real estate brokerage, LJH's scale is massive. LJH established LJH International Property Service Japan in Tokyo as a corporation in April of this year. LJH plans to do business throughout Japan, but has first set its sigthts on Sapporo. An office is now being built in Sapporo's Minami-ku and will be opened in January with an eye towards recruiting franchisees. Not limiting themselves to the foreign market, LJH will also market directly to the Japanese market. The Sapporo office manager stated, "The interest is Hokkaido property estate is high not only in Australia, but also in Taiwan and China. Our network will support that." News - Latest Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:39:43 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/40/lang,en/ Hutchinson Builders' confidence in developing a second high-end residential ski resort in Japan's surging Niseko region has been vindicated by Australian investors, who have secured three quarters of apartments in the building ahead of official launch this week. Twenty one of the 26 apartments in the $20 million Alpen Views resort have been sold to predominantly Australian investors, with just three deluxe apartments and two penthouses remaining, priced between $A975,000 and $A1.85 million. The success of Alpen Views follows the launch of Hutchinson's Alpen Ridge residential ski resort in Niseko early last year, which posted a one-day $23 million sellout of the building before its official release. Hutchinson Builders chairman Scott Hutchinson says he expects the remaining five apartments in Alpen Views will be snapped up quickly, due to the building's unrepeatable location in the heart of Niseko's main town, Hirafu. "Alpen Views is located on the main street of Hirafu's prestigious Upper Village and will be the closest residential luxury apartment building to the main chairlift – it is a ski enthusiast and investor's dream," he said. Buyers are also expected to be spurred by the recent announcement of the Commonwealth Bank's new Japanese Snowfields Property Loan product. The Australian-first product now allows purchasers to secure their loan against their Japanese snowfield property to buy re-sale or ‘off the plan,' so they may no longer need to secure their finance through domestic assets. The loan may also be used to refinance an existing loan, or unlock the value in an existing snowfields property. Mr Hutchinson says the new finance package, coupled with the current availability of yen loans at around 3.95 per cent interest, makes the Japanese snowfield property market extremely enticing for Australian investors. "Niseko is internationally renowned for having some of the best powder snow conditions, and Australians have become one of the region's biggest tourist and investor markets," Mr Hutchinson said. "The number of Australasian visitors to Niseko increased more than ten-fold between 2001 and 2006, and the number is still growing – 15,000 Australians visited in the 2006/2007 ski season and that figure has reportedly increased by 20 per cent this season. "Niseko is becoming an alternative to traditional ski destinations like Europe or North America, because of the quality of snow, inexpensive lift tickets, standard of accommodation and availability of direct flights from many cities meaning less jet lag. "With increasing tourist numbers, affordable loan rates and the ease of securing a loan, it's no wonder investors are scrambling to secure their slice of the action in Niseko." The avalanche of investors looking to secure property in Niseko has been a catalyst for a wave of new resort development in the village. Some of the world's biggest finance, development and resort conglomerates are turning their attention to securing sites in Niseko, including Citigroup, the Hilton Hotel Group and Hong Kong's Pacific Century Premium Developments. Mr Hutchinson says Hutchinson Builders is actively seeking further sites to develop in and around Niseko. "Prime sites are being taken up very quickly by a number of major development and building companies who understand the true potential of Niseko – things are only just getting started," he said. "The Asahi Shimbun, a Japanese newspaper, reported that the number of sites in Niseko owned by foreigners rose from 11 sites in 2004 to 249 by the beginning of 2006, which really demonstrates the high level of confidence international investors have in this region. "Although it is known for its popularity as a winter destination, developers are also helping to create amenities to boost summer tourism, which is surging ahead with more than 10 golf courses in the area, white water rafting, climbing, mountain biking, surfing and more. "The unique Japanese culture is another major drawcard, and we are starting to see Niseko blossom as a world-class destination year-round." The Alpen Views site was acquired from its Japanese owner in March 2007 for $A1.3 million. The building boasts 26 luxury penthouse-style apartments over seven floors, with cutting-edge architectural design. Alpen Views has been designed by Brisbane-based Cottee-Parker Architects and Japanese Architects Nikken Sekkei – the same team that created Alpen Ridge. Original Article (http://www.propertywire.com/news/company-news/hutchies-japanese-snowfields-winner-200808271526.html) News - Latest Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:27:53 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/39/lang,en/ Niseko Property and Real Estate The following are the current standings of ongoing Niseko property polls being conducted by NisekoProperty.net. Feel free to cast your own Niseko property vote using the ballots on the lower right (http://nisekoproperty.net/#nisekopropertypolls). Which part of Niseko would you invest your property dollar in? (http://nisekoproperty.net/component/option,com_poll/task,results/id,16/) Niseko Hirafu: 22.6% Niseko Annupuri: 19.4% Niseko Higashiyama: 19.4% Niseko Moiwa: 12.9% Niseko Hanazono: 9.7% Kutchan: 9.7% Rusutsu: 6.5% Why invest in property in Niseko? (http://nisekoproperty.net/component/option,com_poll/task,results/id,15/) Unbeatable Powder Snow: 44.4% Hospitality of the People: 13.9% Location and Access: 13.9% Incredbiel Value: 11.1% Return on Investment: 8.3% Year-round Activities: 5.6% Character of the Resort: 2.8% We are also looking to rank the local Niseko property and real estate companies: Hokkaido Real Estate (http://www.hokkaidorealestate.com/), Hokkaido Tracks Development (http://property.hokkaidotracks.com/investment/home.do), Niseko Alpine Developments (NISADE) (http://www.nisekoalpinedevelopments.com/), Niseko Property (http://NisekoProperty.com), Niseko Real Estate (http://NisekoRealEstate.com), Niseko Realty Sales (http://www.nisekorealtysales.com/), Ridgerunner Property (http://www.ridgerunner-property.com/), West Canada Properties (http://westcanadaproperties.com/). Vote for the one that you consider best based on your experiences with these companies. We'll tally the results and profile the winner later in the year. Ballot lower right... Niseko Property and Real Estate News - Latest Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:37:54 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/38/lang,en/ Niseko Property News Two large Japanese companies, Nisshin LRD and ZEPHYR, have partnered up and are openly requesting an exception to the recently drafted building guidelines. The guidelines were implemented in March of this year (see Niseko Property Guidelines (http://nisekoproperty.net/content/view/24/42/lang,en/)) to regulate Hirafu area construction and development, with an eye towards managing growth in the Niseko Hirafu area. The most important aspect of the guidelines was the height restriction, although other factors were touched upon including building footprint and floor area ratios. Many supporters of the guidelines are happy about restraining laissez-faire growth, but others concerned about possibly slowing resort growth and the guideline's potentially negative effect on Niseko property values felt that their voices were ignored in the community consultation process that led up to the implementation of the guidelines. If this new challenge to the integrity of the guidelines is succesful and an exception is made, two things will happen: 1) The guidelines, implemented after consultation with community stakeholders for the benefit of the resort and the community, will be weakened and 2) Charges of preferential treatment (and possibly even discrimination) will be leveled at the government, generating inevitable yet hard to quantify resentment between the government and its foreign cash cow. If the challenge is not successful, and the permits are ultimately not issued, the companies will shift their resources out of Niseko Hirafu, and Kutchan will lose out on spending and employment associated with the hotel's construction and operations. The stakes are large. For their part, Nisshin and Zephyr are playing their cards well. They are appealing to Kutchan at a gut level with flow charts and flowing prose extrolling the economic and employment benefits to the community. They have made partners of respected local entities such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Kutchan Tourism Association. They are applying polite but firm pressure to the government. A recent packet that Nisshin and Zephyr distributed widely in the business community in Kutchan includes a letter of greetings and introduction from the companies, pre-drafted letters to the mayor for gathering support (just sign and send!), a letter from the local chamber of commerce, and a presentation describing the project and outlining the economic benefits to the Niseko-Hirafu area. Opposition to the hotel exception being granted is common among Niseko property developers and other community stakeholders, but organized opposition does not seem to have coalesced. Some are holding out hope that the Niseko Resort Board (Niseko Promotion Board) (http://www.nisekotourism.com/), with a stated commitment to promoting the resort in a sustainable way, will take the lead in opposing the exception. Niseko Real Estate News News - Latest Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:45:40 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/37/lang,en/ Niseko Property Latest News Per The Australian Financial Review via The Business Spectator (http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Citimark-to-exit-Japanese-resort-FVUR7): "Private Brisbane-based developer, Citimark, will not proceed with a ski resort project in Japan. The $A171 million Niseko Mountain Village project was planned with investment bank, Babcock & Brown, but the property will now be sold. However, Citimark has denied speculation that it is completely withdrawing from development in Japan" Anybody who noticed The Sydney Morning Herald's article (http://business.smh.com.au/a-sense-of-irony-helps-at-babcock/20080303-1whm.html) in early March might have seen this coming: "Compounding the woes is a lawsuit filed against Babcock & Brown Japan and its partner Citimark in the Supreme Court of NSW. The suit relates to a development brawl over the $160 million Niseko Mountain Village resort." Niseko Real Estate Latest News News - Latest Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:54:31 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/36/lang,en/ Until the 