Why Japan Has Over 8 Million Empty Houses
Introduction
Japan is known for its high-speed trains, futuristic cities, and meticulous craftsmanship—but hidden behind the shine is a quieter, stranger truth:
Over 8 million homes in Japan are sitting empty.
These abandoned homes—called akiya (空き家)—make up roughly 14% of all houses in the country, and in some towns, they outnumber occupied homes. But how did it get this way?
Let’s break down the reasons why Japan has so many vacant houses—and why they’re now being given away (or sold for next to nothing).
🧓 1. Japan’s Aging Population
Japan has one of the oldest populations in the world, with nearly 30% of its people over the age of 65. As homeowners pass away, their properties are often left behind, especially in rural areas.
Younger generations, already settled in cities, aren’t interested in moving back to the countryside—or simply can’t manage the upkeep. The result? Empty homes with no one to claim them.
🚶♀️2. Urban Migration
Like many countries, Japan has seen massive migration from the countryside to the city. But in Japan, it’s especially stark.
For decades, younger people have moved to cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka for school and work, leaving small towns and villages to slowly empty out. Local shops close. Schools shut down. The demand for housing vanishes—leaving behind entire streets of empty homes.
🏚️ 3. High Demolition Costs
You’d think owners would just tear the homes down, right?
Not so fast.
Demolishing a home in Japan can cost ¥1 to ¥2 million ($7,000–$14,000 USD) depending on size, location, and disposal needs. For older homeowners or absentee heirs, that’s a major expense with no return.
So, they do the easier thing: leave the house standing.
⚖️ 4. Inheritance Issues and Legal Dead Ends
When someone passes away, their home often transfers to family members. But what happens when:
- There are multiple heirs who can’t agree on what to do?
- No one claims the home?
- Ownership is unclear or undocumented?
In these cases, homes sit in limbo—technically owned, but legally unusable. Some akiya have been stuck like this for decades, with no easy path forward.
🧾 5. Property Taxes That Reward Inaction
Here’s a strange twist:
Japan’s fixed asset tax is lower for properties that still have a building on them than for empty land. So, property owners sometimes keep dilapidated houses standing just to avoid higher taxes.
This discourages demolition and fuels the growing akiya problem—because tearing a house down can cost more in taxes.
🔁 6. Lack of Demand and Oversupply
Japan has been building new homes at a rapid pace for decades—often faster than the population is growing. Combine that with shrinking household sizes and urban sprawl, and you get a massive oversupply of housing, especially outside the big cities.
New homes are still being built while millions of older ones go unused.
🏡 Final Thoughts: A Crisis... and an Opportunity
Japan’s 8+ million empty homes are the result of population decline, social shifts, legal bottlenecks, and outdated tax policies. But here’s the good news:
It’s also creating an unprecedented opportunity.
Many of these homes are being offered at rock-bottom prices—or even for free—by local governments desperate to revitalize their towns. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet countryside life, looking to invest, or just love a good fixer-upper story, there’s never been a better time to explore Japan’s akiya market.
FreeAkiya.com is here to help you find the homes, understand the system, and turn this housing crisis into your next big adventure.