In a promising development for buyers and the local real estate market, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia is believed to be very close to finalising a deal to allow Niseko property to be used as security for loans.
Previously Yen loans had been available to non-residents of Japan, but lenders have had to use their overseas property as security.
This effectively ruled out buyers who did not have significant equity in other property.
Banks have been reluctant to use Niseko-based property as security because of problems with local valuations and a lack of experience with Japanese laws should the lender default.
The Commonwealth Bank is believed to be prepared to lend at a maximum 50/50 loan to value ratio.