Akiya Update| Purchase Costs & Renovations
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- čas přidán 20. 03. 2024
- An update on all the renovations of my Akiya, including purchase costs and renovation costs. In this video I go into detail on which areas of the house I renovated and how much the total bill was.
Thank you for supporting my channel. I have been drinking a lot of coffee making these videos! If you would like to do more to help me keep creating content here is my Ko-fi link: ko-fi.com/chanijapan
If you're feeling stuck in a rut, maybe my story will inspire you to take a leap of faith and make a change in your life. I'd love it if you liked and subscribed to learn more about my experience of moving to Japan alone! @ChaniJapan - Auta a dopravní prostředky
*Have you seen my Real Japan Living Video on day to day life?* czcams.com/video/KE_HnXRU2HA/video.html
Hello :) just wondering if you can tell me how you found an Akiya in japan? Thanks
In under a year you have: 1) Moved overseas to Japan (after planning and saving up for 2 years in Australia); 2) Managed to find an employer and a job and organized a work visa; 3) Found a rental apartment; 4) Bought a car; 5) Purchased an Akiya for USD 13k, and: 6) renovated/remodeled the home substantially, converted a garage space and patio putting in labor and hiring a handyman for bathroom and pipe refitting after dealing with the Council - all by yourself as a lady in her late 40s. -- And you have done all this quietly with dignity. I guarantee most CZcamsrs in Japan would have been creating drama and whining for AT LEAST 5-10 episodes for EACH of the points mentioned above. You have done in under 1 year what it takes most people at least 5 years to do (if at all). What you've achieved is EXTRAORDINARY! I wish you the very best going forward.
Oh 🤔 when you mention all these things it sounds crazy that I even thought I could do it. From that moment I started saving I had a strong vision of what I wanted to achieve. I have more ideas in the pipeline that I am very excited about 🤗😁
Thank you for reminding me how far I’ve come ❤️
so true! This is my dream! I don’t have the funds yet, but i’m moving back this year and i’ll get started on the saving. You’re inspiring me so much!
Agree. The first video I watched, Chani mentioned she had received some harsh critics about the whole thing... I mean, HOW???! How?! How many people can actually do what she did and do it so brilliantly? I'm pretty strong and resourceful but I don't think I could do all this, it's too overwhelming to me. I'm really, really impressed. As one should be!
I agree but im sure she secured the job before arrival. Otherwise, the only way she could have came to Japan was on a student visa.
I'm also living in Japan. I know life ain't easy here ;) you did very well. Very amazing story. Kudos to your strength and ability to handle so much yourself
I am Japanese. Wakayama like many other parts of Japan has declining population problems. Thank you for moving in and helping local economy !
Wakayama really is a beautiful place with lots of nature ♥️
We are hoping to end up in the Wakayama area too :)
Lovely to see a moving-to-Japan story that isn't either a 22-year-old on parents' money, or a retired person with loads of money anyway.
also nice to see a renovation project that doesn't involve buying a 5,000 year old barn in the middle of nowhere.
That's what i love about CZcams, you can find the channel/youtuber that speaks to you. Im older to, can't connect with the younguns aa much. I can feel happy for them...but never watch again😂😂
Totally!! Super realistic and showing all the good and the not so good!
Contrary to what you seem to believe the easiest way to move to Japan is to do what Chani did. Teach English.
Money doesnt help you much with getting a VISA.
@@maiy8786 Hmmm... you got me thinking... I'm a qualified and experienced teacher of English, with a reasonable-ish level of Japanese... Maybe a potential future here...
I lived in Japan (Tokyo and Nara) for 20 years before returning to the U.S. Seeing you tackle challenges brings back many memories. You have made great choices in your house and location. I look forward to your videos. You have such a pleasant delivery style in your speech and positive attitude. Thank you and best wishes!
Hi Beth, I hope to live in Japan someday. May I ask what brought you back to the US after being there for such a long time?
Nara is a beautiful spot! 20 years is a long time in Japan 🇯🇵😀. Thank you for your comment ♥️
@@lauravirgin8796 major change in marital status
This is funny: I also spent nearly 20 years in Japan, both near Nara and in Tokyo.
