What’s driving the rise in abandoned houses in Japan’s Akitani city
Japan’s vacant houses, often called “autumn houses,” can be found across the country. They’re not just found in remote villages. Many exist in suburbs or even close to busy cities. The 2023 Housing Survey shows that about 13.8% of houses in Japan are vacant, which is an all-time high.Of the 9 million vacant homes, a large proportion cannot be rented or sold. Some are second homes or temporary properties. But a large part belongs to completely unused and abandoned houses. The houses are unoccupied, unrented and have no clear plans for future use.This is not always due to negligence. In many cases, families inherit the home and move to another city. Over time, possessions are left behind. In other cases, ownership becomes unclear between generations. Slowly, the number of vacant houses increases year by year.
Japan’s tax system quietly lets vacant homes stand
One of the biggest reasons why these homes haven’t been demolished has to do with Japan’s property tax system. Land with residential buildings comes with significant tax breaks. In some cases, taxes on residential land can be reduced to about one-sixth compared to clearing land.This creates a strange situation for owners. If they demolish the house, land tax will increase dramatically. If they leave the building as is, even if it’s not used or damaged, the taxes are still lower. As a result, many property owners choose not to demolish their properties, even if they are no longer needed.Demolition itself is also expensive. It costs approximately one to half a million yen to dismantle a simple wooden house. This is a significant financial burden for many families, especially when the property has little or no resale value.Experts say the combination of tax regulations and demolition costs creates strong incentives to do nothing. And in many cases, doing nothing becomes the most practical option for owners.
Why inheritance issues are leaving homes vacant across Japan
Another major factor behind Japan’s vacant housing problem is the complexity of inheritance. When property is passed from one generation to another, ownership is often divided among multiple heirs. Over time, this could 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 they have inherited a portion of their estate. Others may disagree on how it should be handled.As a result, decision-making becomes extremely difficult. The sale of a property requires the consent of all owners. Demolition also requires approval. Even basic maintenance can become complicated when ownership is unclear.Experts say a large number of properties in Japan are affected by incomplete inheritance registration. This results in what is commonly known as an “ownership freeze,” in which no action can be taken for years.
What happens to abandoned homes over time
When homes sit vacant for long periods of time, they begin to deteriorate. Without regular maintenance, the roof can leak, the wood structure can weaken, and the interior of the home can develop mold. Gardens are often overgrown and may harbor pests.Local authorities are sometimes concerned when derelict properties pose a safety risk. In some cases, structurally unsafe buildings may impact nearby properties or common areas. Communities may also face financial pressures as they try to manage or demolish severely damaged homes. Some fall homes reportedly remain untouched for years or even decades, slowly becoming more difficult and expensive to restore.
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