Newsletter - January 2007

Welcome

Welcome to 2007, Happy New Year. Winter has returned to Niseko this week with 30 cm's of snow in the last 24 hours and big smiles all through town as the powder hounds enjoy Niseko's famous powder.

In 2007 it will be ten years since a Peter Murphy dragged me kicking and screaming to Niseko. Niseko village changes every year. January is now family month with lots of kids around town enjoying an alternative to the traditional Aussie summer holiday. But the town is no longer the domain of the Aussies with the Hong Kong, Shang-Hai and Singapore market alive and well and strengthening every year.

There are new bars and restaurants opening every day and old favourites are renovating and adding more tables to cope with the increased demand. Some of the locals and regular visitors mutter under their breath that it is "not like the good old days" but the truth is the changes to the village make it much more interesting as there are always new places to discover. It is clear that Niseko is becoming an International resort and the quality of the snow will always bring people back to a place that really has no equal in terms of consistent snowfalls. Poor seasons in North America and Australia last year and in Europe this year will make anyone think twice before they book their winter vacation.

Niseko Property

Niseko Property is a partnership between Peter Murphy the owner of SkiJapan.com and Ruskin McLennan. Peter needs no introduction as the owner of the biggest inbound operator in Niseko SkiJapan.com and the owner of the no. 1 wholesale operator to Japan, Snowave.

This year Peter and I opened Niseko Property to compliment SkiJapan.com as guests, property owners and developers in the village sought a company that can sell a development but fill it and manage it too. Niseko Property are taking expressions of interest for the Alpen Ridge development and selling the Yuki Yama (Snow Mountain) apartments and some of Niseko's best duplexes designed by Cottee Parker architects and we also have a range of land and pensions for sale. We are adding more sites to our website every day so please keep checking our websites as we update it every day. We also have the last apartment in the Shinsetsu development for sale, a fully furnished 3 bedroom apartment (with garage) for a great price.

Our office is in the main street of Niseko as you walk up the hill from the traffic lights opposite the Park Hotel.

So what makes us different from the rest?

Good question. The Niseko market is maturing quickly, some new developments have failed to sell and others have become obsolescent as the market becomes more sophisticated. We sell more than one design so we are able to offer you a property that is tailored for your budget and your requirements.

1 - Management

The developments Niseko Property is selling this winter will be managed by Ski Japan who has a year round office in the village with over 15 year round staff and a staff of 70 in winter. Your property will be filled by Niseko's biggest inbound operator who will make sure that guests who stay in your development have someone to answer all their questions before they leave home, meet them at the Airport, transport them to their apartment, arrange day tours, child minding, ski-school and ski rental.

Ski Japan also operate the Summer Japan program to fill your apartment in summer with guests from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore who come to Niseko in summer to play golf, go rafting and to enjoy the beautiful scenery in a perfect escape from the heat and humidity of an equatorial summer.

2 - Innovative Design

In a market dominated by developers who have taken a "cookie cutter" approach to design, smart investors will be taking a look behind the facade. We work with the developers to advise them what features guest look for and what services they want.

Will your interior design stand the test of time? Some of the latest releases in the village are at best unattractive and have been discounted already as people are clearly surprised at such incongruous development in an Alpine village. Will electric fireplaces, spotted brick facades and lime green interior design still be desirable in 5 years? Our Interior designs are carefully vetted to ensure that your investments capital value will be maximised.

The Alpen Ridge development has been designed in collaboration between Nikken Sekei and Cottee Parker, both leading architects in their respective fields. An innovative design will ensure your capital is protected now and in the future.

The Cottee Parker team are responsible for the Sulu and Seizan developments, definitely the best family accommodation in the village. Previously these duplexes have been sold privately and this year for the first time they will be available to the public. These duplexes offer 3 or 4 bedrooms, a media room, a magnificent open plan living and dining area, 3 bathrooms and a garage. We have four sites available for these prestigious townhouses so check our website for more details. The earliest purchasers will have first choice of locations so please make a reservation to inspect these developments on your visit to Niseko this winter.

The Yuki Yama (Snow Mountain) apartments are designed by the team that developed the very successful Shinsetsu apartments. These apartments have a contemporary design that is popular with owners and guests and features Australian designed kitchens, lofted ceilings, in-floor heating and generous living areas. These apartments will be ready in February 2007 and already have bookings.

3 - Location

It's the first rule of Real Estate and it is important. The first question most people ask when renting an apartment is "Is it close to the lifts?". Most guests want to be in the heart of the village so they can walk to the lifts, bars, restaurants and Onsens.

The Yuki Yama apartments have a great location with spectacular views of Mt. Youtei, situated on a quiet street and a village heart location. A two minute stroll to Seico mart and three minutes to the lifts mean you will never have to catch the bus.

The Cottee Parker designed duplexes offer four middle village locations so you can choose the site that best suits you. All three locations are perfect for the homes that will be built on them.

Alpen Ridge is the only ski in-ski out development in the village. This is the Ski Resort equivalent of waterfront. It is simply the best location in the village with views that can never be built out. Please register now with Niseko Property to ensure you don't miss out.

Make an appointment today to meet the Niseko Property team while you are in Niseko this winter. Contact us at sales@nisekoproperty.com

Every guest who views the Yuki Yama or Shinsetsu apartments will be in the running to win a new pair of K2 skis.

There has never been a better time to invest in Niseko while the Aussie dollar reaches new highs against the yen. Don't miss out!

Ruskin McLennan
Director Niseko Property
www.nisekoproperty.com