S Saburīsu (サブリース) – Sublease Sashiosae (差押え) – Foreclosure Sen’yū menseki (専有面積) – Exclusive floor area Setto bakku (セットバック) – Setback Shakuchiken (借地権) – Leasehold rights Shinchiku (新築) – Newly built Shisan kachi (資産価値) – Asset value Shiyō jōken (使用条件) – Usage conditions Shiyō kyoka (使用許可) – Usage permit Shōnin keiyaku (承認契約) – Approval contract Shoyūken (所有権) – Ownership Shutokuzei (取得税) – Acquisition tax Sokochi (底地) – Land owned by a landlord (under a leasehold property)
T Takuchi tatemono torihiki gyōhō (宅地建物取引業法) – Real Estate Brokerage Act Takuchi tatemono torihikishi (宅地建物取引士) – Licensed real estate agent Tatemono (建物) – Building Tetsukekin (手付金) – Earnest money deposit Teitōken (抵当権) – Mortgage Tochi (土地) – Land Tōki (登記) – Registration Tōroku menkyozei (登録免許税) – Registration and license tax Tōshi bukken (投資物件) – Investment property Toshi keikaku kuiki (都市計画区域) – Urban planning area
U Urinushi (売主) – Seller UR chintai (UR賃貸) – UR rental housing
Y Yachin shūnyū (家賃収入) – Rental income Yōsekiritsu (容積率) – Floor area ratio (FAR) Yōto chiiki (用途地域) – Zoning area Yūshi (融資) – Loa
About Akiya
Vacant Houses in Japan: Causes, Impact, and Solutions
Overview Japan faces a growing issue of vacant houses, known as “Akiya” (空き家). Due to an aging population, urban migration, and inheritance complications, many homes are left abandoned across the country. As of the latest government surveys, millions of properties remain vacant, presenting economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Causes of the Vacant House Problem
Aging Population & Declining Birth Rate Japan has one of the world’s highest aging populations, with many elderly homeowners passing away or moving to nursing homes. With fewer young people and shrinking household sizes, there is less demand for homes, especially in rural areas.
Urban Migration & Depopulation of Rural Areas Many younger generations move to major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya for work and education. Rural towns experience severe depopulation, leading to an increase in abandoned homes. Inheritance Complications When homeowners pass away, heirs may inherit properties they do not want or cannot maintain. Legal complexities, high inheritance taxes, and unclear property ownership discourage heirs from selling or using inherited properties. Legal & Financial Barriers to Selling or Demolishing High costs of renovation or demolition prevent property owners from taking action. Strict building regulations and zoning laws may limit redevelopment opportunities. Low Demand for Old Houses Many Japanese prefer newly built houses over older properties. Traditional wooden houses deteriorate quickly and require expensive maintenance, making them unattractive to buyers.
Impact of Vacant Houses
Economic Issues Declining property values in areas with many abandoned houses. Local governments lose tax revenue as property values decrease. Safety & Environmental Concerns Vacant houses can become structurally unsafe, increasing risks of collapse. Overgrown properties attract pests, affecting the surrounding environment. Crime & Community Decline Abandoned homes can become hotspots for illegal activities. Neighborhoods with many vacant houses experience a decline in community engagement and security. Government & Private Sector Responses
Akiya Banks (Vacant House Databases) Local governments and private companies run online “Akiya Banks”, listing vacant houses available for purchase at low prices. Incentives for Buyers & Renovation Government subsidies and tax breaks are offered for renovating old homes. Some municipalities provide financial support to young families or businesses willing to relocate to rural areas. New Property Tax Policies Owners of vacant homes face higher property taxes to encourage proper maintenance, sale, or demolition. Foreign Investment & Tourism Use Some Akiya are being converted into guesthouses, vacation rentals, or co-working spaces to attract foreign buyers and tourists. Deregulation & Revitalization Projects The government is relaxing zoning and building regulations to allow redevelopment of abandoned properties. Urban renewal projects aim to repurpose vacant spaces into commercial or community hubs. Future Outlook With Japan’s declining population projected to continue, the number of vacant houses will likely rise. However, innovative policies, financial incentives, and private-sector engagement may help repurpose Akiya for new uses, such as tourism, remote work housing, and sustainable living. Addressing this issue is crucial for revitalizing rural communities and stabilizing Japan’s real estate market.
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