Japan’s Abandoned Houses: Crisis or Expat Dream? | Full Episode | SBS Dateline
SBS Dateline・15 minutes read
Australians are turning to Japan for affordable housing options, with over 10 million empty houses known as akiya available at bargain prices, particularly in rural areas. Expats like Jaya have successfully purchased and renovated akiya, with prices significantly lower than in Australia, aided by real estate consultants to navigate the process and government incentives to relocate families to address the issue of vacant houses.
Insights
- In Japan, there are over 10 million empty houses known as akiya, available for bargain prices, especially in rural areas, with some even being given away for free, attracting foreigners seeking affordable housing options.
- Expats like Jaya have successfully purchased akiya in Japan at significantly lower prices compared to Australia, with the help of real estate consultants like Matt and Parker, showcasing the feasibility of relocating to Japan for affordable homeownership despite potential challenges like high inheritance taxes.
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Recent questions
How are Australians coping with high house prices?
Australians are struggling with high house prices, leading some to explore more affordable options in Japan, particularly in rural areas.
What is the concept of akiya in Japan?
Akiya are empty houses in Japan, with over 10 million available at bargain prices, often found in rural areas and sometimes given away for free.
How do expats like Jaya find affordable homes in Japan?
Expats like Jaya find affordable homes in Japan by purchasing akiya, renovating them for a fraction of Australian prices, with her akiya costing approximately $30,000 Australian dollars.
What assistance do real estate consultants provide for buying akiya in Japan?
Real estate consultants like Matt and Parker help foreigners navigate the process of buying akiya in Japan, offering guidance on purchasing, renovating, and potential incentives.
Why are families encouraged to relocate to the Japanese countryside?
The Japanese government offers incentives for families to relocate to the countryside to address the issue of empty houses, aiming to revitalize rural areas and communities.
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Summary
00:00
"Affordable Japanese Akiya: Solution for Australians"
- Australians are struggling with high house prices, with some looking to Japan for more affordable options.
- In Japan, there are over 10 million empty houses, or akiya, available for bargain prices.
- Akiya can be found in rural areas, away from cities, and sometimes even given away for free.
- Local municipalities have set up programs like the akiya bank to list vacant houses.
- Expats like Jaya have found affordable homes in Japan, renovating them for a fraction of Australian prices.
- Jaya's akiya cost 3 million yen, approximately $30,000 Australian dollars.
- Renovations on the akiya cost around 250,000 Australian dollars.
- Real estate consultants like Matt and Parker help foreigners navigate the process of buying akiya in Japan.
- The Japanese government offers incentives for families to relocate to the countryside to address the issue of empty houses.
- Inheriting akiya in Japan can be seen as both an emotional burden and a financial challenge due to high inheritance taxes.
19:57
"Foreign couple considers buying akiya in Japan"
- Kujukuri Beach in Chiba prefecture, Japan, known for fresh seafood and surfing, has a population of 15,000 with many vacant houses available for purchase.
- Australian couple, Dara Robinson and her Bulgarian husband, are considering buying an akiya near the beach due to affordable prices compared to Australia.
- Akiya prices in Japan are significantly lower than in Australia, with mortgage rates being manageable and even lower than rent in Tokyo.
- Foreign buyers like Dara, who are permanent residents in Japan, can secure mortgages, making purchasing akiya more feasible, despite restrictions on Airbnb rentals introduced by the Japanese government in 2018.
