BEYOND TOKYO
Most Singaporean buyers are hunting for investment properties, particularly short-term rentals catering to tourists, though some are purchasing retirement or holiday homes.
Centrally located apartments are preferred over standalone houses, as they are easier to rent out and manage remotely, according to Ms Chua Shir Yee, head of international sales at PropNex.
While Tokyo remains the dominant destination – particularly prime districts like Roppongi and Shibuya – Osaka is rapidly gaining ground.
The nation’s third-largest city in population offers a compelling value proposition: property prices roughly 30 per cent lower than Tokyo, higher rental yields and fewer restrictions on short-term rental operations.
Mr Amous Lee, chief executive of FM Investment, estimates rental yields in Osaka to be around 5 per cent compared with Tokyo’s 3 per cent.
