i bought my house in Kyoto prefecture sight unseen. But the agent provided a video and I opted to get an inspection done on the house before I signed the contract. The inspection report is very thorough. This allowed me to make an informed decision subsequently on renovations later on too.
@ I found the house ad myself and approached an intermediary, NTI, to approach the agent and arrange the contracting paperwork. You can search for Nippon Tradings International . They have a regular podcast on TH-cam.
Japan is a very wet and humid country. Mold and moisture damage is VERY common. If I were buying an akiya, I would just go ahead and assume there was water damage and get professionals in asap.
Her front garden is really nice. I can see why she chose the house. I hope she is able to resolve the issues and she still feels it was a good purchase for her.
I hope that everything turns out well for Helen. My house (unfortunately, not in Japan) needed a tremendous amount of work done on it. It took time (and a lot of money) but it all worked out well in the end. At least with Japanese builders, you will be overjoyed with the workmanship. Best wishes. P.S. I hope Miss Millie is well 😊
Fixing a Japanese old house is not hard in our opinion. No new fancy material is needed. Just get some wood and replace wherever it's needed. Hire someone if you can't do it but I bet she can do it. If we were close we would be happy to help you. Good luck Helen❤
Such a REAL video as the interest from foreigners buying and renovating akiyas grows and grows 👌 Also, I don't usually comment so much about a person's appearance, but I must say, Chani, I love what you've done with your hair and you're absolutely glowing 🥰
Strip all the vinyl wallpaper as it's potentially contributing to wall rot by blocking moisture and it's covering up the true condition of the walls anyway. Have a carpenter replace the subfloor and check the rest of the house. Consider adding a concrete foundation with plastic to stop vapor from entering the crawl space and insulating the floor while you're at it.
Hang in there Helen. A builder can fix a lot of these deeper problems. Enjoy the great location, beautiful gardens and most of all the peaceful japanese culture.
Helen, I can see why you chose that house--what a lovely garden! When you fall in love with a place, the adventure to make it your own becomes part of its charm. I hope it all goes well for you. Good luck!
For those who are considering buying a used house in Japan History of Changes in Japanese Seismic Standards The Japanese earthquake resistance standards have undergone three major revisions in the past, in 1971, 1981, and 2000. Avoid tile roofs. Tiles and roof tiles together weigh about 2 to 3 tons. In earthquake-prone Japan, durability decreases with each earthquake. Basically, calculated based on the age of the house. Of course, the price will be higher because of this, but the difference will shrink when you consider the cost of repairs. If you have plenty of assets, it would be a good idea to fix it thoroughly. However, that may not be a simple solution, as there is a serious shortage of craftsmen in Japan.
Helen please don’t lose heart! I’m sure the builder can help and even if it’s expensive just think of the huge home you have compared to Hong Kong! Also it’s so much cheaper even with a repair
You gotta feel for Helen. Chani, you have a real niche with your channel about Japan, and it is refreshing, informative/educational, and interesting. Good on ya, and gambatte!
I am Japanese. In Japan, cheap and old houses have many defects like this. That's why most Japanese people don't buy them. And it is absolutely unthinkable for a Japanese person to buy a house without seeing it in person. Recently, vacant houses in Japan have been attracting the attention of foreigners because they are cheap, but you need to be careful as there are many pitfalls like this. If you really want to buy a house in Japan, I recommend one that is less than 30 years old. Also, be sure to check for leaks. If you need to do major repairs, the roof alone can cost several million yen.
Helen seems lovely. I'm so sorry she is having these issues, and I hope she can get them resolved and begin to enjoy her life there. The garden is lovely, and I can see why she was drawn to the home. Best wishes, Helen!!
With the garden being so cared for, someone did care about this house, despite the issues it still has. The problems can be over come with time and a bit of $. ☺
Another great video. We stayed in a renovated akiya guest house last week in Higashimiyoshi. I shared with the host your TH-cam channel. She was very interested in your videos and is now following you too. Thoroughly enjoying your videos.
The garden looks amazing was my first thought. It’s good Helen has your assistance to help with organising a builder & identifying the problems. Fingers crossed for no more termites.
