Google launches disaster prevention map for Tokyo
Google’s Crisis Response Team have released a disaster prevention map for Tokyo. The map shows the various risk levels for building collapse, fire and evacuation hazards, as well as the location of evacuation zones, public pay phones and tsunami evacuation buildings.
Zones are based on data supplied by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The local government has provided this data online for several years, but the link up with Google Maps has provided a much easier user interface.Read more
Warou Flat - Azabu’s oldest rental apartments
Just a short walk from the bustling Azabu/Roppongi area there exists several pre-war apartments. Warou Flat is a small group of western-style rental apartments built between 1930 ~ 1937. There were originally five buildings, but only three remain. The buildings have been carefully maintained over the last 77 years and have so far managed to escape redevelopment. Read more
Tax breaks and better home loan rates to boost Japan's second-hand home market
As part of a plan to support and boost the market for used homes, the Japanese government is considering introducing measures to encourage lower interest rates on mortgages that include a component for renovations as well as tax benefits for buyers of older homes.
Although there is growing demand from consumers for relatively cheaper existing homes, more than half require some form of work such as earthquake-retrofitting or upgrades to make them barrier-free for older occupants. It is hoped that easier financing will encourage more consumers to consider older homes and reduce the number of vacant homes across the country.
Expanding the Flat 35 Home Loan
The Japan Housing Finance Agency’s ‘Flat 35’ home loan offers interest rates from as low as 1.69%. Although the loan can be used for both new and old properties, it may soon be expanded to provide additional financing for renovation costs at the time of purchase.Read more
No market for homes 20km+ outside of Tokyo
Takashi Ishizawa, chief real estate analyst at Mizuho Securities, says a clear divide has formed between properties that can be re-sold and those that have no chance of selling. As properties in Tokyo's outer suburban areas continue to fall in value, they become more and more difficult to sell.
Properties with a chance of selling are located within a 20 km radius of Chiyoda-ku. Properties located east of Funabashi in Chiba and north of Omiya in Saitama are almost impossible to sell, even though asking prices of a house and land start from as little as 2 million Yen (19,000 USD). Developers are also careful not to venture past these zones.
The two main causes are the shrinking population and the shift in demand towards more central locations. In addition, the home buyers of today are seeking a better work-life balance and are avoiding areas that are over an hour from their office. Read more
Seiko to sell historical residence in Shirokane for an estimated 30 billion Yen
On August 12, Seiko Holdings announced that they will be selling the 81-year old residence of company founder Kintaro Hattori in Shirokane 2 Chome and are expected to post a gain of 8.5 billion Yen (82 million USD) from its sale. Managing Director Akio Naito said the property was of historical importance to the company and they will announce further details after the property is transferred at the end of September.
The residence was designed by architect Teitaro Takahashi (1892 - 1970) and built by Obayashi Corporation in 1933. Takahashi designed a number of residences, hotels and buildings including the Former Maeda Residence in Komaba Park (1928) and the Takashimaya Department Store in Nihonbashi (1933).
Hattori founded the Wako watch and jewellery shop in Ginza in 1881. The current Wako department store building in Ginza was built in 1932 as the K. Hattori Building and replaced Hattori's original store which had been demolished in 1921. Naturally, the clock atop the building is a Seiko.Read more