Can you get a free house in Japan Well if you spend as much time on TikTok and YouTube as we do then you might have come across this story. Is it true though
Sadly most things like this on TikTok such as the idea that Korea will pay you 5 million to live there are either false or as is the case with getting a free house in Japan heavily simplified and exaggerated
It is though true to a degree which is why it is worth an investigation YPT style
The epidemic of empty houses in Japan
Japan is facing a problem that most people outside the country barely notice. Birth rates are collapsing, young people are flocking to the cities and rural villages are quietly emptying out. Entire streets of houses sit abandoned sometimes for decades. Some reports say that as many as one in four homes in certain prefectures are vacant. The phenomenon even has a name akiya which literally means empty house
These are not just minor inconveniences for local councils they are signs of a deeper demographic crisis. Shrinking populations and urban migration mean towns in the countryside are dying slowly. Schools close shops shutter and infrastructure ages without anyone left to maintain it. The result is villages dotted with houses that were once full of life now left to rot and fall apart
So they will give you a free house
Technically yes Local governments in these depopulated areas will often offer abandoned houses either for free or for extremely reduced prices. The idea is simple better a foreigner or someone willing to renovate a house than have it fall into total ruin. There are towns in Hokkaido Akita and Shikoku actively advertising homes for free provided you commit to living there or investing in repairs
However free is rarely entirely free. Many of these programs come with conditions like agreeing to renovate within a certain timeframe or living in the town for a number of years. Some houses are offered at one yen which sounds incredible until you realise what condition the building is in. Think sagging floors leaking roofs and walls that might crumble if you sneeze too hard
Sites that specialize in free houses in Japan
While this list is far from exasutive, these are good places to start your search, or to at least get an idea about the market.
Old Houses Japan
Old Houses Japan offers a curated selection of free and low-cost traditional homes across the country. They provide services like agent introductions, renovation support, and even visa assistance for foreigners. Their listings include properties in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Hiroshima, and Osaka.
🔗 oldhousesjapan.com/freeproperties
All Akiyas
All Akiyas is a comprehensive database of vacant houses (akiya) available throughout Japan. They focus on traditional homes and offer listings in both Japanese and English, making it accessible for international buyers.
Akiya Banks by Prefecture
Many Japanese prefectures maintain their own “akiya banks,” which are databases of vacant properties. These are often run by local governments and can be a valuable resource for finding free or low-cost homes.
🔗 realestate.co.jp/buy/akiya-banks-in-japan
How much will it then cost
Here is the kicker A free house in Japan will often cost a hell of a lot to make habitable. Renovation is rarely optional and costs can quickly spiral. Contractors materials permits and inspections all add up. On average you are looking at a minimum of 50 thousand dollars to bring a seriously derelict property into livable condition. If you want a house that is move-in ready even in a rural area you are probably looking at 60 thousand plus
Location plays a huge role in price. The further off the beaten track you go the cheaper the house might be but the more isolated you will be with fewer amenities shops and public transport. Foreigners can legally own property in Japan which makes this viable as a personal project or holiday home but it does nothing for your visa. You cannot move into a house for free and automatically qualify to live in the country
Is it worth getting a free house in Japan
If you are looking for a free house in Japan that you can move into immediately with no budget for renovations then no it is not worth it. You would be carrying yourself straight into frustration extra costs and probably some very confused neighbours
If however you love Japan have expendable income and are willing to put in the effort this is honestly a really cool project. After some love care devotion and patience you could end up with a unique holiday home in the countryside a place most people can only dream of
I for one have not ruled this out yet, but then I tend to do dumb stuff, like buying islands
Click to checj out our Japan Tours, which do not include houses.
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