Apartment bubble - Why new apartment prices are rising
Recent news reports have suggested that real estate prices in Japan are set to rise and that a property bubble is imminent. But how true are these reports?
The prices of brand new apartments in Japan's major capitals has certainly increased (up 3.0% over 12 months in greater Tokyo in March 2013). However, the main reason for the increase in price is not a property bubble, but an increase in construction costs.Read more
Mori's latest apartments in Shibuya's Kamiyamacho neighbourhood
Luxury property developer Mori Building has completed construction of a stylish residential development in the exclusive Kamiyamacho neighbourhood in Shibuya.
Called 'Case' the six units were designed by Pritzer Prize-winning architectural firm SANAA (Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates).Read more
New apartment supply to return to pre-Lehman levels in 2013
According to the Real Estate Economic Institute, the supply of new apartments offered for sale in greater Tokyo in March 2013 was 5,318 units - 48.4% higher than March 2012. Developers have been pushing forward their sales dates in order to capitalise on an expected last-minute rush before the first consumption tax increase hits consumers in 2014.
The total supply of new apartments in 2013 is expected to exceed 50,000 units for the first time since 2007. In 2012, the supply was down 3.5% from the previous year to 46,754 apartments and the contract rate was 76.7%. The contract rate for March 2013 was 82.1%.Read more
Prices up in Karuizawa, down in Yuzawa - polarization in Japan's resort market
Japan's resort areas are seeing a dramatic polarization of their property markets. Some areas, such as Karuizawa and Okinawa are seeing prices rise, while other areas are seeing year-on-year falls. Why is this happening?Read more