"cc" <cpasuneadresse@spam.com> wrote in message
news:bljgic$8la$4@bgsv5647.tk.mesh.ad.jp...
>
> "Ryan Ginstrom" <ginstrom@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>
> > We thought (very briefly) about buying a condo.
>
> Really ? You didn't move to the islands to live in a condo !

Well, it took us a few years to be confident we could live in Okinawa.
Before then, we looked around mainland Japan for houses as well.

We also did some research, and found out about how shoddy construction was
in Japan (in general). But I guess anyone could figure that out when they
see houses getting torn down and rebuilt every 20-30 years.

> >The problem is that in
> > Japan, basically the only value is in the land.
>
> I think exactly like you. In addition, when you have your house built or
> reformed, you can select the material yourself and decide about the
> construction.

Yep, but the problem is that a reform can cost as much as building a new
house!

> Anyway, for a manshon I'd investigate a lot, and I'd buy it second-hand
when
> the flat has lost lot of its value.

Yes. The good side of housing being treated as a consumable, along the lines
of a car, is that you can get some good bargains if you search very well.

-- 
Regards,
Ryan Ginstrom