2006-2007 season Niseko property and real estate was primarily being bought up by Australian investors. This was a reflection of the high percentage of Australians among the thousands of foreign skiers and snowboarders attracted to Niseko, Asia's premier alpine resort. Niseko has been popular with Australian powder hounds for the better part of a decade (they are often credited with "discovering" the resort) because it offers northern hemisphere winter fun during the Australian summer without the jet lag associated with marathon trips to European and North American resorts. In 2007-2008 the number of foreign visitors making their way to Niseko nearly doubled once again, fueling demand for accommodation and property, continuing the staggering run of annual double digit growth that has yielded impressive capital gains on any Niseko property investors could get their hands on. 2007-2008 was however a turning point for Niseko in that suddenly, the accents heard about the village no longer seemed exclusively Austalian. Although Australians still run most of the businesses catering to foreign skiers and investors, they are finding that their client base has become a lot more international. Several Niseko companies have been actively courting the British market. Now that the secret of Niseko's world class powder snow is out, Tokyo expats, usually buried in work, have also started converging on the resort whenever they get a few days off. However, the largest growth currently and for the foreseeable future is from Malaysia, Singapore, mainland China, and Hong Kong. News - Latest Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:54:31 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/35/lang,en/ Niseko Property News According to RidgeRunner Architectural Design & Development (http://www.rad-development.com/)'s May Newsletter (http://www.rad-development.com/index.php?RRCIC=60&RRLMC=5&RRMBC=5&RREDC=), the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (http://www.commbank.com.au/) is now providing finance loans in Japanese yen secured against Japanese title to Australians who already own property in Niseko. This may be an opportunity to take a little equity out of your Niseko property or real estate investment and put that money into higher growth areas (the newsletter (http://www.rad-development.com/index.php?RRCIC=60&RRLMC=5&RRMBC=5&RREDC=)) recommends Niseko-Higashiyama and Niseko-Annupuri). A "first batch of 300" 3.95% (fixed until 2009) loans is available to Australian investors that meet the conditions. Niseko Real Estate News News - Latest Fri, 30 May 2008 21:53:20 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/34/lang,en/ Niseko Property and Real Estate News The Hilton Niseko Village, scheduled to open on 1 July 2008, is aiming to become one of Asia's premier internationally branded mountain resort destinations. The luxury resort is located at the foot of the magnificent 1,309 meter Mount Annupuri on the Northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. The 506-room full service deluxe Hilton-managed hotel will enhance the hospitality offerings at Niseko Village, a popular destination resort. Niseko Village comprises a ski area with manicured pistes and deep powder glades and boasts summertime activities including golf, horse riding, fishing, and rope courses. It also provides the perfect base for the region's white water rafting and adventure options. Niseko is renowned for its powder-perfect dry snow and low humidity summers. With its powerful combination of secluded natural beauty, mountainous landscape, hot springs and one of Japan's purest water sources, Niseko's diverse attractions cannot fail to inspire visitors to get out and enjoy what the great outdoors has to offer. Oded Lifschitz, Vice President Operations Hilton Hotels - Japan, Korea and Micronesia said, "Niseko is experiencing a growth in tourism with increasing visitor arrivals from Japanese cities as well as Australia, Asia and Europe. We see great potential for the tourism market to grow here, in the summer season as well as in winter. Hilton Niseko Village is a response to growing demand for deluxe hotels here." The Hilton Niseko Village is an existing property that will be re-branded as the "Hilton Niseko Village" on July 1st, the hotel has undergone multi-million dollar renovations over the past few months. The hotel lobby, which was designed by renowned Japanese interior designer, Yukio Hashimoto Design Studio, will be kept warm during winter by one of Japan's largest fireplaces, a 2.7 meter high enclosed gas flame hearth, suspended from the 3 story high lobby ceiling. Boasting a ski-in, ski-out location, skiers will be able to come straight off the piste and into the hotel's ski lounge, where a Ski Valet will be on hand to assist guests and store their equipment with a boot-warming facility. For guests that wish to explore the countryside by renting cars, the hotel offers valet parking and door-to-door transfers by snow mobile. In summertime, nature and wildlife tours can be made by golf cart. Hilton Niseko Village's focus will be on delivering 100% hassle-free experiences including arranged airport pickups, school bookings, rental arrangements and valet services for rental cars through to the ambassadors, dedicated to helping guests identify how to spend their time in Niseko and get the most from their experience. Restaurants with breathtaking views of Mount Youtei include a steakhouse and grill and an all day dining restaurant. A comprehensive Japanese restaurant will offer a Teppan Grill, Sushi station and Japanese eatery. Hilton will also manage the restaurant, Mak, at the top of the mountain. (Mak means "mountain top" in the Ainu language). A highlight will also be the ambiance of the apres ski bar, "Ezo" (the ancient name for Hokkaido), a pub designed by Yukio Hashimoto Design Studio, overlooking the ski piste and complete with smooth wooden communal benches and a range of iconic beverages including Japanese Sakes and Shochu, Chinese and Korean liqueurs, and European Gluwein and Schnapps. The hotel has a traditional Onsen (a Japanese hot spring) with baths indoors and outdoors where guests can soak in mineral-rich 42 degree water and gaze over the breathtaking views of Mt. Youtei and the hotel koi (Japanese carp) pond. The hotel will also house an intimate and luxurious spa, using pure aromatherapy oils, the healing properties of indigenous stones and herbs coupled with traditional massage techniques practiced in the area. Niseko Village Established as a tourist destination over 40 years ago, today Niseko is one of Japan's most successful and popular recreational destinations. Within Japan, Niseko is designated as a Special Heavy Snowfall Region. An annual 11 meters (430 inches) of snowfall and a long winter season allows Niseko to provide some of the world's best-known powder skiing, snowboarding and winter activities. Niseko Village provides guests with the ultimate ski-in, ski-out base for adventure and offers a diverse array of activities including skiing, snowboarding, night skiing, adult and children-specific Snow School programs; snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter horseback riding. Niseko Village's ski lifts access a wide expanse of groomed and non-groomed in-bounds terrain, the greater Niseko United area, and the back-country gate system. Steps from the lobby of the Hilton Niseko Village, the Niseko Village Golf Course boasts rolling fairways separated by silver birch and larch trees and vistas of Mt. Youtei and Mt. Annupuri. This beautiful 18-hole 73-par course has an outstanding par-6, stretching out a challenging 721 yards. Niseko Property and Real Estate News News - Latest Fri, 30 May 2008 07:28:52 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/33/lang,en/ The first workshop on colors in the natural landscape was held on April 4. There were about 40 participants including 6 from the Kutchan town assembly, were are all apparently avid painters (just kidding). A second workshop will be held at Restaurant Payoka at the Niseko Kogen Hotel from 1 to 4pm on May 20th. The organizers are very keen for all of you busy Niseko-Hirafu types to attend, so simultaneous interpretation will be provided. If you've made a recent Niseko property or real estate purchase, or are considering one, this is your opportunity to find out what colors the community and the local bureacracy consider acceptable. Other mind blowing content Review of the 1st meeting. A sampling of colors found naturally in the Niseko-Hirafu and Kutchan landscape. A lecture on the psychology of colors. An explanation of the application procedures when you change the colors of your building. And finally: A discussion of Niseko-Hirafu as an international resort. Some of the results from a survey of overseas ski tourists will be presented. Discussions on "tourism resources" and "the future of the community." To participate please contact Kumagai, Konishi, or Nishiguchi at the Town of Kutchan's Landscape Enhancement Divisions of the Residential and Urban Planning Section by e-mail at shikisai@gradus.net (mailto:shikisai@gradus.net) by the 19th of May. News - Latest Fri, 16 May 2008 20:45:55 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/32/lang,en/ From Press Release dated 15th April 2008 available here (http://NisekoProperty.net/documents/CapellaNiseko-PressRelease-Apr2008.pdf).Renowned Ski Destination in Japan to be Paired with Top-Tier Luxury Resort as Capella Hotels and Resorts Announces Capella Niseko: Tadao Ando to Design Resort and Residences set to open in 2010 When the world's best ski "powder" meets the world's premier new hospitality brand, the result is: Capella Niseko. Annupuri-Niseko Mountain in Niseko, Japan is renowned among skiers for offering some of the world's very finest powder (a fine, dry powder snow that blows across from Siberia) and the new Capella Hotels and Resorts Brand, led by legendary hotelier Horst Schulze of Ritz-Carlton fame, has quickly earned a reputation for its commitment to personalized luxury. Annupuri Land L.P. and Capella Hotels and Resorts today announced plans for Capella Niseko, a luxury resort and residences set on 32 acres adjacent to Annupuri-Niseko Mountain in Niseko, Japan and scheduled to open in 2010. The announcement included the news that famed architect Tadao Ando will design Capella Niseko, which is located in Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four main Islands. Hokkaido welcomes direct international flights to Sapporo's new Chitose Airport. The new Capella Hotels and Resorts Brand, led by hotelier Horst Schulze of Ritz-Carlton fame, is coming to Niseko. Annupuri Land L.P. and Capella Hotels and Resorts has today announced plans for Capella Niseko, a luxury resort and residences set on 32 acres adjacent to Annupuri-Niseko Mountain in Niseko, Japan and scheduled to open in 2010. The announcement included the news that famed architect Tadao Ando will design Capella Niseko, which is located in Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four main Islands. Hokkaido welcomes direct international flights to Sapporo's new Chitose Airport. Tadao Ando (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tadao_Ando), born in 1941 in Osaka, Japan, has become one of the world's most respected architects. His work has been honored with nearly every