#Japan #Real Estate #AtHome #Ota #Vacant House

Insights from the Survey on Vacant House Transactions

A comprehensive survey was conducted by Athome Co., a real estate information service based in Ota, Tokyo, targeting both real estate agencies affiliated with Athome and local government authorities across Japan. The main goal was to gain insights into the actual state and public awareness of vacant house transactions. Here are the key highlights from the survey’s findings:

Real Estate Agency Survey Insights

Involvement with Vacant House Transactions

Approximately 68.7% of participating real estate agents confirmed they had engaged in vacant house transactions. Despite this, a staggering 61.6% cited that less than 30% of inquiries about vacant houses led to brokerage agreements. This statistic underscores a significant challenge in facilitating the circulation of vacant properties.

Challenges in Concluding Transactions

The leading reason cited for not reaching brokerage agreements was financial constraints, specifically related to pricing. Other reasons also included issues in coordinating among heirs and the state of the property. This suggests that while demand exists, various financial and legal hurdles are obstructing the market.

Positive Outlook on Low-Cost Vacant Houses

Excitingly, more than 80% of real estate agencies expressed a favorable attitude towards facilitating transactions for low-cost vacant houses, priced at 8 million yen (approximately $60,000) or less. A recent legislative change set to take effect in July 2024 will allow brokers to charge slightly higher fees for these transactions, further encouraging agency engagement with the low-cost segment.

Municipal Government Survey Insights

Rise in Consultations from Property Owners

Almost half of the municipalities reported an increase in consultations from owners of vacant homes, with 47.8% noting heightened inquiries. Many attribute this rise to increased media coverage of the vacant house issue and recent legislative changes regarding inheritance registration and special measures for vacant properties.

The Nature of Inquiries

The majority of inquiries—about 69.5%—from property owners involved requests to sell their vacant homes. Other notable reasons for consultation included inquiries about demolition and property management services.

Reasons for Retaining Vacant Houses

The primary reason property owners cited for not letting go of vacant houses was the financial implications associated with demolition, renovations, or clearing out belongings. This reflects a significant concern regarding the costs involved in managing vacant properties.

Buyer Interests in Vacant Houses

Interestingly, over 30% of those looking to purchase vacant houses indicated that they were motivated by a desire to live in a nature-rich environment. This trend highlights a potential market for properties that offer scenic and tranquil settings. Furthermore, there is a notable split, with 77% of respondents showing interest in purchasing rather than renting these properties.

Municipalities' Perspectives on Seeking Help

Regarding the management of vacant house issues, municipal leaders expressed a desire to delegate responsibilities, notably preferring real estate professionals to handle consultations from property owners. This indicates a recognition of the expertise that realtors bring to solving these property dilemmas.

Survey Overview

• - Methodology: Web-based survey sent via email.
• - Conducted by: Athome Co.
• - Real Estate Agency Survey: Conducted from September 18 to September 25, 2025, with 870 valid responses collected.
• - Municipal Government Survey: Data collected from August 26 to September 10, 2025, yielding 272 valid responses from a pool of 1,591 municipalities.

About Athome Vacant House Bank

Since its launch in October 2017, the Athome Vacant House Bank has aimed to address the vacant house issue by centralizing listings across Japan. By December 2025, it had included 886 municipalities and featured over 10,000 properties. The platform not only allows users to search for vacant properties but also provides insights into community revitalization efforts and initiatives encouraging residence in these areas.

For more information about the Athome Vacant House Bank, visit: Athome Vacant House Bank.

Athome continues to strive to offer valuable information for consumers interested in utilizing vacant homes and lands effectively.