Located on the north slopes of Mount Yoichi, Kiroro has become popular due to the fact it’s closer to both Sapporo and New Chitose International Airport than Niseko. Meanwhile, the skiing is just as good while a new property development is allowing real estate investors to own a home in this winter wonderland.

Yu Kiroro from Thai developer Property Perfect has been tailored to the needs of the modern lifestyle real estate investor. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic cooling real estate demand in some areas, the investment potential of Hokkaido combined with the unique opportunity presented by Yu Kiroro has seen interest in the development remain steady.

Japanese ski properties primed for long-term success

Demand for Japanese ski properties comes from skiers and lifestyle real estate investors based in Asia. Buyers come from Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan and Singapore, all locations with direct flights available to Hokkaido’s New Chitose International Airport.

“Despite Covid-19, the demand is still there. However, there has been a slight slowdown in 2020 due to travel restriction. But we believe demand will come back after buyers can start to travel. We still received enquiries constantly during the Covid-19 pandemic,” Saranyu Adhyanasakul, Property Perfect Director of International Business Development, explains.

The creation of travel bubbles could help things get back to normal in the coming months. Japan has already began exploring travel bubble tourism opportunities with Thailand and Vietnam among other countries. Assuming everything goes according to plan, Hokkaido’s resorts will have skiers on the slopes this year.

Looking at the long-term picture, Japanese ski properties boast many positive features that will appeal to real estate investors.

“Demand in Japanese real estate still remains high, particularly for ski properties. The supply of these is relatively low compared to the increasing of demand from buyers in Asia. Also, there are not many premium alpine destination property in Asia,” Saranyu notes. “In term of return value, Japanese ski properties seem to provide the most attractive return in terms of capital gain and rental yields as well as holiday usage. Meanwhile, the supply in big cities like Tokyo is relatively large, while premium alpine destinations have much lower supply.”

Of course, there is much more to owning Japanese ski properties than the returns. For Asia’s lifestyle real estate investors, it is a chance to own something they love within a reasonable distance of their home.

“It is more than just an investment in terms of dollars for these buyers. Rather, it is an investment in terms of lifestyle that they pursue. Kiroro is much more than an investment opportunity; the Yu Kiroro residences offers buyers a luxury home in the heart of one of the world’s most remarkable alpine destinations,” Saranyu says. “Owners and their guests will enjoy an exceptional year-round destination with far less crowds, the world’s best ski powder and a more luxurious experience than other Asian alpine resorts.”

It is fairly common for those living in New York or Los Angeles to own a ski property in Vail or Aspen. The five- or six-hour flight means it’s possible to spend weekends or extended holidays there. Kiroro offers the same lifestyle and convenience for investors in Asia.

“Overall, we believe home ownership in Hokkaido is very appealing because it offers the best option for people who love Japan as a destination for living and vacationing in and who travel here often,” Saranyu states. “It makes sense for them to have second or vacation home for their future trips.”

Yu Kiroro redefines the ski lifestyle

For lifestyle real estate investors, Yu Kiroro ticks all the boxes. Not only is it part of the modern Kiroro resort on the mountain, but the development is equipped with ski-in ski-out access, the single most important feature for Japanese ski properties.

“Ski-in ski-out access is a premium feature, which is highly convenient and allows for the highest possible rental and upside gain,” Saranyu reports. “In addition to this, the expansion plan of the town or resort must be well-planned with continuous and substantial growth to forecast on future supply and demand. Yu Kiroro has considered both of these carefully.”

In fact, every last detail at Yu Kiroro has been carefully curated to ensure residents have the best possible experience. Leading design firm ILYA was entrusted with the design of the project. The company is known for melding Japanese craftsmanship with international experience and its hard work can be found throughout the development.

Additionally, the development lends itself to two, new travel trends that have emerged in Asia: the “new normal” and family travel.

“We see the trend where people are now looking for destinations that offer amenities and facilities for privacy, space, openness, wellness experiences, etc, which Kiroro is perfectly set up for,” Saranyu states. “We also see the trend of people wanting to spend time with old friends and family due to pent up demand generated by cancelled or postponed trips. Kiroro lends very well to that segment too, including from an investment perspective.”

Snow may be the star of Yu Kiroro, but unit owners have a wealth of services and amenities at their fingertips as well. This is something that separates it from other Japanese ski properties and ensures a residence at Yu Kiroro is a must own for Asia’s lifestyle real estate investors.

There is an indoor and outdoor onsen with waters from a local hot springs source within the resort. A family room and kids space allow parents to hit the slopes while the little ones enjoy fun activities. The Yu Kiroro Owner’s Club provides an exclusive retreat where owners can relax, socialize and enjoy a warm beverage.