I don't think Japan is right for many foreigners: the countryside can feel lonely and boring while city life is busy (exhausting) and cramped everywhere (seating in restaurants, trains and even the apartments) if not outright claustrophobic. Most Japanese are trying to get out, so they think the foreigners who go there are strange.
I always thought the best investment decision I ever made was not to buy property in Japan. Maybe prices are low enough now for there to be no downside.
But I am not sure. The Japanese government is desperate to raise taxes. They won't cut spending: they want to raise taxes.
So I worry about the innovative tax traps that might be around the corner. I don't know what is coming. But I never imagined the BOJ would be buying shares on the stock exchange either (as part of the quantitative easing).
But I am pretty sure foreigners are walking into tax traps. I hope I am wrong.
@@whitesamurai i agree i guess other countrys have same
problems of US&CND&UK&EU&JP NORTH countrys
camping car van life peoples increasing
26k for a beautiful home in the best country on planet Earth, just blows my mind. Thought akiya in general and renovation costs would be MUCH more than that.
$40k in Sydney would get you a garden shed for about 6 months :) Incredible how affordable some areas in Japan are.
Not much better out west in Adelaide way either.
Pretty amazing that for the price of a house deposit in Australia (or in Chani's case, not even a house deposit), you can get a whole property renovated somewhere else.
Milly is living her best life 😊 Your house is lovely.
Yes, she is certainly spoilt. Thanks 😀
Very few people at late 40s have the courage to start their life from scratch in a totally different country. Very inspirational to me! congrats on all your accomplishments in Japan. Hope you have a wonderful life there!
There’s nothing more satisfying than just walking around your new house and seeing your achievements, and just enjoying 😊
Well done you!!
Yes! Thank you! 🤗
It looks such a good neighborhood😊 I can imagine how much they are happy and relieved to see someone very decent like you moving in. I would be😊
The neighbors are lovely. Everyone puts out nice flower pots so it feels friendly. 😀💐🌺
Great transformation. There is something very therapeutic in taking something old and banged-up and bringing it back to life. Well done!
Thanks 😀
My sister just bought a house here in the UK and she had to pay £200,000/$385,000AUD for a house that's not much bigger than yours in an area thats not very nice, and with neighbours who aren't great.
Crazy how much cheaper things are in Japan while also being higher quality.
I'm learning Japanese right now and building my business so I can hopefully move there in the next few years. Your video showed me that my goal isnt as unrealistic as I had worried, and your other video about your monthly expenses surprised me with how little money it takes to live a fairly comfortable life over there in a place that's so safe and friendly.
Life is certainly more affordable here if you can budget and manage the lower income. 🐱
Oh Chani, your house looks amazing 😍. I absolutely love it and I understand why you are so happy here. I'm so glad that you managed to get the water situation sorted. That can be a nightmare in any house 🏠. I love the cat wall 🧱 😻 and the new bathroom. The kitchen has really scrubbed up well. You have really made this house into a beautiful home 🏡 ❤ 🫶
Thank you so much!! I am glad it got to this stage now 😀
Having a closed (lockable) garage inside the main house is such a luxury in urban areas of Japan. That was great thinking ! Did the local building authorities give you any grief or was separate permitting required to change the former beauty salon into a garage ? (IE: did they require any structural changes to accommodate the big garage door ? ) Despite the limited choices one has when getting one of those Toto bath inserts, I think they’re totally worth it. Easy to clean, plenty of shower space and the tubs are usually deep enough to soak your shoulders. Sure, it would have been nice to pick custom tiles or a fancy tub, but just think how easy those are for maintenance!
For the garage, nothing was needed permit wise to change as the house was already on commercial/residential land. There already was an old door so structurally I didn't have to change anything just remove the glass door behind the roller door. 😀
Thank you so much for sharing your videos. I'm in my 40s and I love seeing someone make their dream come true while they're older instead of in their 20s and showing the realistic view that isn't all rainbows and flowers. I was surprised at the cost for everything when the house was finished. I was not that expensive compared to where I live. I was great to see the transformation.
