What drives the appearance of abandoned houses in Akiya, Japan?
Vacant houses in Japan, often called “Akiya”, are spread throughout the country. It is not only found in remote villages. Many of them are found in suburban areas and even near crowded cities. The 2023 housing survey shows that about 13.8% of all homes in Japan are empty, a record high.Of the 9 million vacant homes, a large portion of them are not available for rent or sale. Some are second homes or temporary properties. But a significant share falls into the category of abandoned and completely unused homes.
These are homes where no one lives, no one rents, and there is no clear plan for their future use.Not always due to negligence. In many cases, families inherit a house and move to another city. Over time, possessions are left behind. In other cases, ownership becomes unclear over generations. Slowly, the number of unused homes continues to rise year after year.
Japan’s tax system that quietly maintains empty homes
One of the biggest reasons why these homes are not being demolished is related to Japan’s property tax system.
The land on which a residential building is located receives a significant tax reduction. In some cases, the tax on residential land can be reduced to about one-sixth compared to cleared land.This creates a strange situation for the owners. If they demolish the house, the land tax could increase sharply. If they leave the building standing, even if it is unused or damaged, the tax is still lower. As a result, many owners choose not to demolish properties, even when they are no longer needed.Demolition itself is also expensive. A simple wooden house can cost around one million to one and a half million yen. For many families, this is a significant financial burden, especially when the property has low or no resale value.This combination of tax rules and demolition costs creates a strong incentive to do nothing, experts say. In many cases, doing nothing becomes the most practical option for owners.
Why are inheritance issues leaving homes empty across Japan?
Another major factor behind the problem of vacant houses in Japan is the complexity of inheritance.
When ownership is passed from one generation to another, ownership is often divided among multiple heirs. Over time, this could include dozens of people.In some cases, the heirs do not live in the same region or even the same country. Some may not even know that they have inherited a share of the property. Others may disagree about what to do with it.As a result, decision making becomes very difficult. Selling the property requires the approval of all owners.
Demolition also needs approval. Even basic maintenance becomes complicated when ownership is unclear.Experts say that a large number of estates in Japan are affected by incomplete inheritance registration. This often results in what is described as “frozen ownership”, where no action can be taken for years.
What happens to abandoned homes over time
When homes are left empty for long periods of time, they begin to deteriorate. Without regular maintenance, roofs can leak, wood structures can weaken, and mold can develop within the property.
Gardens often become overgrown and pests may appear.Local authorities sometimes become concerned when abandoned homes pose safety risks. In some cases, structurally unsafe buildings can impact neighboring properties or common areas. Communities may also face financial pressures when trying to manage or demolish severely damaged homes. It is said to be common for some achaeans to remain unchanged for years or even decades, making them more difficult and expensive to restore.
