Japanese Government Amends Regulations Buying New Properties Offers Ultimate Peace of Mind Against Earthquakes
 

Recent reports indicate that the Japanese government plans to revise its earthquake emergency response plans. In addition to strengthening the earthquake resistance of more buildings, the new proposal will further promote the installation and use of seismic sensor circuit breakers. Located in an earthquake zone, Japan carries a relatively high seismic risk. As a developer, every project by The Peak strictly adheres to the highest standards of earthquake-resistant regulations from the very beginning: all buildings can withstand a magnitude 7 intense earthquake. Furthermore, the materials used for construction are high-seismic-grade steel, ensuring that no matter how severe the earthquake is, the internal steel framework will maintain structural integrity and will not snap. At the same time, projects must pass rigorous testing before handover and come with a ten-year warranty to ensure properties are free from structural damage, water leaks, and other issues.

 

Limited Payouts from Earthquake Insurance

 

In Japan, purchasing property typically requires taking out comprehensive insurance, generally valid for five years. Coverage includes damage caused by floods, while destruction from earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions can often be compensated under applicable clauses. As for premiums and underwriting conditions, property age and building specifications are the most critical factors. For new property projects that meet the highest standards of earthquake resistance, insurance premiums are not only more affordable, but coverage is also easier to secure. Conversely, older buildings constructed before 1981 are generally classified as "old earthquake-resistance standard" structures. Even if they still have a chance of obtaining insurance, insurance companies subject them to stricter reviews, and they even face the risk of being denied coverage.

 

However, earthquake insurance is not a silver bullet. Because the coverage scope of earthquake insurance is limited, final compensation payouts are calculated based on the extent of the damage. In the event of a total loss, 100% of the insured amount can be claimed; for major losses, it drops to 60%; for minor losses, compensation decreases to 30% of the insured amount; and for partial losses, as little as 5% of the insured amount may be paid out. Additionally, insurance payouts are subject to coverage caps: generally, the payout cap for buildings is 50 million yen (approx. 2.46 million HKD), while the cap for household goods is 10 million yen (approx. 490,000 HKD).

 

Furthermore, Japanese earthquake insurance is reinsured by the government. If the final payout amount is insufficient for full compensation, repair reserve funds must be used to make up the shortfall; if the repair reserve funds are still inadequate, owners may have to cover the difference out of pocket. Therefore, from the perspective of earthquake insurance and underwriting, buying a new property often provides greater and more secure protection.

 

FMI's Secondary Brand Officially Launched

 

Here, I would also like to announce some wonderful news: FMI's sub-brand, The Vista, is making its debut! While The Peak series focuses on a luxury, sophisticated style, The Vista series takes a youthful and vibrant route. The interior decor and furniture feature brighter color palettes, and the price points are more approachable than The Peak series—making it especially ideal for young people with tighter travel budgets or young couples looking to easily enjoy living and staying in Osaka.

 

Although The Vista is a secondary line, safety has always been our top priority. It will still strictly follow FMI's rigorous standards, constructed with high-seismic-grade steel and meeting the highest requirements of earthquake-resistant regulations.

 

How do we lower costs to allow even more people to acquire FMI's new property projects in Osaka? The key lies in the location of the projects. One of the biggest selling points of The Peak series is that all projects are situated in prime locations right in the "yolk" core of Osaka, such as Shinsaibashi and Namba. In contrast, The Vista series is located between the "yolk" and "egg-white" districts. While not considered Osaka's most expensive territory, they boast equally convenient transportation for effortless access to the downtown area, and lifestyle amenities are by no means significantly compromised.

 

The premier project under The Vista series is The Vista Sennichi, located just a two-minute walk from JR Tsuruhashi Station. Taking the Sennichimae Line from Tsuruhashi Station to Namba takes only about five minutes. Although Tsuruhashi is not a mainstream must-visit tourist destination, it remains a popular residential choice for many travelers. The neighborhood features numerous Korean shops and restaurants, giving the overall vibe the feel of a mini Korean community. The project offers a total of 16 units with an average size of over 300 square feet, all featuring large balconies, starting from just 1.4 million HKD. Interested friends, please contact us right away!