Thanks for sharing Helen's story. I liked her comment that she bought the house to be close to transport but also it was an opportunity to join a community. All the best with the repairs, Helen. Hope not too costly.
TY for sharing her story and Akiya situation. It is a good learning experience and I hope she is able to safely resolve her damages! The fact that she has bought a property in Japan is a fantastic accomplishment and I'm sure everything will work out!!
Very impressed with your analytical mind, leading to your quick 'detective eye' to watch out for signs of damages in the house! Given Japan's weather and humidity (maybe a bit different in Hokkaido?), water/moisture-related damages are typically common. Water leakage through the roof, window/door would quickly lead to termite damages, along with soaked walls (lower parts), floorboards, etc. Very good & generous of you to contact a building contractor to help Helen with a deep dive check and possible remedial work! Good luck to Helen with the renovation, and everything will work out for her in the end!
My heart sunk for Helen. The water damage, mold and termites are all very serious issues. I feel like the seller and agent did her dirty, but I hope she comes out on top in the end! My own health has suffered greatly from landlords not disclosing and repairing water damage and mold.
Perhaps the water damage and termite damage needed to be disclosed in the purchase... The seller or agent may be liable for some of the remediation costs...
That's unfortunate that Helen's akiya had more damage than she expected. I hope the builder is able to help her so it's liveable and safe, without being too expensive. As well as the termite(s), I'd be concerned about the mould, which can be so damaging to one's health. It's lovely of you to help her, Chani. I do hope Helen hasn't gone back to Hong Kong with a heavy heart or any regrets about her decision.
Oh wow darl! Really impressed with your knowledge and experience about the house! Have see other TH-camrs do this, its awesome to see an Aussie doing this too!! Totemo subarashii desune!!!!!
Thanks for sharing Helen's house buy. Hopefully, all will end well. Even if it was a bargain, she could spend and design it to her liking and will end up as a good investment. 🤞
It's pretty cool that you can buy a place over there just like that for short or long stays and as a hobby to put your own touches, I wonder how much it costs per year even if it's empty, like basic council rates , electricity , water etc , I enjoyed the video!
I'm sorry for Helen to discover the damage after buying her property, but I think she has a good attitude about it in that not to worry until she get's a damage report & estimate about how much it will cost to repair any damaged areas. When you buy used property you'll usually find some things that need repair or that you wish to change. However, it's too bad Helen couldn't have a proper assessment prior to her purchase as she may have been able to negotiate a better price to help offset the cost of the repairs. I wish her the best and hope that any repairs can be made within her budget,
What you're doing is extremely helpful, as it is. But, this video should serve to re-enforce that people, and excuse the cliché, need to curb their enthusiasm and follow well known steps and procedures in buying anything as important as this.
You are such a smart business woman 😊 you are my role model!!! Helen seems like such a sweet Lady! I wish her all the best. Hope she can find a good deal to get the leaks and termite damage fixed 😢
Interesting video, Chani. Much thanks to Helen, and to your previous guests who you've shown regarding house purchases. And of course, much thanks to you and Millie! ☺️🤗😻 Xoxo Robin
Always a pleasure to share in your Japan adventures. You offered really excellent advice to your new friend and I hope we will get to see how her property ills are solved in the future. Give Miss Milly a hug for me!
Oh my gosh, this looks like a difficult situation for Helen! I hope she is able to get everything taken care of soon. Thank you for another interesting video!
Very interesting and helpful video. The thing about buying an Akiya on the internet is that you buy it as is. So you have to fix the house on your own and it may cost a little of money.
Good video Chani. Having just rented places sight unseen it's very tough to know what you are really getting from pictures. I hope she can get those issues fixed without too much trouble and cost.
Unfortunately that's going to be an expensive fix. Fixing the water leaks can sometimes be hard, I've got a roof that is leaking and after 16 years still can't find where it's coming from. Good luck to her though.
Despite all the problems, that’s a super cute house with a nice layout and gorgeous gardens, and worth putting the work into! Hope we get to see the final product!
Thanks for sharing and good luck to Helen. I just wonder how Helen manages the payments for the water, electricity, gas, internet and property tax - while she is back in Hongkong?
Hope you do a follow up video. I have renovated several old houses and termites are attracted to water. Seems like an ingress of water somewhere and I hope she sorts it out.
