I recommended the following models:
1. Sauter : made in Germany, moderate touching, beautiful tones, often then have very nice design models (
http://www.sauter-pianos.de/ )
2. Petrof: made in Czech, less expensive compared with its quality, harder touching, also 圓及雄厚, has tallest upright model (135cm)
(
http://www.petrof.com/ )
3. Pleyel: made in France, lighter touching and sharper tones when compared with above
(
http://www.pleyel.fr/uk/index.php )
Steinway & Sons will be very expensive. If you have a lot of money ( $300K ) then don't think more and go for it. Other models like Essex, Boston are designed by Steinway & Sons and they are less expensive.
Recently when you visited Tom Lee in Tsim Sha Tsui you would find a brand called "Lang Lang", also designed by Steinway & Son. However it was made in China. I personally don't like it.
For Schimmel or other brands of European pianos --> every single piano, even though for the same model of the same brand, can vary quite differently. You have to try that one before buying.
For Japan pianos, I don't think Yamaha is a good choice. Yamaha's touching is too light and its tone is too sharp. No good. Even though U5 or YSU-5 is no good. If you don't have lots of money and want to avoid light touching and sharp tones, then go for Kawaii. It's better than Yamaha, although not at the quality of European.
Generally speaking, a taller upright piano should be better than a shorter one. Usually a taller upright gets a larger sound board, which provided louder and better resonance. Because you're an adult, you have to buy at least 120cm or 125cm upright. Of course, height means more money.
I don't think European piano is harder to maintain, as long as you constantly keep your home's humidity around 50% and get your piano tuned and checked regularly.
N.B. I bought a Petrof P 135 K1 model last year and I was playing it happily and very satisfied with its sound. I switched on air-conditioner's drying function 24 hourly. Hope it helps.