Strategies for Japanese developers in potential international markets

Abstract

Global development has currently become an important business for developers. Although the business involves complex economic, political, and cultural issues, international real estate has been more attractive. Economic and political analysis tells the timing of getting into the market. Demographic analysis indicates if the market would expand and which target developers should focus on. Also, we can find out competitiveness and how to differentiate from other companies. Japan has not showed dramatic economic improvement for 20 years. The mature country has several issues: aging, low birth rate, and natural disasters. On the other hand, Summer Olympics 2020 will be held in Tokyo and the government has decided to dramatically improve the infrastructure. Japan will change and I would like to find out the opportunities and challenges of Japanese real estate. Hawaii market has been influenced by tourism. The market is really unique; the resort area attracts house buyers and renters from all over the world. Most visitors come from the US main land and Japan. Glancing the US and Japanese economy, developers can find out the real estate business opportunities. Vietnam has developed the infrastructure and real estate legal systems. With the new infrastructure development and the assistance of private developers, the country provides more housing. Moreover, the legal system had not allowed foreigners to own properties but has been changed to invite more capital from other countries. I have worked for a Japanese developer and experienced a short period of economic growth but we did not significantly invest and the good economy was over by the financial crisis. Most Japanese developers experienced the bubble economy and were tremendously influenced by that time, becoming more cautious in their outlook. The timing for expanding business now is perhaps not optimal. However, the benefits and challenges in these regions can be well-balanced for global developers who are eager to gain a foothold into international real estate markets.