Should I "buy" or "build" luxury house or villa?
When you think "I want a luxury house" or "I want a villa surrounded by nature", which option do you think of first, "buying" or "building"?
Many people will first look for a property on the Internet or ask a real estate agent who handles luxury properties. However, depending on the case, your requirements could be met by building rather than buying a house, and vice versa.
This article compares various aspects of whether you should buy a house or a villa or build a new one. Please read it in the light of your own case.
The point of this article:
- For those who are less particular about floor plans and designs, don't want to spend too much time and effort on building a house, and can satisfy their needs with minor renovations, "buying" is recommended.
- If you are a person who "values comfort of living" and "has strong demands and particular about floor plans and designs", then "building" is recommended.
- The decision to buy or build a house depends on the place where you will live
- If you ask an architect, you can select "buy and renovate a house" or "build new one".
1. Consider advantages and disadvantages
1-1. "Buy" luxury house
First, let's see each of the advantages and disadvantages of "buying" a luxury house or villa.
1-1-1. Advantages
The advantage of "buying" a luxury house or villa is that you don't have to go through the hassle of building a house.
If you find a house you like, you can live there as it is, or you may only need to do minor renovations. If you are too busy to spend time on building a house, or if you want to make the process as easy as possible, "buying" may be the optimal choice for you.
1-1-2. Disadvantages
The disadvantage is that there is "less flexibility in a floor plan and design.
When buying a house, you have to choose from a limited number of options. It is thus very rare to find a property that meets all your needs in terms of area, year of house, floor plan, facilities, and design.
Furthermore, the number of real estate agencies and portal sites that handle luxury properties is considerably fewer than those for general houses, so the search for a property are difficult in many cases.
On the other hand, if you have few requirements or demands, such as "I don't care much about a floor plan," "I don't care much about design," or "I just want a new house," then buying a house may be a good option.
1-2. "Build" luxury house
Next, let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of "building" a luxury house or villa.
1-2-1. Advantages
There are two main advantages in building a luxury house or villa.
The first is that because you can design a house from scratch, you can achieve the desired floor plan and design, creating your own house.
For those who are not satisfied with the properties that they have seen so far, have difficulty in finding a property that meets their needs, particularly about the layout and design, those who want a comfortable and easy-to-live house, or want a villa that takes full advantage of its location, "build a house" is the better choice.
The second advantage is that it is easier to make a plan according to a budget.
When buying a house, you may often search for properties based on your budget, but your budget may limit the number of properties you can choose from, or you may have to raise your budget to meet your needs.
On the other hand, when "building" a house, it is possible to create a satisfactory house within a budget by designing the house in a balanced manner. For example, you "spend money on what you want and what you are particular about, and save const by making other parts simple as possible.
1-2-2. Disadvantages
The disadvantage of building a house or villa is that it is time consuming.
In most cases, it takes about six months just to design the building, since the architect will be designing it from scratch. If you change your plan midway through the project, or if it takes longer to decide on a design, it can take nearly a year.
In general, it takes about six to eight months for the construction of a residential scale building. Therefore, it takes about one to one and a half years in total from design to completion of the building.
For those who "want to build an uncompromising house even if it takes time" and "can enjoy the process without thinking of it as a hassle," it may be a good idea to consider the option of "building".
2. Think about it in terms of area you want to live
One of the key factors in deciding whether to buy or build a house is "the area you want to live in" or "the location for a villa". Here, we will divide the areas into three categories: "urban/high class residential areas," "suburban areas," and "villa areas".
2-1. Central city or wealthy neighborhood
For those who "want a spacious and luxurious house in the middle of the city," "really want to live in a high class residential area," or "prefer convenience over new construction," "buying" a house may be more suitable.
In the central urban areas and wealthy neighborhood of large cities, it is rare to find a "large surplus of land". Even when a land is available for sale, it is often the case that an old house has been built on it. Of course, it is possible to demolish the old house and build a new one, but the cost of demolition is additionally required. Further, if you want to rebuild the house, there may be legal restrictions in some cases.
There are many architects who specialize in "creating bright and pleasant spaces while ensuring privacy" even in urban centers lined with buildings. For those who can afford to build a house and do not want to compromise on location and design, it is recommended to "build a house with an architect".
2-2. Suburbs
If you want to build a house in a suburban or rural area, there are more land options than in the city. In such cases, it is recommended to "build" a house rather than search for a property.
In many cases, luxury ready-built houses and house for sale are sold mainly in central Tokyo and high class residential areas. You can rarely find a luxury property in the suburbs.
In suburbs, land prices are not as high as in the city, so there is the advantage of being able to spend more money on a building.
