The Rising Trend of Abandoned Houses - Akiya: The Burden and the Opportunity

🏠Abandoned houses, or akiya, in Japan present an opportunity for Australians seeking more affordable housing options.

💼Matt and Parker, real estate consultants, assist foreigners in navigating the process of buying akiya in Japan's countryside.

💰The Japanese government offers incentives, such as subsidies, to encourage relocation from Tokyo to rural areas.

🌾Many Japanese view akiya as depreciating assets and houses in the countryside as a burden to inherit.

🏦The high inheritance tax rate in Japan discourages people from inheriting family homes, contributing to the increasing number of akiya.

Why are Australians turning to abandoned houses in Japan?

—Australians are attracted to abandoned Japanese houses, or akiya, because of their more affordable prices compared to the soaring house prices in Australia.

How do Matt and Parker assist foreigners in buying akiya?

—Matt and Parker are real estate consultants who help foreigners navigate the process of buying akiya in Japan's countryside, providing guidance and support throughout the purchase.

What incentives does the Japanese government offer to encourage relocation to the countryside?

—The Japanese government offers subsidies and other incentives to individuals and families who choose to relocate from Tokyo to rural areas, making the move more financially feasible.

Why are akiya seen as a burden in Japan?

—Many Japanese view akiya as depreciating assets and houses in the countryside as a burden to inherit due to the associated costs, including maintenance and high inheritance tax rates.

What contributes to the increasing number of akiya in Japan?

—Factors contributing to the increasing number of akiya in Japan include rural depopulation, the changing perception of living in the countryside, and the high inheritance tax rate that discourages people from inheriting family homes.

00:06Selling at two million. Was it three million?

00:19Australians are turning to abandoned houses, or akiya, in Japan as a more affordable housing option.

03:11Matt and Parker, real estate consultants, assist foreigners in buying akiya in Japan's countryside.

09:25The Japanese government offers incentives, such as subsidies, to encourage relocation from Tokyo to rural areas.

13:20Many Japanese view akiya as depreciating assets and houses in the countryside as a burden to inherit.

16:22The high inheritance tax rate in Japan discourages people from inheriting family homes, contributing to the increasing number of akiya.