Thanks for watching!
Chani - Great story telling (you must be a very good English teacher), great video editing, and btw superb work with the house. Wish you a great journey in Japan, and a lot of success with this channel. 🙂
Wow, thank you! It is very much appreciated. Your support means a lot to me and your kind words encourage me to keep making videos!
Wonderful update. Your place looks great. 39K AUD! I come from a two and a half dog town in Oz and you can't even buy a run-down garage in the worst part of town for that!
I am in the process of starting a project in Miyazaki and you have inspired me with your channel to perhaps someday start my own.
Miyazaki looks like a beautiful place.
Best aspect of this channel is your upfront with costs and fees, I know it’s relative to your individual situation and can be significantly different in other areas.
Wow! Remarkable achievements for that price.
I'm finding the cost of materials and labour are a lot more affordable here.
The bathroom turned out really nice. A modern Japanese bath of the 1-unit type is really convenient.
I love your house! I live in Toronto where home ownership is a difficult if not impossible thing so it's very nice to see your affordable housing experience in Japan. Was very interesting to hear how your neighbours commended you on your rehabilitation of the house. You've helped to make the neighbourhood a more desirable place to live. Looking forward to future installments of Chani Japan!
Thanks. Home ownership in Australia has also become very difficult. 🤗
Hello from USA
Hats off to you . Going to a new country, taking up a job and buying a house and working on it yourself or hiring people . Because as women we are scared of being taken advantage of and hiring the right honest people etc.
the garage looks awesome. And so does the grass carpet. You knowing Japanese helps a lot too.
I am surprised that Japan being such an technology advanced country they don’t have central AC and a dryer for clothes.
Your videos have inspired me so much that now I need to start working on my home. Decluttering it, cleaning it sprucing it and making it new.
Hi there! yes the turf was the best I could do to fix the ugly cement. The people I've dealt with have been honest thankfully.
It’s beautiful! You can always tweak it with art etc. as you find pieces you love. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
So true! I hope to find some nice art for the walls.
Certainly can't buy a house in Australia for 39k that house is very cute.
I too would have been frustrated by having to make immediate decisions on the bathroom, but in the end, it looks great!
Thanks 😀 Yes it was frustrating and a lot of trust involved with leaving some important decicions up to the builder to get it done in time.
Good idea with the fake grass. Really spruced up the garden.
I am in awe! It takes courage to accomplish what you have done. I cannot WAIT to continue watching your channel. I love your home and your attitude toward life! Love to you both!
Thank you so much!! 🐱
Think your handyman is a friend for life! Quite the buy for $39k
Love your make do and mend practical approach Chani! Your home looks great! Thanks for another enjoyable video! Milly is adorable - love the cat wall you provided for her! She looks like a real character!
Thank you so much! She is such a character 🐱
Amazing work! The house is looking great and it’s so enjoyable to watch you handle all of the challenges living in a new country. I’m looking forward to seeing more from your day to day life.
Glad you enjoy it!
26k usd?😮 dang so i could totally mive to Japan. My japanese has gotten worse over the years but thats so much more affordable than what we have now. Thank you for posting and updating us.
Congratulations! Yes, there are always unwelcome surprises with renovations, but you managed to buy and renovate a house in under a year in a fireign country. That is a great achievement. The house looks beautiful, I'm sure the neighbours were over the moon.
House looks fantastic!!! What a transformation. You have done a great job, you should be proud of yourself!!
Thank you so much! 😃
I’m happy to have heard this story. Also I’m a big cat person and that is a cool cat.
The bathroom turned out great. Even if you felt rushed at least it’s done and you can enjoy it and turn your creatve talents to other jobs.
Fantastic achievement Chani and you are an inspiration to me. I was going to ask what you do for a living but I then saw your other videos and figured it out! :D
I've always loved Japan, visited the country for the first time at the end of last year and I loved it. I hadn't heard about Akiyas until recently and then stumbled on your video tonight. I live in suburban Perth but I dearly want to buy something affordable and renovate it (mostly myself if possible) as an investment and possibly to live in the near future when I'm in my 50's. There's so much to learn about what to do and what to look out for and your video is invaluable, thanking you!