major architecture award in the world including the Alvar Aalto Medal (Finland), Gold Medal of Architecture - Academie d'Architecture, Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur (France), the Praemium Imperiale (Japan); and the Pritzker Architecture Prize, Gold Medal of the American Institute of Architects (USA) and Gold Medal of Union Internationale des Architectes. Despite never having received formal training in the field, Ando's work has influenced a generation of architects, and has emphasized a creative use of natural light and forms that follow the natural contour of the landscape. Today, Mr. Tadao Ando said, "We would like to respect the natural beauty of Niseko creating a symbiotic and comfortable relationship with the environment." Horst Schulze, CEO of West Paces Hotel Group, which launched the Capella Hotels and Resorts brand, commented, "We're honored to have been selected by Annupuri Land to bring the vision of an intimate and exclusive resort and residences to life in such an extraordinary setting. We're equally honored," Schulze continued, "to work with an architect of Tadao Ando's stature. We know that Capella Niseko will perfectly embody the Capella philosophy - in which the guest determines the experience at all times. Here, guests may choose an atmosphere of serenity and renewal at one moment – or opt for the excitement of world-class outdoor recreation the next." Ernest Tsang, General Partner of Annupuri Land, commented, "Our goal at Capella Niseko is to create a resort in which personalized service of the very highest level is delivered during every aspect of the guest's stay or the residential owner's experience. We know that in Tadao Ando Architects & Associates and Capella Hotels and Resorts we have selected the very best in their fields." Set on 32 wooded acres including a stream, hot springs, and sweeping views of the valley below, Capella Niseko will feature an intimate 80-room resort. Each room will feature a private onsen (natural hot spring bath) and will be complemented by the finest luxury amenities. Beautiful outdoor spaces will be created, providing myriad vantage points to experience the landscape. The resort will surround a "village center" with facilities including an ice skating rink, Auriga spa, wellness center, pools, tennis courts, fine dining restaurant, an "apres ski," lounge, and retail venues. Capella Niseko will also feature approximately 150 residences, including villas, townhouses and condominiums. Each villa and townhouse will have fireplaces, decks, outdoor spaces, and indoor/outdoor onsen. The residences will be provided with the impeccable services of Capella Hotels and Resorts, including access to all resort amenities, as well as special arrangements from a personal chef available to serve in- home to a ski valet and recreation concierge. The resort and residences are just 2 minutes from the ski mountain, with personalized luxury transport provided to guests and residents. Though skiing has brought international acclaim to Niseko, the resort and residential property will have year-round appeal – as the region is renowned for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, including golf, horseback riding, rafting, hiking, and more. The serene setting also provides the ideal ingredients for Capella Niseko's wellness center and Auriga Spa, which will welcome residents and visitors throughout the year. Ben Wood Studio Shanghai is serving as the project's master planner. Ben Wood's design for Xintiandi, a cultural entertainment district in Shanghai, received the 2003 Award of Excellence from the Urban Land Institute. In the United States, Wood was Chief Architect of New Soldier Field in Chicago, home of the Chicago Bears. Co-designed with his former partner Carlos Zapata, New Soldier Field was named by the New York Times as one of the ten best buildings of 2003. Following the completion of the New Soldier Field, Wood set up a full time design studio in Shanghai. BenWood STUDIOSHANGHAI has helped transform the urban landscape of modern China, with current projects including the North Bund project, major mixed-use complexes in Chongqing, Wuhan, Hangzhou and three large residential communities: Cambridge WaterTown, Cambridge Forest, and Westwood Green. Interior design for Capella Niseko will be provided by Peter Silling, Hotel Interior Design (HID). HID has offices in Cologne Germany and Hong Kong, and specializes in interior design for the international luxury hotel and restaurant market. Peter Silling is responsible for acclaimed interior design at several Capella Hotels and Resorts including Schloss Velden, a Capella Hotel, in Velden Austria and Capella Castlemartyr, in County Cork, Ireland. The announcement of plans for Capella Niseko comes during a series of international openings and announcements for the Capella Hotels and Resorts brand. A total of nine Capella hotels worldwide have been announced, including Capella Singapore, set to open on Sentosa Island in the first quarter of 2009. Schloss Velden, a Capella Hotel, in Austria, and Capella Castlemartyr, located in Cork, Ireland became the first Capella Hotel and Resorts properties to open when they launched in 2007 and both hotels have earned superb reviews. Breidenbacher Hof, a Capella Hotel in Dusseldorf Germany, is scheduled to open on May 19th, 2008, and additional Capella Hotels and Resorts have been announced for Ireland, Mexico and the United States. More... (http://NisekoProperty.net/documents/CapellaNiseko-PressRelease-Apr2008.pdf) News - Latest Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:36:21 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/30/lang,en/ Niseko Hanazono