Amazing Niseko on my mind

When it comes to building a future retirement nest egg, property is still regarded as one of the safest long term investments.

Investing in bricks and mortar can be a great way to create wealth, but there are some golden rules to consider before taking the plunge in property investment. Many of these rules also apply to starting a business. These include choosing the right location or asset, working on the long-term strategy if the property would generate income, doing thorough due diligence and considering future changes in the lending market.

Choose a property in an area where there is strong demand for rental accommodation. Buying a property close to transport nodes, universities and schools will make it more attractive to renters. For properties around resorts, golf courses and ski slopes, choose a location that has access to public transport and many restaurants and bars.

Aside from the many locations in the Philippines for investment, Japan is an exciting consideration to think about. There are no legal restrictions on foreigners fully owning real estate property in Japan.

Keyaki Villa, one of Hokkaido Tracks’ properties

Japan’s housing market is projected to remain healthy. Housing demand is expected to rise in the first three quarters of 2019, ahead of the implementation of the sales tax hike. Moreover, with Tokyo’s successful bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics, construction activity will remain healthy this year.

Hokkaido Tracks has been selling and developing land in Niseko since 2003. Niseko is well established as Japan’s premier resort. The facilities and infrastructure are in place to ensure that Hokkaido Tracks Property Management aids in the seamless property purchase.

Simon Robinson, president and owner of Hokkaido Tracks Development, recently toured us around the different properties in the Niseko-Hirafu region where HT has built over 200 properties. From concept to completion, HT ensures the project will exceed expectations. Their services include custom homes, property management, property development, asset management, real estate sales and letting management. Since Japan allows foreigners to buy property without a local partner, it is one great real estate investment.

HT’s services include custom homes, property management and property development.

We stayed in one of the HT properties called Foxwood. It is the first masterplanned estate in Higashiyama with seven proposed contemporary homes and underground infrastructure to protect the unobstructed views of Mount Yotei.

Hirafu Village is 10 minutes away by car and several shuttle buses run regular circuits to ski lifts and popular locations around Hanazono, Hirafu, Niseko Village, Annupuri, Niseko Town and Kutchan Town. During the winter season, Chuo Bus operates several times a day to local hot spring onsens, JR Sapporo Station and even Chitose Airport from a bus stop just meters from Foxwood.

Skiing and snowboarding are obviously the main attraction for visitors to Niseko, but what sets Higashiyama apart from the rest of the resort is the wide range of “Green Season” activities. Niseko Village Golf Course is conveniently located just up the street from Foxwood and both the Arnold Palmer-designed Niseko Golf Course and challenging Hanazono Golf Course are a short drive away.

From concept to completion, HT ensures each project will exceed expectations.

There are over 170 golf courses in Hokkaido with several easily accessible from Foxwood. Nearby outdoor adventure centers rent bicycles and operate family-friendly tours for those interested in river rafting, sea kayaking, trekking, mountain climbing, camping, etc. For those who love to eat, there is farm-to-table dining with organic options and the ability to pick your own fruit.

Another property offered is called Roku. Set within 10 km of Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area and 1.9 km of Grand Hirafu Ace Pair Lift 1 in Niseko, Roku by Hokkaido Tracks offers accommodation with free WiFi.

The next development site for HT is Furano. A magical area year-round, it is starting to see the sort of growth in visitation that Niseko saw in the early days.

Inside a Hokkaido Tracks property

There is a good mix of skiing options with excellent on-piste skiing on Mt. Furano and off-piste skiing in the nearby resorts of Asahidake and Sahoro Links. The site they have secured in Furano is in a ski in, ski out location, and also close to lavender fields and golf in summer.

Hokkaido continues to emerge as the “lifestyle capital in Asia.” HT continues to identify new market needs and develop their products accordingly. In this period of consolidation of foreign investment into Niseko, they see a diversification of the accommodation mix not just top and bottom, but closer to rental demand.

Bespoke property management and guest services by Hokkaido Tracks will ensure memorable experiences during every stay. Check out their website, www.hokkaidotracks.com for more details

Alex Prieto, Hokkaido Tracks president Simon Robinson and Paul Morris

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