What is an akiya in Japan?

Akiya (空き家) literally means "empty house" in Japanese. These are vacant properties found throughout Japan, often in rural areas or small towns. Due to Japan's declining population and urbanization, millions of these homes sit empty and are often sold at significantly lower prices than typical real estate. Akiya Japan helps international buyers find and purchase these affordable properties with English-language support.

Can foreigners buy property in Japan?

Yes, foreigners can freely buy property in Japan without any restrictions. Japan is one of the few countries that allows non-residents to purchase real estate with the same rights as Japanese citizens. You do not need a visa, residency status, or Japanese citizenship to own property. However, having a visa or residency can make the financing process easier if you need a mortgage.

How much do akiya houses cost in Japan?

Akiya prices vary widely depending on location, condition, and size. Some akiya can be found for as little as $10,000-$50,000 USD, while renovated or well-located properties may cost $100,000-$200,000 USD or more. Some municipalities even offer akiya for free or near-free prices to attract new residents. At Akiya Japan, we help you search over 800,000+ properties to find options within your budget.

What is the akiya problem in Japan?

The "akiya problem" refers to the growing number of vacant and abandoned houses in Japan. As of 2023, there are approximately 9 million empty homes across Japan, representing about 14% of all housing stock. This is caused by Japan's declining birth rate, aging population, and migration from rural areas to cities. While this creates challenges for communities, it also presents opportunities for buyers seeking affordable property.

What are akiya banks?

Akiya banks (空き家バンク) are local government-run databases that list vacant properties available for sale or rent in their municipalities. Each prefecture and city may have its own akiya bank, often with listings not found on commercial real estate sites. Akiya Japan aggregates listings from hundreds of these akiya banks and other sources, providing a comprehensive English-language search platform.

Do I need to visit Japan to buy an akiya?

While visiting the property in person is recommended, it is possible to purchase akiya remotely with the help of a licensed real estate agent. Our partner agent teritoru can assist with remote viewings, inspections, negotiations, and the purchase process. However, for significant investments, we recommend visiting Japan to see the property and surrounding area firsthand.

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2026: Happy New Year

Happy New Year from Akiya Japan!
We hope 2026 brings you closer to finding your perfect property in Japan. Thank you for being part of our community – whether you're still dreaming, actively searching, or already settling into your new home.

January and February are excellent months to view properties. The cold weather reveals a home's true insulation quality and heating capabilities – things you can't assess in summer. If you're planning a trip, now is a great time to see how properties handle winter conditions.

Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with Teritoru, our partner agents based in Japan.

Posted January 8, 2026

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2026: Happy New Year

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