Property and Real Estate Rumors are that the new owners of Niseko's Hanazono resort will be doing some earthworks over the summer, flattening the slopes to make way for the higher concentration of novice skiers and snowboarders expected to descend on the resort once it is developed. Expect the resort to be very family oriented. Luckily for the extreme amongst us, it will still be linked to the rest of the mountain at the peak and to Niseko-Hirafu via a short 10 minute bus ride. It sounds like most of the available land is being swept up by Richard Li and friends, and some have stated that development outside of the resort will be limited, but there are rumors of land still available on the periphery. Niseko Hirafu Property and Real Estate It seems like most of the land being purchased at this point is destined for building development as most of the speculative Niseko property investment money has moved on to land bordering the other Niseko resorts (Hanazono, Higashiyama, Annupuri, Moiwa). The property in Niseko-Hirafu is now fetching prices unimaginable a few years ago. It will be interesting to see how the new development regulations passed by Kutchan on February 28th for immediate implementation will effect the rate of development in the village. Niseko Higashiyama Property and Real Estate Higashiyama can be reached from Niseko-Hirafu by navigating 343, driving through Kabayama, and taking a right at the first signal you come to (it'll be flashing yellow). On the right you'll pass Niseko Milk Kobo (well known tourist destination for summer tourists and year-round for its ice cream, yogurt, and other milk products), and on the left the popular Black Diamond lodge, bar, and grill. A few Niseko realty signs dot the landscape as well, all in English of course. Finally you'll come to the former Higashiyama Prince hotel. The original hotel still stands, but the annex is much more impressive. Both the original and the annex have ski-in, ski-out lift access, and some of the lift go right over the access roads. Higashiyama's location is wonderful, and investors looking for an affordable Niseko property would do well to consider property's on the periphery of the hotel's grounds, but keep in mind that the hotel will always dominate the landscape and the character of the resort. It certainly won't develop into another Hirafu... that can be good or bad depending on your point of view, but Higashiyama has all mountain access and is located directly between Hirafu and Annupuri. Hard to go wrong in that respect. Niseko Annupuri Property and Real Estate If you follow route 343 long enough you'll come to a T-intersection, where you'll see Niseko's best okonomiyaki restaurant, Juu. Going left on Route 66 leads you into Niseko proper, but going right leads you past the year-round retreat Saison Club and a few Japanese pensions, into Annupuri, Moiwa, Kanronomori, and a cluster of incredible onsens. The resort itself is famed for its back bowl and quick peak access, and is surrounded by development of village style holiday homes, as opposed to the condominiums that dominate the Niseko-Hirafu landscape. It seems like one investor got a head start on everybody and bought up many of the best properties surrounding the main resort, but the sustained development approach he is apparently pursuing is giving Annupuri a very different character than Niseko-Hirafu (think well spaced cedar lodges as opposed to towering condominiums). Some land is still available along Route 66. Niseko Moiwa Property and Real Estate Niseko-Moiwa is still definitely a wild card. The resort is well-loved by those who go out of their way to access it, primarily because it is secluded and people can get fresh tracks to themselves all day. That would of course change with a round of development. A lot of people are betting on the development of Niseko-Moiwa, but it may hinge on getting access to the all-mountain Niseko-United group, which is only granted by unanimous agreement of the current members. Since most people staying in Moiwa already make the bus or shuttle trip into other resorts to ski/ride the rest of the mountain, some in-the-know people are openly stating that Moiwa doesn't have much of a chance of joining the current regime, as it would only hurt the current members. However, if the current level of interest in Moiwa real estate and property is any indication, things could go Moiwa's way very quickly. Time will tell. Rusutsu Property and Real Estate Rusutsu is still the sleeping giant just a stones throw from Niseko. It remains one of the most popular alpine resorts in Japan for domestic skiers and snowboarders, and because Japanese tend to stay on piste, pow as far as the eye can tree awaits beyond the tree line. Most foreigners in-the-know will schedule at least one day in Rusutsu. A reasonably short drive from Hirafu, there is plenty of real estate and property bordering the resort that can be had for very affordable rate. As Rusutsu is a year-round resort boasting an amusement park in the summer, year-round rental returns could prove promising. Kutchan Property and Real Estate Pity poor Kutchan? Don't count it out yet. Just a short drive from Niseko-Hirafu, and with all the comforts a small town provides, Kutchan is often where year-round Niseko employees choose to base themselves. Also, as Niseko-Hirafu prices keep climbing, Kutchan is looking more and more like the most viable alternative for Niseko companies looking to house their staff in the winter months. The bullet train is also scheduled to make a stop here, although it might take a decade or three, when it does get to Kutchan everybody in Japan will have access to Niseko's unparalleled