Yes, check the exterior... And would love a video of what the builder finds/reccomends, and how it turns out... Good luck with the remodel... It's a very cute house... Wishing for the best for her... And how is the house fixed to the ground? Are there upgrades or insulation needed there?
I hope Helen gets things worked out. I agree with you, she needs a builder. 10 years ago I looked at buying an Akiya, but most I saw in Osaka needed a lot of work, and I'm not a handyman, so I purchased a new house. That was an adventure. I don't speak Japanese (even now I totally suck) but the agent and the bankers were kind and one even used an iPad for technical terms translations. All went smoothly.
Always pay someone to go through the house for you. Both a layperson and some professionals.... So needed... And if certain things need doing, and it is known, it can be negotiated into the cost and terms of the sale
Hoping that it all works out well in the end for Helen. It seems that the house needs more than just decorating. This could be a challenge as she can only visit occasionally and does not speak the language. Once completed it will be a lovely home, especially with the garden, which I suspect will become her passion project.
Helen stating she found a live termite, even if it was just one warrants professional intervention as you have stated. Its nice of you to help, hope it works out for Helen. My concern would be that the structural integrity may be ok in normal times, but if the termites have decreased structural integrity there could be safety risks if exponential risk is placed during the time of earthquake. Any recommendations expressed by a professional assessor should be taken very seriously
Hello again from Mie area. Those kinds of old houses may need to be gutted out and put in new posts and walls if there are termite infestation or water damage. I have a bit of carpentry experience and would be nice to come over to help you guys out tho unfortunately live way over in Mie. I used to build 2x 4 homes in Japan and always wanted to implement 2 x 4 framing in old homes such as those. That’s the dream when I get my Akiya, make ‘‘em stronger with 2 x 4 framing and all.
Probably best having a survey done before buying a house, especially if buying blind. £600 can save you thousands. Hope the poor lass gets it sorted for not too much money.
Just like mice and other vermin, there's never just one. If you see one there are 100s more. Bad purchase. I've had mice in my house and they never go away. They can come through a dime sized hole and i refuse to fumigate because i have a cat who catches them so that would kill him. I can't wait to sell. Not trying to be a downer, but I'm being realistic. The house isn't healthy for her to live in and will cost a fortune to repair. But if she has the time and money, go right ahead! I'd rather spend my energy on people, activities and experiences rather than sinking it into a property. My house is sold and going full nomad in September 2025.
I've heard that they consider houses basically disposable, thirty years and they're done...if so, does that lead to less than optimal maintenance because they're not expecting the house to last anyways?
It’s a very lovely home. Definitely needs work to make it safe but I’m hoping the cheaper cost of an akiya leaves enough money for repairs. I’m a real estate agent in the US. I would always recommend getting an inspection before buying a property. We even do one with new construction. You just never know. With an akiya the price is amazing but you need an inspection to know the real price with repairs and renovation. I bet it’s still cheaper than in my part of the US though!
Likely make excellent side hustle cash to save for house repairs, car repairs and travel or investing for retirement. My mom started learning money skills around investing and mortgages... She started at 50...worked hard at it.... And did very well with the guidance of an investment firm and a professional mortgage broker... She now has enough to pay for her care home which is a whopping 6 thousand Canadian dollars per month.... So yes Chani.... Think of opening a side hustle of a foreign advisor or helper.... And charge high prices... Don't be bashful... You have excellent Japanese skills, and working knowledge that is a true asset to others that they would pay well for.... Just consider it.... My mom made quite a lot in her side hustle...
Repairing a while by painting over it? I'm not DIY expert, but... However, as I had my house done up in the UK some years ago, if I was to now buy one in Japan, I'd want it to be move-in ready.
Her situation seems terrible but it’s sort of expected …. But Japanese builders are reliable they will not likely rip her off. They are efficient etc she will be fine ! ❤
Rotten wood also attracts mice, as well as carpenter ants (which can eat right through wood). Her house is a safety hazard. She needs to have it inspected from floor to bottom, hope it doesn't crumble down.
