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This story delves into a fascinating government initiative that was launched in Japan during the fall season. The primary objective of this program is to tackle the issue of empty homes scattered throughout the country. These unclaimed houses are being made available either free of charge or at an incredibly nominal cost to potential residents. Astoundingly, statistics indicate that there are approximately 8 million such vacant dwellings across Japan, with the majority deemed habitable.
The underlying reasons behind Japanese citizens' reluctance to inhabit these homes are multifaceted. They range from concerns about natural disasters, the ongoing decline in the country's young population, to deeply ingrained superstitions. Furthermore, Japan faced an unprecedented demographic milestone in September 2018 when, for the first time in history, 20% of its population consisted of individuals aged over 70. In addition to this, the nation has been grappling with declining birth rates and an alarming increase in suicides and deaths attributed to overwork among its younger generation.
The Japanese psyche, heavily steeped in superstition, plays a pivotal role in their choice of residences. For instance, young individuals are disinclined to reside in houses where previous occupants have passed away due to natural causes, illness, suicide, or murder. To assist potential homeowners in identifying such stigmatized properties, a specialized online service called Oshimaland has been established, offering information about such undesirable properties not only in Japan but around the world.
The Nomura Research Institute projects that if the current trend of population aging persists, Japan could have a staggering 21.7 million abandoned housing units by the year 2033, representing a substantial 30% of the country's contemporary housing stock.
Empty homes come with a plethora of challenges, including reduced tax revenue for municipalities, eyesores in neighborhoods, vulnerability to vandalism, attracting criminal elements, and structural deterioration. These vacant homes are often situated in proximity to major cities, making them ripe for repopulation. Authorities hope that urban dwellers will willingly leave cramped city apartments and relocate to more spacious rural homes, breathing new life into depopulated areas. In certain instances, homes are being given away with additional financial incentives. The government has earmarked funds for refurbishing long-abandoned properties, thereby making them more appealing to potential owners.
However, not all homes will be given away freely. Most habitable properties will still be available for purchase, albeit at considerably reduced prices. To facilitate the selection process for prospective homeowners, specialized websites known as "akiya banks" have been established, essentially serving as online stores where homes can be purchased with ease.
Yet, potential buyers are cautioned against rushing into decisions. Appearance can be deceiving, and seemingly attractive houses might harbor hidden issues that demand expensive repairs. Termites, poor ventilation, and water leaks are some of the common problems associated with long-vacant Japanese houses. For instance, renovating a mere three-square-meter bathroom can cost a new homeowner up to 800,000 yen (approximately 5,000 dollars). Fortunately, government subsidies are available to aid in restoring abandoned properties.
Moreover, the purchase of akiya houses often takes the form of long-term leases lasting 25-30 years, with an option for subsequent purchase. Monthly payments for such arrangements usually amount to around 50,000 yen ($337). While some houses are incredibly affordable, especially those linked to previous owners' bankruptcy, experts advise caution due to the potential criminal associations or issues that might plague such properties.
The process of acquiring real estate in Japan is open to both citizens and foreigners. However, owning property in Japan does not automatically grant citizenship or even temporary resident status. Temporary resident status is typically granted to individuals working, studying, or married to Japanese citizens. With no centralized database for affordable housing, prospective buyers are encouraged to explore various resources, including prefecture-specific websites, real estate platforms, and even direct contact with local administrations. By navigating this complex landscape, potential homeowners can unlock the hidden potential of these abandoned houses and contribute to their revival.
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