powder in just hours. Rumors abound of local development companies and private investors snatching up unbelievably cheap Kutchan land and housing. Things are going to get interesting in Kutchan. News - Latest Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:18:00 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/28/lang,en/ The 2007/2008 NisekoProperty.net Interview Series has yielded a lot of responses. Read what Niseko's better known personalities and most successful entrepreneurs think about the area's potential here (http://nisekoproperty.net/content/view/26/41/). News - Latest Tue, 19 Feb 2008 01:47:56 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/24/42/lang,en/ A briefing session regarding the Yamada and Kabayama districts was held on 6th February, with another held the following day for the Asahi, Hanazono, and Iwaobetsu districts with prominent Niseko property, real estate, and development representatives in attendance. The sudden growth and lightning fast development of Niseko-Hirafu caught the authorities in Kutchan off guard. A non-binding agreement amongst Niseko's real estate development companies had existed, but it was often ignored and was widely considered to be ineffectual. A response in the form of regulations was expected, if not overdue. The regulations are eagerly anticipated by some looking to protect the village atmosphere, some who side with the pensions getting their views eclipsed by four and five story tall condominiums, and even by some more prominent local players who would simply like to lock in their gains in the Niseko property market. However, the regulations are maligned by others, some who bought Niseko property before the regulations were imposed and had to rush to get approval before implementation, and others who fear over-regulation will subdue a real estate market that has been running bullish uninterrupted for five years. There have also been murmurs that the regulations are being imposed on local developers without due consultation. [Proposed Niseko Property Regulations: Kabayama & Yamada (http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/images/reference/nisekoproperty-kabayamayamada.pdf)] [Proposed Niseko Property Regulations: Asahi, Hanazono, & Iwaobetsu (http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/images/reference/nisekoproperty-asahihanazonoiwaobetsu.pdf)] PDF 1 (http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/images/reference/nisekoproperty-kabayamayamada.pdf) nor PDF 2 (http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/images/reference/nisekoproperty-asahihanazonoiwaobetsu.pdf) answer, please let NisekoProperty.net know (http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/component/option,com_contact/Itemid,3/) and we'll look into it for you. News - Latest Sat, 09 Feb 2008 00:27:39 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/23/lang,en/ Interest from foreign investors and developers in Niseko property and Niseko real estate, particularly those parcels of land nearest Niseko's major resorts (Hanazono, Hirafu, Higashiyama, Annupuri, Moiwa, and Rusutsu) continues to increase. With its consistent quality powder snow, the Niseko region is Asia's premier winter sports destination. The continued growth of visitors to Niseko is also fueling the demand for land. What started out as Australians looking for an affordable summer ski holiday in an exotic location with great snow and no jet lag has now spread to every expat and powder junkie in Asia. While Australians still make up the bulk of skiers and snowboarders (indeed, their numbers doubled this season as compared to last) they can no longer claim dominance, as alpine enthusiasts from Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and a sizable expat community in Tokyo, have all followed suit. This increase in tourism has placed huge demands on local infrastructure, in particular accommodation. This has ignited a building frenzy, with nearly every corner of every block in Niseko-Hirafu under construction from spring all the way until the following season starts. Combined with very attractive land prices, in particular compared to Australia, New Zealand, the US, or Canada, many foreign owned real estate and property management companies have rushed into Niseko to help manage the process of buying, selling, and owning Niseko property so that now foreigners can easily purchase and maintain their Niseko investment. What started out as an "upper-middle-class" phenomenon for "those-in-the-know" has now attracted the corporate titans who usually only invest sizable sums based on thorough research and an expectation of a reasonable ROI. Some recent acquisitions and development activity serves to back this up: Hilton Hotels, the international resort chain, will be managing the Higashiyama Prince Hotel for American Citigroup Principal Investments. Hanazono Ski Resort was acquired by Pacific Century Premium Developments, a Hong Kong company owned by billionaire Richard Li. Not to be outdone, Australian-based Citimark has thrown their hat into the ring by committing to the development of Niseko-Moiwa, a 15 to 20 minute drive from Niseko-Hirafu where they look to be planning a private western-style resort. Now that we've provided a little background, here's the kicker: The collapse of the property bubble in the 80's caused Japan's real estate market to drop by between 60-90%, and most areas of Japan, including believe it or not most of Niseko, have not recovered their former value. The shrinking population also contributes to depressed and undervalued property. For example, in Kutchan, the town that hosts Hanazono and Grand-Hirafu, a 4-bedroom home can