Well, that’s what they call “as is”. However, it’s still worth it! Repair costs are reasonable. Not like in other countries. And everyone has to remember, Japan is a developed country! So some repair is ok. And you get a fully paid house in a developed county! How cool is that?
making a leap from living in a rutt doesn't always mean better. Got to be open minded for golden opportunities aAND heart wrenching experiences. Chin up, one day at a time .
Oh dear, I think she got scammed. If all those problems weren‘t listed, she should sue the company that sold it. I‘m pretty sure she will have to invest at least 30.000 Euros to get first of all an expert to access the damage and then she probably will need new beams, new floors and walls and God knows what else. But you should never take water damage lightly. The house might not be stable anymore, plus mold makes you sick and nothing is more important than your health. I hope she will get help.
When I studied architecture I was thought that Japanese architecture/ buildings are top notch quality. What I see from many TH-camrs is the opposite. Lot of water damage and mold in this homes. Probably the new homes ones are better build.
i bought my house in Kyoto prefecture sight unseen. But the agent provided a video and I opted to get an inspection done on the house before I signed the contract. The inspection report is very thorough. This allowed me to make an informed decision subsequently on renovations later on too.
Would you mind sharing how you found the agent? Arigato!!
@@fc787761 excellent that is the right way not guessing it’s okay.
@ I found the house ad myself and approached an intermediary, NTI, to approach the agent and arrange the contracting paperwork. You can search for Nippon Tradings International . They have a regular podcast on TH-cam.
Exactly, perfect procedure, highly recommended. And any issues found can be negotiated off the price at time of sale
Japan is a very wet and humid country. Mold and moisture damage is VERY common. If I were buying an akiya, I would just go ahead and assume there was water damage and get professionals in asap.
Her front garden is really nice. I can see why she chose the house. I hope she is able to resolve the issues and she still feels it was a good purchase for her.
Yes, the garden is beautiful! I am sure that she will be happy with everything in the end ❤️😃
I hope that everything turns out well for Helen. My house (unfortunately, not in Japan) needed a tremendous amount of work done on it. It took time (and a lot of money) but it all worked out well in the end. At least with Japanese builders, you will be overjoyed with the workmanship. Best wishes. P.S. I hope Miss Millie is well 😊
Yes! Similar to your house, I think Helen will need to spend some time and money. It will all work out I am sure. ❤️
Fixing a Japanese old house is not hard in our opinion. No new fancy material is needed. Just get some wood and replace wherever it's needed. Hire someone if you can't do it but I bet she can do it. If we were close we would be happy to help you. Good luck Helen❤
Such a REAL video as the interest from foreigners buying and renovating akiyas grows and grows 👌
Also, I don't usually comment so much about a person's appearance, but I must say, Chani, I love what you've done with your hair and you're absolutely glowing 🥰
Thanks for your kind words, I appreciate it!❤️
Yes, I was thinking same... Definitely glowing
Strip all the vinyl wallpaper as it's potentially contributing to wall rot by blocking moisture and it's covering up the true condition of the walls anyway. Have a carpenter replace the subfloor and check the rest of the house. Consider adding a concrete foundation with plastic to stop vapor from entering the crawl space and insulating the floor while you're at it.
Great advice! I believe this is what will be recommended by the builder too.
Hang in there Helen. A builder can fix a lot of these deeper problems. Enjoy the great location, beautiful gardens and most of all the peaceful japanese culture.
That's very kind of you. ❤️
Helen, I can see why you chose that house--what a lovely garden! When you fall in love with a place, the adventure to make it your own becomes part of its charm. I hope it all goes well for you. Good luck!
Lovely comment ❤️😃
Have followed yoir channel and enjoyed it every time. You have put a lot of thought in your vdeos. Kudos
Helen is lucky to have a great friend in Chani to help with finding a builder!
If Helen would be willling, I'd love to see a follow up with her home renovations. Until then I wish her all the best fixing he lovely home up.
For those who are considering buying a used house in Japan
History of Changes in Japanese Seismic Standards
The Japanese earthquake resistance standards have undergone three major revisions in the past, in 1971, 1981, and 2000.
Avoid tile roofs.
Tiles and roof tiles together weigh about 2 to 3 tons.
In earthquake-prone Japan, durability decreases with each earthquake.
Basically, calculated based on the age of the house.
