Japan's glut of abandoned, derelict homes created so many eyesores and safety hazards it's making the property market bleed billions

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A street in Okawachiyama, Saga Prefecture, Japan.
Japan has over 8 million abandoned houses in the countryside.

Makoto Watanabe

I bought a house in Japan for less than $45,000. I live in the peaceful countryside close to every convenience, and everything's cheaper here.

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A man with his arms folded standing in front of a black car.
Ned Watson bought an abandoned property in Japan's countryside in 2019.

Courtesy of Ned Watson.

People are buying cheap, abandoned homes in Japan and living their dreams free of financial burden

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Two men sitting down in the middle of a home renovation in Japan.
Take Kurosawa and Joey Stockermans working on their akiya renovation in Japan.

Courtesy of Take Kurosawa.

Japan has a glut of 8.5 million akiya, empty 'ghost houses' left to rot. Now Airbnb wants to fill them with tourists.

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Old Japanese house and garden in Genemongama factory, Kyushu region, Arita, Japan on August 23, 2023 in Arita, Japan.
Old Japanese house and garden in Genemongama factory, Kyushu region, Arita, Japan on August 23, 2023 in Arita, Japan.

Eric Lafforgue/Art in All of Us/Corbis via Getty Images

A millennial dad of 2 bought an abandoned home in Japan for $23,600. He says restoring it is easier than expected.

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The renovated exterior of the akiya that McAskill bought. Although it was considered abandoned, the property was in relatively good shape.
The renovated exterior of the akiya that McAskill bought.

Eric McAskill

Japan has millions of cheap abandoned homes. Here's what to know before you buy one.

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A woman sitting on the floor facing an open door.
Buying an akiya can provide a great opportunity, but buyers should be aware of possible downsides.

Maigo Mika

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