still be had for USD 60,000. Also, at the risk of stereo-typing, the Japanese tend to be more risk averse, and many remember being burned by the bubble, which has kept more than a few locals from jumping into what must to foreigners seem like a sure thing. When it comes to the world's finest powder snow, the discrepancies in value placed on it by the locals and by the influx of foreigners cannot be understated, even now. Now that it is easier for foreigners to borrow in Japanese yen (thanks to Japanese bank loosening up their requirements) at laughably low Japanese interest rates, the obstacles to investing in Niseko real estate all seem to have crumbled away, and owning a piece of Niseko property has never been easier. News - Latest Sun, 20 Jan 2008 23:14:42 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/19/lang,en/ BREAKING NEWS: Takiguchi, the owner of Takiguchi Sports in Kutchan, has finally sold what may have been the most sought after land in Niseko-Hirafu... Seico Mart across from FujiZushi on the main road, between Abucha and the Hokkaido Tracks sales office. Whether Abucha was part of this particular deal is not clear, but what is clear is that the plots of land that Seico Mart and Abucha sit on are now both owned by the same foreign investor. With the sale of the massive White Bear pension also eagerly anticipated (rumors are flying, owner's denying, this pension has every developer in Niseko salivating... inside sources claim it's a done deal, but no announcement has yet been made), there will only be two Japanese-owned blocks of property left on the main stretch where route 343 meets the road leading up to the Alpen Hotel and Grand HIrafu's ace quad lift: FujiZushi and the plot of land next to Hokkaido Tracks. Newsflashes - Newsflash Tue, 15 Jan 2008 22:38:49 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/18/lang,en/ Rumor has it that Four Seasons Hotels Resorts will be managing the development of Hanazono for Hong Kong's Richard Li of PCCW, who recently purchased Hanazono from Australian investors. To date, Citigroup has purchased the Prince Hotel in Higashiyama and is looking to have Hilton brand it. Richard Li is looking to be walking the same path with his acquisition, this time bringing Four Seasons in. Two major world resort players entering the Niseko market in such a short time shows that big business is recognizing what us locals have known all along... once Niseko's infrastructure catches up with the snow... watch out US and Canada. Compared to prices and other world wide resorts property in Niseko is still a steal, indicating that Niseko property and real estate have a long way to go before they peak. While Hirafu may level out a bit, there is still substantial growth potential. Nearly every bit of land in the village proper has been bought and sold in the last 5 years (often several times as investors cashed in to claim bigger plots) , but most people still strongly believe that the Niseko region boom has just begun, with surrounding areas such as Hanazono, Moiwa, Higashiyama, Annupuri and the like now playing catch up. Newsflashes - Newsflash Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:11:48 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/17/lang,en/ Niseko Moiwa Property and Real Estate: Development Imminent. Word on the street was that a Japanese company called Zephyr (a Japanese corporation) had purchased the Niseko-Moiwa ski resort as well Hotel Niseko Grand Stage from Watermark Resort Niseko. Hopes that Niseko-Moiwa will eventually be included in the Niseko United family were definitely looking more and more likely to bear fruit. The hotel would likely be refurbished and sold as condos. 10-15 lodges are also supposedly part of the grand plan. A private resort in the making...? Turns out that CFX, a collaboration between an Australian property firm Citimark and development firm Fox & Company (who also have their hands in the development of Niseko Mountain Village) will be managing the development. Their joint website boasts of "western-style project development expertise, design, financial structuring and marketing capability". Newsflashes - Newsflash Thu, 27 Dec 2007 07:52:41 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/16/lang,en/ The Australian Financial Review reported on 10th December that Australian skiers continue to heavily invest in Japan's Niseko region, buying real estate and apartments that even with the recent boom in property values in the Niseko area are still available at about a third the price of Thredbo or Falls Creek. Newsflashes - Newsflash Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:19:38 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/14/lang,en/ Niseko Property and Real Estate archive... News - Latest Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:51:56 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/13/lang,en/ The future of Hanazono had been a source of wild speculation for years among locals. Development of the area now looks imminent. Hanazono Ski Resort has been purchased from an Australian developer by Hong Kong tycoon Richard Li. Newsflashes - Newsflash Tue, 04 Dec 2007 06:01:43 +0100 http://nisekoproperty.net/nisekoproperty/content/view/12/lang,en/ Hilton has signed an agreement with Citigroup to manage the conversion and rebranding of what will be known as the Hilton Niseko Village. Plans have been laid for a multimillion dollar renovation of what is currently the Niseko Higashiyama Prince Hotel. The Higashiyama Prince has over 500 rooms situated in a ski-in ski-out near the Niseko Gondola at the south base of Niseko's Mount Annupuri. Newsflashes - Newsflash Tue, 04 Dec 2007 05:30:54 +0100