Of course, the price will be higher because of this, but the difference will shrink when you consider the cost of repairs.
If you have plenty of assets, it would be a good idea to fix it thoroughly.
However, that may not be a simple solution, as there is a serious shortage of craftsmen in Japan.
Helen please don’t lose heart!
I’m sure the builder can help and even if it’s expensive just think of the huge home you have compared to Hong Kong!
Also it’s so much cheaper even with a repair
True! Good point 😃
All the best for Helen. Thanks Chani for another great video. 🇦🇺☺️
Thanks for watching and for your support!
You gotta feel for Helen. Chani, you have a real niche with your channel about Japan, and it is refreshing, informative/educational, and interesting. Good on ya, and gambatte!
Thanks for helping and also for showing us things to look for
Yes, great video Chani!!!! Great topic!!! Would love to see more homes
I am Japanese.
In Japan, cheap and old houses have many defects like this. That's why most Japanese people don't buy them.
And it is absolutely unthinkable for a Japanese person to buy a house without seeing it in person.
Recently, vacant houses in Japan have been attracting the attention of foreigners because they are cheap, but you need to be careful as there are many pitfalls like this.
If you really want to buy a house in Japan, I recommend one that is less than 30 years old.
Also, be sure to check for leaks. If you need to do major repairs, the roof alone can cost several million yen.
Yes. I think it’s important as you say to be careful when buying older houses. Earthquake standards are also important to consider 😃
海原 San, thanks for sharing your invaluable opinions. Cheers!😊
Helen seems lovely. I'm so sorry she is having these issues, and I hope she can get them resolved and begin to enjoy her life there. The garden is lovely, and I can see why she was drawn to the home. Best wishes, Helen!!
I’ve been amazed to see what builders in Japan can do to fix things. And they seem so conscientious.
Best wishes to Helen!
With the garden being so cared for, someone did care about this house, despite the issues it still has. The problems can be over come with time and a bit of $. ☺
@@kenembree4088 very true 😃
A lot of $! Maybe more than she paid for the house.
Another great video.
We stayed in a renovated akiya guest house last week in Higashimiyoshi. I shared with the host your TH-cam channel. She was very interested in your videos and is now following you too.
Thoroughly enjoying your videos.
Thanks for sharing good to see that it’s not all roses with Akiyas sometimes some work is required
Yes, you are right, they are not all perfect.
The garden looks amazing was my first thought. It’s good Helen has your assistance to help with organising a builder & identifying the problems. Fingers crossed for no more termites.
It is a great garden!
Thanks for sharing Helen's story. I liked her comment that she bought the house to be close to transport but also it was an opportunity to join a community. All the best with the repairs, Helen. Hope not too costly.
I agree, it's nice to have a sense of community.
Chani, you're very kind and helpful! Love your channel ❤
キッチンの床下を覗くなんて、プロみたい！
コンクリートじゃない場合は、畳を変えてもずっと湿気に悩みます。
chaniさんの家のように、以前の家主がどれだけリフォームしていたかが大事。
床だけじゃなく、窓も原因
25年前の家は、アルミの窓なので結露が出ます。
アルミ窓（窓1枚）なら、県が実施すれば補助金を出してくれると思う。
TY for sharing her story and Akiya situation. It is a good learning experience and I hope she is able to safely resolve her damages! The fact that she has bought a property in Japan is a fantastic accomplishment and I'm sure everything will work out!!
Very impressed with your analytical mind, leading to your quick 'detective eye' to watch out for signs of damages in the house! Given Japan's weather and humidity (maybe a bit different in Hokkaido?), water/moisture-related damages are typically common. Water leakage through the roof, window/door would quickly lead to termite damages, along with soaked walls (lower parts), floorboards, etc. Very good & generous of you to contact a building contractor to help Helen with a deep dive check and possible remedial work! Good luck to Helen with the renovation, and everything will work out for her in the end!
My heart sunk for Helen. The water damage, mold and termites are all very serious issues. I feel like the seller and agent did her dirty, but I hope she comes out on top in the end! My own health has suffered greatly from landlords not disclosing and repairing water damage and mold.
It is very unfortunate that she had to deal with those issues. But I know she will get it sorted.