2-3. Villa
If you want a luxury villa in Karuizawa, Yatsugatake, Nasu, Hayama, Niseko, or other cottage areas surrounded by nature, we strongly recommend "building" a villa.
Although it depends on the purpose of building a villa, many people may want to "be soothed in nature," "relax and refresh," or "enjoy an extraordinary experience".
Although you can use your villa as a second living base, we recommend that you build a villa that makes the most of its location and suits your lifestyle in order to realize your desire of what you want to do in your villa.
Furthermore, to build a villa, it is recommended to "hire an architect who can design a villa that meets your objectives". Architects specialize in designs that take advantage of the attractiveness of the land, and they can also make proposals in line with special requests, for example, "I want to use the villa as a private accommodation when we don't stay there".
3. Luxury houses｜Four examples by architect's work
Here are some examples of actual luxury houses by our architects. If you would like to consult with or be introduced to an architect who can design a luxury house that meets your needs and requirements, japanese-architects.com's architect referrals are also useful.
3-1. House with spiral staircase like modern art
This is a house located in Meguro-ku, Tokyo. The first floor is occupied by a tenant, and the second to fourth floors are used as residences. Although the lot area is not very large, , the space has an open, bright, and luxurious feel by actively creating a vertical passage and connection with the outside.
In addition, the dynamic spiral staircase in the center of the building gives the house a luxurious feel.
3-2. Open-air house in middle of city
Continuing from the previous case study, here is another example located in central Tokyo. We have realized a luxury house of over 110 tsubo near the Tokyo Tower.
Although the building is surrounded by buildings on three sides, a light garden in the center of the building creates an open and bright space.
Other urban-unique innovations are scattered throughout the building, such as cutting off the view of the Tokyo Tower and the sky while blocking the view from the surrounding area.
3-3. Renovated residence surrounded by nature
This case study is a renovated residence built on land where nature and the city intersect. The building faces a large garden, where you can enjoy the greenery of trees and cherry blossoms even from inside.
It was designed while utilizing the qualities of the original building, and is a fusion of classic and modern, Western and Japanese. While the existing marble flooring is used, a more stylish look is newly added. The design is a mixture of the old and the new, a design made possible by the renovation process.
3-4. Two-family house that values privacy and communication
This is an example of a completely separated two-family house. Although the two households are completely separated, the entrance on the first floor is open and the inside is visible. The house is designed so that residents can easily communicate with each other when they come home.
Even in "two-family house", the idea of privacy and communication may differ from one family to another. It is difficult to find and purchase the ideal two-family house, so we recommend you choose to "build" it.
4. Luxury villas｜Three examples by architects
Next, we present examples of actual luxury villas by architects.
4-1. Modern mountain lodge to enjoy your own forest
This is an example of a villa in Karuizawa. You can enjoy your own private space in a quiet environment surrounded by trees.
The eaves are turned around the perimeter of the building, and a deck is provided to match the eaves. The depth of the deck and eaves allows for a variety of ways to enjoy the house, such as using it like a porch or as a terrace for BBQ.
The way the view is taken in, as well as the lighting, shading, and insulation, are all taken into consideration, so you will be able to enjoy your stay comfortably all year round.
4-2. Floating villa in sky to enjoy spectacular view
You can enjoy the panoramic view from any room in this villa. The panoramic view extends from Ashino Lake to Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji. In order to take advantage of this view, only the entrance is on the first floor. All the rooms are on the second floor, as if the building were raised by one level.
This is truly a luxury villa that makes the most of its location.
4-3. Old folk villa located in top 100 terraced rice paddies
This is an old folk villa in Toho Village, Fukuoka. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery, which has been selected as one of the 100 best terraced rice paddies in Japan.
The warmth of Kominka (traditional Japanese house) is reflected in the stylish interior, which has been transformed into a modern space. You will be able to get away from everyday life and feel the flow of time in a relaxing atmosphere.
For those who are attracted to old buildings such as old folk houses and townhouses, it is option to purchase and renovate an old folk house.
5. Summary
Depending on cases and your particular preferences, the decision on whether to "buy" or "build" a house or a villa will vary. If you are wondering which is the best way to fulfill your demands and preferences, please contact a first-class architect at japanese-architects.com.
Architects are usually available not only to build houses, but also to consult on renovations and remodeling. Architects with various strengths are registered with japanesse-architects.com, such as architects who have experience working with famous architects, architects who have worked on many luxury houses, architects with extensive renovation experience, and architects who specialize in interior and interior design. If you are interested in building a house with an architect, please use japanese-architects.com's architect referral service.
japanese-architects.com's first-class architects and architectural advisors will introduce the perfect architect based on your wishes and image.