You did a great job sorting those issues out. Actually the house looks great, well done!
Thank you! I appreciate the comment 😀
Great job and I'm really liking your channel.
Thank you very much! 😊
How are you such a legend? It’s so funny like I struggle putting the washing away whilst you’re casually just building a house over there. Honestly I feel like if I was stuck on a deserted with you I’d hand you some coconuts and leaves then in 5 minutes we’d have a luxury cruise liner to escape on.
I also struggle to put the washing away 🤣 But if I get motivated to do something I can push through.
@@ChaniJapan I think that’s why people like your channel. Your videos are relaxing but at the same time you’re just so on the ball and focused on this project.
Your house looks amazing and you not only fixed it up in record time but you gave it a lovely and homely personality. It looks wonderful :). I’m in Melbourne now but spent a good part of my growing up years in Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast. Things have changed a lot over that time. I wish I had been able to spend longer in Japan years ago. But it was a quick stop over each time as I was on my way back to the UK. I love everything Japan from the Cherry Blossoms to their watercolours and everything in between.
First things first: your Cat is absolute cute, i fell in Love.
Second: the dark grey stone theme in the bathroom Loks fantastic, i Like those types of themes. Well that could be because i am from Germany and Love old Castle.
Third: did i say i Love your Cat? I want to cuddle her 🥰😻
All in all your Work in this house is amazing thanks for Sharing.
Greetings from Germany ✌️
The house has been given a new life! So exciting! You’re doing a great job to make your house a home! 😊
Thank you so much ♥️
That bathroom looks like a place for the Gods to relax.
I payed 3000 a month in rent for 12 months in San Francisco, CA, USA. $36000 for a 1 bedroom APT. Let that sink in.
Why am I still here 🇺🇲? I love Japan🇯🇵. This just sold me. Have you ever been interviewed before? I want to do this so bad it hurts.
Very expensive rent 😲
The bathroom looks great, even though you had to rush it! I'm a similar age as you and looking to move abroad to get a life of my own as well. But finding a job is really the most important thing to be able to do that. I'm still waiting for my opportunity to come before it's too late for me....
Thank you for the comment. I hope that you can find your opportunity ♥️
I am in awe of your spirit and can do attitude. Please sprinkle some my way.....The transformation is fantastic, and Millie is adorable.
✨Sprinkle sprinkle✨
Love watchingcur Channel, you definitely made some Really Good Choice Chani 🥰🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thank you so much 🤗
I can't believe that the bathroom was renovated in only one week and that it cost less than $10,000USD (since all of your renovations combined were less than that)! That wouldn't happen in California, where I live. They would say it would take a week and it would take 2 months, and it would cost at least 10% more than they estimated. I think the bathroom is perfect and the kitchen is too, after you cleaned it. You can add pops of color in other ways if you want. Beautiful home, and I love Millie. (I also can't live without my 2 cats.) 😻
Thank you so much 😀
Love seeing how this works in Japan. Adore the tile in your washer under the stairs. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
I really like the honest and simple style of your videos. This is great information about your story of moving to Japan and the real problems you faced and their solutions. Also, Millie must love that cat wall!
Thank you so much! Millie loves the wall 🐱 she is still a kitten so very adventurous. 😃
These videos are inspiring, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your lovely comment 😀
Incredible price. The home looks lovely, and your kitty seems very happy.
Thanks. I think she is happy 🐱
Great video! Cheers Chani 😊❤
Thanks! ♥️
So helpful! It looks really good. I will refer back when I get to the garden of my new home next spring. Exciting!!!
Awesome video😊😊 you give me hope when I visit Japan.
Love the honesty about the cost. Thanks for the insight!
You are welcome 😀
It’s looks so nice x
I love your videos. Thank you for putting in the time and effort to make them.
So nice of you♥️
Awesome channel, keep us updated Chani !
Thank you! Will do!
Amazing.
Loved the fake grass and the look of the renovated house overall.
