Just thought I would add my two cents.
A lot of those cheaper apartments are for investors only….ie you can buy it but can’t live in it. If you are needing to live in the place then these are no good for you.

427 for me. This is tough…

As you are putting the balls on the scale, you put one on the left side, one on the right side. Then you have an expected pattern. Left goes down, back to level, left goes down, back to level. If you get something different to this pattern, i.e. left goes down, stays down, you can narrow the ball down to two balls…compare these balls to one of the normal balls and you can find out if it is heavier or lighter.

Close? or do I have to put the balls on at the same time?

Hey David.

Just suggesting the idea about the company for when you start work over here. Been looking at a few apartments in Nagoya, looking for extra costs. From what I have seen, body corp and sinking funds(or Japanese equivalent) can range between 10000 to 20000 yen per month (combined). That was in the city, and larger places had higher rates. Didn`t see much info about rates though. Keep looking I guess!

Scott

Hey David,

Yes, I would invest over here if I were staying in the country another few years. A little more research into hidden costs would be a deciding factor though. Assuming you are investing for cash flow and not capital gains, I think Japan would be a good place. Another member on the forum has put offers on places from Japan, see the post `HECS debt`.

I agree that the exports are the biggest factor in Japans growth, and they look a bit under threat with the strengthening yen, so the situation is not as rosy as it sounds. But if you do your homework, and invest wisely, I think that you could ride out any downturn.

Had a quick look at some home loans here on the net. None of the banks mind you. The cheapest I saw was 2%, maximum limit of 50 million yen. Not too sure about the fine print yet.

What are your thoughts about Japan v Aus at the moment? Thought much about investing in Japan?

Scott

Hey Guys,

From what I hear talking to people, if you have the money it is easy to buy here, and if you don`t you can`t borrow here, so tough. As for the prices of properties here, I have only just started looking at them. Was dead keen to invest in Aus, but with the price rises there decided to have a look around here.

I live in Nagoya, which is a few hours east of Osaka, about 6 hours west of Tokyo. Third or fourth largest city in Japan. Excellent transportation system here, so you can live a bit out of town and not worry too much. Prices for houses are kind of expensive in the city, but if you go out a bit, price drops off. Apartments are pretty reasonable I feel.

A lot of new development as the Japanese economy shows signs of picking up. They are also building a new international airport here, due for completion in 2005, when Aichi (prefecture that Nagoya is in) will hold some kind of Expo.

Property prices declined this year for the 12th year in a row, but indications are that it has just about bottomed out. I just wonder about the other costs such as city tax, land tax, water, etc. Plenty of opportunities for a smart investor I feel. Now I just have to become a smart investor. Ideally I would like to invest in Japan and Australia.

As for the trip Terry, I`ll keep you posted. Do you have much experience with Japanese banks?

Scott

Hey David,

I came over here after schooling to, but that included university. I am 25, grew up near Brisbane. Moved over here to teach English after doing an engineering degree and an arts degree(economics/japanese).

Been over here two and a half years too. Am only just getting into the research over here. Going back to Aus next year, so mostly am just reserching over here for when I go back. Haven`t looked too much into finance from Japanese banks. Some Aus banks will lend you money in yen, so maybe some Japanese banks will lend you money in A dollars. Depends where you earn you income I guess at to what you want the loan to be in.

Are you looking to stay in Japan to work after you graduate?

Scott

Just to clarify, what square are you thinking outside of? From the information in this forum, I don`t see too much about `screwing people over to make a dollar`.

I can understand your concern about other people buying up the good investment properties in your area, but maybe you should try to turn your dreams of investing into a reality. Sure it mightn`t match your ideal world, but if you want to invest, maybe you need to compromise a little.

Sounds like that you had an opportunity to invest, but pulled out, so is investing what you really want to do? Is it really for you? Just my opinion.

Scott