What is causing the increase of abandoned houses in Akiya, Japan?

Japan’s vacant houses, often called akia, are spread across the country. They are found not only in remote villages. Many exist in suburban areas and even near busy cities. The 2023 housing survey shows that about 13.8% of homes in Japan are vacant, a record high.A large portion of the 9 million vacant homes are not available for rent or sale. Some are second homes or temporary properties. But a significant portion falls into the category of completely unused and abandoned houses. These are homes where no one lives, no one rents, and no clear plans exist for their future use.This is not always due to neglect. In many cases, families inherit a house and move to another city. Over time, possessions are left behind. In other situations, ownership becomes unclear between generations. Gradually the number of unused houses is increasing year by year.

Japan’s tax system that keeps empty houses standing quietly

The biggest reason for these houses not being demolished is related to Japan’s property tax system. The land on which there is a residential building gets significant tax exemption. In some cases, taxes on residential land can be reduced to about one-sixth compared to cleared land.This creates an awkward situation for the owners. If they demolish the houses, land taxes could increase sharply. If they leave the building standing, even if it is unused or damaged, taxes remain lower. As a result, many owners choose not to demolish properties, even when they are no longer needed.The demolition itself is expensive. Removing a simple wooden house can cost around one to one and a half million yen. For many families, this is a huge financial burden, especially when the property has little or no resale value.This combination of tax rules and demolition costs creates a strong incentive to do nothing, experts say. And in many cases, doing nothing becomes the most practical option for owners.

Why are legacy issues leaving homes vacant across Japan?

Another major factor behind the problem of vacant houses in Japan is the complexity of inheritance. When property passes from one generation to the next, ownership is often divided among multiple heirs. Over time, this may involve dozens of people.In some cases, the heirs do not live in the same region or even the same country. Some people may not even know that they have inherited a portion of the property. Others may disagree on what should be done with it.As a result, decision making becomes extremely difficult. Selling a property requires consent from all owners. Demolition also requires permission. Even basic maintenance becomes complicated when ownership is unclear.Experts say a large number of properties in Japan are affected by incomplete heritage registration. This leads to a situation often described as “stagnant ownership”, where no action can be taken for years.

What happens to abandoned houses over time?

When homes are left vacant for long periods of time they begin to deteriorate. Without regular maintenance, roofs can leak, wooden structures can weaken, and mold can grow inside the property. Gardens often become overgrown, and pests may appear.Local officials sometimes become concerned when abandoned homes pose a safety risk. In some cases, structurally unsafe buildings may impact nearby properties or public areas. Communities may also face financial pressures when attempting to manage or demolish severely damaged homes. It is reportedly common for some akia to remain untouched for years or decades, gradually becoming more difficult and expensive to restore.