Thanks for that. The fake grass is also nice under foot and I don't have to mow it which is a bonus! 😀
@@ChaniJapan I saw your video about buyers remorse right after getting your house. Glad to see everything worked out. I am fascinated with Japan life videos (experienced by non Japanese though). Your video editing is perfect, good length, and the narration is clear. Kudos.
@@jackh127 thanks so much 😃
Bathroom looks great! Your handyman did a great job
Thank you! 😊
Ahhh - looks amazing! Keep those progress videos coming. Great to see you settling in.
More to come! 🤗
Well done. It looks great! Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures.
More to come! 😀
Thank you Chani for the great video and information! Really informative and I am glad everything turned out well in the end! :)Can't wait to see more of your journey!
😀👋 more coming
Great to see your journey, Chani. Keep it up
Thank you! Will do!
I love the tiles in your laundry room. Best wishes for happy times in your lovely new home.
Looking great, Chani. Thank you for sharing your akiya update. The cost details are also super helpful. Cheers!
Glad it was helpful! 😃
You are an inspiration Chani 🥰 Love your channel.
Thank you so much!!
Kudos for being so brave and getting a nice house.
Beautiful home and such an inspiration ❤❤
Thank you so much!
Millie is so curious and adorable!!!
It was so interesting seeing how much work you did on the house! It now looks brand new and very cute!! Must have been a stressful process but super inspiring.
Thank you so much! 🤗
Great video! Love the transformation and all the great details and ideas you shared about the journey!
Thanks so much! Very kind of you 🤗❤️
keep pluggin along very nice chani
Thanks, will do!
Great job.The house is beautiful and very functional! Thanks for sharing the details.
Thanks for watching! 😀
I absolutely LOVE your new bathroom!
Thanks so much 🛁
You did a great job!
I'm glad the bathroom turned out great!
Thank you for saying that 🐱
The whole thing looks awesome ... well done !!!!! SUGOI !!!
Thank you so much 😀
wow that is looking amazing!
Thanks 😃
THanks for sharing your experience Chani. Really appreciate the insight. Goodluck for you and Millie!!!
Thank you so much!
Thank you Shani! Love your ❤videos
You are so welcome!
Living the dream, congratulations
Thank you for the info..
Looks lovely!
Thanks so much 😀
This is so cool!
Thanks ♥️
Really enjoyed this video! Informative and I like the chill, slow vibes 😊
Yay, thank you!
Excellent investment, I really like your home. It's peaceful and clearly in a good location. Well done!
Very well done, and very well deserved from what we see.
Thank you for sharing your experience without all the fluff, glitz and/or horror that is all too often associated with this type of move.
I loved your renovation choices and style, nicely done
Thank you! 😊
Love this. Amazing! So impressed. Love the cat wall - brilliant - haven't seen one before. So glad you're settling well and thriving there!
Thanks so much! 😊
OMG it looks awesome. Thank you so much. It helps to know about the additional costs and taxes for these. The astroturf definitely makes it look very welcoming.
Thanks 👋
Absolutely love what you’ve achieved. You should be super proud of yourself ❤. You are motivating me to do the same I’m just in the final stages of the transformation of my apartment that I bought in Italy last year. Japan is also my dream. Thank you so much for sharing ❤❤
Wow an apartment in Italy sounds great 😃
It is a lovely cozy house. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Inspiring
Thanks so much! 😊
Very nice how things are shaping up. Love seeing that bathroom all new!
Thanks so much! 🤗
Very interesting video, and thank you for sharing especially the cost. This is less, than I expected but a lot of unexpected problems. The result is very nice. Basic but I like it. Great job! 👍👍👍
thanks 😀
Love your videos Chani, thank you for sharing!!! I'm delighted that you created your channel. I look forward to your videos and it excites me to see whenever you upload a new one!
Your new home is coming together sooo well, I love it! The cost is really great too, all things considered.
Sending you love from Oregon! 💗
Oregon♥️ Wow! Hi there 😀 Thank you for your lovely comments.
you've a very calming voice it's great to see this journey
Thanks 😀
The bathroom turned out great!
Thanks 😀