Frequently Asked Questions

LJ Hooker Niseko Property Management offers competitive fees and a simple structure.  Read full details on our Fee Structure page.

LJ Hooker Niseko Property Management does not charge you to stay at your own property. It is your investment for you to enjoy while you are on holiday. However, as you will undoubtedly need our cleaning, linen and snow clearing services, we will simply charge these services to your account.

Generally speaking there are no restrictions on owner property stays.  We hope you will take some time to enjoy what Niseko has to offer in both the beautiful White and Green Seasons.  However, in order to help maximize your return and ensure a profitable model, we may have limitations during peak seasons.

Just the regular management fees. If your property is not rented out over summer then, you only have to pay your standard rate, from ¥10,000 per month. If your property is let to guests over summer then the standard 10% management commission rate applies + booking commissions.  See our Fee Structure page for more information.

Yes you do. Approximately three months after purchasing the property, you will need to pay acquisition tax to the Hokkaido Government. Every year you will need to pay fixed asset tax to the Kutchan Town Council. You are also responsible for paying income tax and consumption tax. LJ Hooker Niseko Property Management can assist you through this process.  Learn more about our Tax Proxy Service and other Financial Services.

Yes you do. If rental is for less than three weeks at a time, you will need to have an inn keeper’s license. The fire department will inspect your property and possibly recommend changes you need to make for safety purposes. If all goes well, you will be issued your license and you can begin to rent out your investment to others. LJ Hooker Niseko Property Management can help arrange the inn keeper’s license for you.

That depends on the age of your building and if it has had an inn keeper’s license before. If your property is relatively new, it should have been constructed so as to meet the requirements of the license. If it is older, and particularly if it has not had an inn keeper’s license in the past, it can be a difficult (and sometimes costly) process.  You can learn more about our Licensing Services or Contact Us directly for specific inquires.

All costs for utilities, snow clearing, linen and cleaning are covered by the owner.

Snow clearing is usually the most expensive and the cost will depend on several factors including the pitch of your roof, where the windows are, if you need parking cleared and city mandates. Cleaning costs are usually the second largest, as guests expect regular cleans throughout their stay. Utilities and taxes can also be significant, but the majority of all expenses are incurred in winter when you have the highest rental income to offset them.

We have two sister companies who can assist you depending on your situation.  If you are looking to buy land or buildings, our real estate sister company, L.J Hooker Niseko, can help. If you already have land but need to design and build, Niseko Resort Design & Construction can walk you through that process. Both of these companies are situated above Downtown Cafe at the traffic lights in the central village of Hirafu and would be happy to hear from you.

You can Contact Us online and we will get in touch promptly.  Alternatively, if you are in the Niseko area, drop into our office above Downtown Cafe at the traffic lights in central Hirafu and ask for a consultation. We would be very happy to answer your questions.