And while winter will always be the main attraction, Kiroro is a year-round destination. The area offers five-star recreation activities that are readily available in the spring, summer and fall months. This is similar to how many leading ski resorts in Switzerland and Austria operate and will add value to investors both in terms of returns and lifestyle.

Project facts

Yu Kiroro was completed last year and is part of the impressive Kiroro Resort. There are 104 units with 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom residences as well as a penthouse available. Each unit is fully furnished, and owners are provided with a wide range of premium services. Properties are sold on a freehold basis.

The Kiroro Resort was named as one of the top three Best Ski Resorts at the 7th annual World Ski Awards in 2019. The resort’s centrepiece is Gateway, Hokkaido’s first premium ski club and center with ski-in and ski-out access to shops, restaurants and a kids center.

The post Japanese ski properties are a must own for Asia’s lifestyle real estate investors first appeared on Housing Market Marketing by Housing Market Group.

In this current moment when many of us are staying home, one of the best remedies to help alleviate some of the stress is to head outside and get some fresh air — preferably at least six feet or more away from your neighbor. If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space, whether you have a sprawling backyard or a smidgen of a patio, make the most of it with these seven ideas for improving your outdoor area.

Curate an outdoor lounge space

Had to cancel a beach vacation you planned for spring break or summer? Set up an outdoor lounge space on your patio or in the yard to give your outdoor space a tropical feel. You can either scour the internet for lounge chairs, chaise lounges, hammocks and outdoor sectionals, or create your own, like a one-of-a-kind outdoor lounge bed. All you need to complete this project is a platform bed frame, a futon mattress and outdoor fabric to cover it. (If you’re not handy with the sewing machine, this would be a simple task for a local upholsterer to tackle.) Plop some outdoor pillows on top for added comfort and style.

To complete your lounge, add in some side tables, a few candles and maybe a glass of wine to create that all-inclusive atmosphere.

DIY outdoor movie theater

The movie theaters may be off limits for now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t re-create the experience in your own private outdoor space. Though you’ve likely seen elaborate backyard movie theater setups, it doesn’t have to be complicated: All you need is a white sheet that can be tautly mounted on a flat surface (a shed or siding on your apartment patio will do just fine), a projector and your phone to play movies, TV shows or whatever else you’re binging these days.

Don’t have access to a projector? It’s surprisingly simple to make one out of a shoe box, some cardboard and a magnifying glass. Round up your favorite patio chairs or arrange your outdoor cushions, make some popcorn and enjoy your movie with the background noise of the crickets chirping.

Create an outdoor bar

It may be a while before you can go back to your favorite dive bar or swanky cocktail lounge, so why not create your own for your outdoor space? You can, of course, buy a bar online, or you can repurpose an old table or desk — or even get crafty with some cinder blocks, concrete glue and a few 1 x 6 boards to create your very own. Gather your Bluetooth speaker, your favorite cocktail ingredients and a few glasses to get the ambiance of your favorite bar right at home. Here are a few ideas for inspiration, including bars you can squeeze into the smallest of outdoor spaces.

Beautify a barn or shed

A barn or a shed is a utilitarian structure, but that doesn’t mean it has to be an eyesore. Spruce it up by painting it a bold color, attaching some shutters, adding some flower boxes, installing a stone path or even stringing up some lights to zhuzh up that forgotten space in the backyard.

DIY fire pit

Just because many of the state parks or campsites are closed doesn’t mean you have to miss out on everyone’s favorite camping activity: the campfire. You can easily create a DIY fire pit for your backyard in seven steps, which only requires a few supplies you can pick up curbside at your local home improvement store. Not a big DIYer? You can always buy a prefab fire bowl that’s just as effective at creating that warm, cozy campfire glow.

Make an al fresco dining destination

We’re all getting a little tired of eating in our kitchens (or, maybe in front of our televisions) night after night. Mix it up a little by making an al fresco dining destination in your backyard or patio. In addition to an outdoor dining table and chairs, lay down an outdoor rug and string up a strand of lights or craft yourself an outdoor chandelier to transform your evening meals.

Create a meditation zone

Missing your yoga studio? You can still do a restorative practice and a shavasana at home — and make it even better by creating a meditation zone in your backyard. Plant a garden with calming scents like lavender or jasmine, create a stepping stone path to your meditation spot or even build yourself a standing tent or cabana with curtains that blow in the warm, calming breeze.

The post 7 Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors at Home first appeared on Housing Market Marketing by Housing Market Group.