Perhaps the water damage and termite damage needed to be disclosed in the purchase... The seller or agent may be liable for some of the remediation costs...
That's unfortunate that Helen's akiya had more damage than she expected. I hope the builder is able to help her so it's liveable and safe, without being too expensive. As well as the termite(s), I'd be concerned about the mould, which can be so damaging to one's health. It's lovely of you to help her, Chani. I do hope Helen hasn't gone back to Hong Kong with a heavy heart or any regrets about her decision.
Oh wow darl! Really impressed with your knowledge and experience about the house! Have see other TH-camrs do this, its awesome to see an Aussie doing this too!! Totemo subarashii desune!!!!!
Thanks for sharing Helen's house buy. Hopefully, all will end well. Even if it was a bargain, she could spend and design it to her liking and will end up as a good investment. 🤞
Great video. She’ll be fine - might have a few repairs but look at the amazing house she will end up with. Wishing her the best ❤
Very kind of you ❤️
Yes, it's such a lovely house!!! And lucky to have a garden
It's pretty cool that you can buy a place over there just like that for short or long stays and as a hobby to put your own touches, I wonder how much it costs per year even if it's empty, like basic council rates , electricity , water etc , I enjoyed the video!
I’ve found the running costs to be low compared to Australia.
Chani you are an amazing person
I hope she finds good builders to help repair everything ❤ lovely home, I can see why she loved it. Hopefully everything can be fixed reasonably.
Hi Chani,
Good on you for giving your helping hand for Helen.
Hope all is well with Helen's journey.
Hope Millie is doing well.
Great you helping Helen as best you can and just being supportive ❤ Strong's to Helen 💪😘
Best wishes to Helen.❤ Hang in there. The purchase may not have worked out exactly as you wanted but in time it will be a lovely place to live!
I'm sorry for Helen to discover the damage after buying her property, but I think she has a good attitude about it in that not to worry until she get's a damage report & estimate about how much it will cost to repair any damaged areas. When you buy used property you'll usually find some things that need repair or that you wish to change. However, it's too bad Helen couldn't have a proper assessment prior to her purchase as she may have been able to negotiate a better price to help offset the cost of the repairs. I wish her the best and hope that any repairs can be made within her budget,
You are right, things happen. Helen is a positive person and will get through it!
What you're doing is extremely helpful, as it is. But, this video should serve to re-enforce that people, and excuse the cliché, need to curb their enthusiasm and follow well known steps and procedures in buying anything as important as this.
I love this for you that you are doing consults when you can.
Thanks ❤️
It is so helpful to know someone who can help you when moving to a new city. And is anywhere! You are doing a great job, Chani!
You are such a smart business woman 😊 you are my role model!!! Helen seems like such a sweet Lady! I wish her all the best. Hope she can find a good deal to get the leaks and termite damage fixed 😢
Thank you so much!
@@ChaniJapan ❤️
Interesting video, Chani. Much thanks to Helen, and to your previous guests who you've shown regarding house purchases. And of course, much thanks to you and Millie! ☺️🤗😻 Xoxo Robin
Always a pleasure to share in your Japan adventures. You offered really excellent advice to your new friend and I hope we will get to see how her property ills are solved in the future. Give Miss Milly a hug for me!
Oh my gosh, this looks like a difficult situation for Helen! I hope she is able to get everything taken care of soon. Thank you for another interesting video!
Thanks for watching! I think she will get through it 👍
We all learn as we go. Helen will figure it out. Your advice of a reputable builder will get to the bottom of it all. Good job.
Very interesting and helpful video. The thing about buying an Akiya on the internet is that you buy it as is. So you have to fix the house on your own and it may cost a little of money.
You are so kind🥰
Good video Chani. Having just rented places sight unseen it's very tough to know what you are really getting from pictures. I hope she can get those issues fixed without too much trouble and cost.
Moral of the story: Don't buy a property sight unseen.
Exactly! If you don’t have time to visit in person, wait you do. I hope everything works out for Helen and that it does not cost too much to repair!
Hi Chani
Awesome videos and information
We have been binge watching your experience. Such an inspiration well done.
Shane and Di Aus
Thank you Shane and Di - I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!
