From the beginning, I had no interest in purchasing just any property in Japan. Establishing a Japanese company and investing from overseas required a significant commitment, so I wanted a high-quality Tokyo tower residence with the potential to retain its value over the long term.

I initially focused on Shinjuku and Tsukishima. Once I arrived in Tokyo, however, the team arranged a full day of viewings across Toyosu, Ariake, Harumi, Kachidoki and Tsukishima.

After comparing developments including Branz Tower Toyosu, Bayz and Deux Tours, I concluded that Deux Tours offered the strongest value for my objectives.

The location was particularly compelling. The development is close to Kachidoki Station, provides convenient access to Ginza and Tokyo Station, and sits within an area where further redevelopment is expected.

Deux Tours is also a large-scale tower residence developed by Sumitomo, with well-maintained common areas and an impressive range of amenities, including a spa, sauna, residents’ lounge and shuttle service.

The property I selected was a three-bedroom apartment of approximately 70 square metres on the 23rd floor.

The original asking price was ¥167 million. Although that price was already competitive compared with similar properties nearby, the team did not recommend proceeding immediately. Instead, they carried out further research and prepared a structured negotiation.

This was not simply a matter of asking the seller for a small discount.

The team reviewed the property registry to understand when the seller had acquired the unit. They also analysed current market pricing, competing listings and the financing available to me. We then demonstrated that my funds were ready and that I could move quickly if the price was right.

The seller first reduced the price to ¥165 million. Following another round of negotiation, we secured the apartment for ¥163 million.

I was very satisfied with the outcome. Based on comparable asking prices in the area at the time, the final purchase price was approximately US$145,000 below nearby listings.

Agreeing on the price was only one part of an international acquisition. We also had to coordinate the establishment of my Japanese company, the opening of a corporate bank account, the international transfer of funds and financing from a Japanese bank.

The approved loan was lower than I had initially expected. The bank assessed the property conservatively based on rental performance and ultimately approved financing of ¥50 million. We recalculated the equity contribution and aligned the international remittance schedule with the closing timetable.

When purchasing a substantial property overseas, the most important question is who can resolve issues locally when something unexpected occurs.

Before signing, the team explained the Japanese sale and purchase agreement and important-matters disclosure in English. On the contract date, they accompanied me through both the closing process and the banking procedures in Japan.

The support continued after completion. The apartment was purchased with an existing tenant in place, so I assumed the current lease. The local team now manages rent collection, tenant enquiries, repairs and lease renewals on my behalf.

The current monthly rent is ¥298,000, plus a ¥10,000 management charge. When the tenant eventually moves out, the property will be remarketed at a rent that reflects the prevailing local market.

I was not simply looking to own a tower apartment. I wanted to acquire a well-located asset at the right price and establish a structure through which it could continue to be managed professionally in Japan.

Having personally compared several districts and developments—and having verified the price, financing and management arrangements before committing—made me far more confident in the investment.

Today, even when I am outside Japan, the leasing and management of my Deux Tours apartment continue to be handled locally.