Japan has nine million empty homes and some towns will hand them over for free. 🏠 That is about one in every seven homes in the country. According to Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the 2023 Housing and Land Survey found a record 13.8 percent of homes sitting vacant.
Experts link this to a shrinking and ageing population, with many homes inherited by families who live far away. Many local governments run akiya banks that list these houses at very low prices or even for free. 🌿 Buyers still need to cover repairs and taxes. Imagine a street where no lights come on. 😔 Could empty houses become the next chance for a fresh start?
Sources: Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications 2023 Housing and Land Survey, Nippon.com Japan Data, Kyodo News, Akiya Japan