Unfortunately that's going to be an expensive fix. Fixing the water leaks can sometimes be hard, I've got a roof that is leaking and after 16 years still can't find where it's coming from. Good luck to her though.
Yes it was a big surprise to find out about the leaking roof.
When buying a house, always check when the roof was last done, and when it next needs doing, as it is a significant cost
Thank you for sharing! I hope it turns out great for Helen
Props to her! Those issues can be fixed easily. She has the property and now just needs someone to fix the building.
Great video. Love Helen's attitude despite the problems. Stay positive.
Thanks for watching!
Despite all the problems, that’s a super cute house with a nice layout and gorgeous gardens, and worth putting the work into! Hope we get to see the final product!
Yes, would love to see the finished product... She will be so proud when it's all ship shape. Those older houses are gems.
Before starting any renovations, she should have had a building inspector come out and assess the house so she can plan what has to be done first
The perspective you provide through your videos is very unique and interesting. Looking forward to what's next ;)
Great video! Hope there will be a Part 2.
Stay tuned! I will be filming again early next year😃
Thanks for sharing and good luck to Helen.
I just wonder how Helen manages the payments for the water, electricity, gas, internet and property tax - while she is back in Hongkong?
Hi Chani ❤que amor eres de persona 💕.
Fuerza Helen. Desde Argentina te envío mucha luz.
Abrazos y cariños Chani y Milli 😊😊
Muchas gracias ❤️
Hey Chani!! Love from Adelaide, Australia!❤ hope Millie and yourself are going well
Thanks so much 😃
Hope you do a follow up video. I have renovated several old houses and termites are attracted to water. Seems like an ingress of water somewhere and I hope she sorts it out.
Yes, check the exterior... And would love a video of what the builder finds/reccomends, and how it turns out... Good luck with the remodel... It's a very cute house... Wishing for the best for her... And how is the house fixed to the ground? Are there upgrades or insulation needed there?
I hope Helen gets things worked out. I agree with you, she needs a builder. 10 years ago I looked at buying an Akiya, but most I saw in Osaka needed a lot of work, and I'm not a handyman, so I purchased a new house. That was an adventure. I don't speak Japanese (even now I totally suck) but the agent and the bankers were kind and one even used an iPad for technical terms translations. All went smoothly.
I would get a building inspection prior to buying it’s very dangerous buying with out inspection you could be buying someone else’s problem.
Always pay someone to go through the house for you. Both a layperson and some professionals.... So needed... And if certain things need doing, and it is known, it can be negotiated into the cost and terms of the sale
Go Helen!!!❤❤❤
Hoping that it all works out well in the end for Helen. It seems that the house needs more than just decorating. This could be a challenge as she can only visit occasionally and does not speak the language.
Once completed it will be a lovely home, especially with the garden, which I suspect will become her passion project.
Helen stating she found a live termite, even if it was just one warrants professional intervention as you have stated. Its nice of you to help, hope it works out for Helen. My concern would be that the structural integrity may be ok in normal times, but if the termites have decreased structural integrity there could be safety risks if exponential risk is placed during the time of earthquake. Any recommendations expressed by a professional assessor should be taken very seriously
I agree, it’s best to be cautious and get an expert opinion.
Hello again from Mie area. Those kinds of old houses may need to be gutted out and put in new posts and walls if there are termite infestation or water damage. I have a bit of carpentry experience and would be nice to come over to help you guys out tho unfortunately live way over in Mie. I used to build 2x 4 homes in Japan and always wanted to implement 2 x 4 framing in old homes such as those. That’s the dream when I get my Akiya, make ‘‘em stronger with 2 x 4 framing and all.
Wld be nice to see Part 2 on Helen's hse.
Im sure everything will work out fine for her. Wonder if she bought in Wakayama because of you
Helen was looking originally in Osaka and gradually widened her search which led her to Wakayama.
@ you are so busy, it’s good you set up a consult service. Prioritize your time and grow a business out of it.
Probably best having a survey done before buying a house, especially if buying blind. £600 can save you thousands. Hope the poor lass gets it sorted for not too much money.
Just like mice and other vermin, there's never just one. If you see one there are 100s more. Bad purchase. I've had mice in my house and they never go away. They can come through a dime sized hole and i refuse to fumigate because i have a cat who catches them so that would kill him. I can't wait to sell. Not trying to be a downer, but I'm being realistic. The house isn't healthy for her to live in and will cost a fortune to repair. But if she has the time and money, go right ahead! I'd rather spend my energy on people, activities and experiences rather than sinking it into a property. My house is sold and going full nomad in September 2025.
Thanks.
I've heard that they consider houses basically disposable, thirty years and they're done...if so, does that lead to less than optimal maintenance because they're not expecting the house to last anyways?
It’s a very lovely home. Definitely needs work to make it safe but I’m hoping the cheaper cost of an akiya leaves enough money for repairs.
I’m a real estate agent in the US. I would always recommend getting an inspection before buying a property. We even do one with new construction. You just never know. With an akiya the price is amazing but you need an inspection to know the real price with repairs and renovation. I bet it’s still cheaper than in my part of the US though!
Yes, the cost of repairs is something to factor in.
You will finish opening an advising company for foreigners in Japan ^^
Yes was thinking same with her excellent Japanese skills!!! I speak some Japanese, but Chani has some serious skills....
Likely make excellent side hustle cash to save for house repairs, car repairs and travel or investing for retirement. My mom started learning money skills around investing and mortgages... She started at 50...worked hard at it.... And did very well with the guidance of an investment firm and a professional mortgage broker... She now has enough to pay for her care home which is a whopping 6 thousand Canadian dollars per month.... So yes Chani.... Think of opening a side hustle of a foreign advisor or helper.... And charge high prices... Don't be bashful... You have excellent Japanese skills, and working knowledge that is a true asset to others that they would pay well for.... Just consider it.... My mom made quite a lot in her side hustle...
Repairing a while by painting over it? I'm not DIY expert, but...
However, as I had my house done up in the UK some years ago, if I was to now buy one in Japan, I'd want it to be move-in ready.
must've been a real steal if she bought it without viewing she should've viewed the property before buying
Her situation seems terrible but it’s sort of expected …. But Japanese builders are reliable they will not likely rip her off. They are efficient etc she will be fine ! ❤
Agreed!
Yes! She will overcome the issues. It will just take some time but it will be ok ❤️
Rotten wood also attracts mice, as well as carpenter ants (which can eat right through wood). Her house is a safety hazard. She needs to have it inspected from floor to bottom, hope it doesn't crumble down.
Well, that’s what they call “as is”. However, it’s still worth it! Repair costs are reasonable. Not like in other countries. And everyone has to remember, Japan is a developed country! So some repair is ok. And you get a fully paid house in a developed county! How cool is that?
You are right 😃 It will be great when she has done the repairs.
making a leap from living in a rutt doesn't always mean better. Got to be open minded for golden opportunities aAND heart wrenching experiences. Chin up, one day at a time .
Would you consider to inspection for client buyung property oversea? If yes, great...🎉🎉
Oh dear, I think she got scammed. If all those problems weren‘t listed, she should sue the company that sold it. I‘m pretty sure she will have to invest at least 30.000 Euros to get first of all an expert to access the damage and then she probably will need new beams, new floors and walls and God knows what else. But you should never take water damage lightly. The house might not be stable anymore, plus mold makes you sick and nothing is more important than your health. I hope she will get help.
Take your time to view it beforehand to skip the nightmare
,,I think you need to FIX roof first before doing anything Inside ❤
Yes. Agreed. Work from the roof down. 😃
i want an Akiya with a garden and a parking space. it can be small as its just me
My parents had thst same blue tile in their bathroom in the 60s. Glad to see it still surviving in some areas.
When I studied architecture I was thought that Japanese architecture/ buildings are top notch quality. What I see from many TH-camrs is the opposite. Lot of water damage and mold in this homes. Probably the new homes ones are better build.
This is a money pit. A yen pit.
Unfortunately you are not wrong on that one. In the best case you find soft wood because there is a localized leak in one place. In the worst case ...
You shouldn’t buy a house without looking at it first and inspecting it yourself. Online photos can be deceiving.
Did Helen do a builders inspection before purchase? Especially if she never saw it in person?
She's going to need a contractor for that wood, and it'll help her with any sort of paperwork she'll need.
Who buys a house without even visiting it at least once?