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This article will take a brief look at the problem of empty, abandoned homes -- called: AKIYA (空き家).  In and around Yokosuka City, especially up in the bluffs and hilly housing areas, AKIYA can occasionally be seen.  Some look relatively clean and sturdy, while others are covered with vines, have sagging/broken roofs, or are surrounded by junk & detritus.  AKIYA are a nationwide problem, and not just unique to the Yokosuka City and Miura Peninsula areas.  It is estimated that there are as many as 10 million AKIYA around Japan -- and the number keeps growing.  The reasons for this problem are: (1) Japan's declining & aging population, (2) elderly owners die without heirs, (3) high demolition costs, (4) taxes cost more for cleared lots, and (5) buyer preference for new homes.  Further to the last reason, unlike America, where a house can increase in price/equity over time, in Japan, houses are more like cars, which start losing value as soon as they are driven off the lot.  So, there are many situations where the owner of an older "used" house simply cannot find a way to sell it.  But in the case of Yokosuka, a solution to the problem has arisen over the years where old homes can be renovated or rebuilt for renting to U.S. military-related (base) customers.  This is a core business service performed by our real estate company -- i.e., we work closely with the owners of older, sometimes AKIYA-type, houses to plan and develop solutions where U.S. Navy-funded rent allowances, over time, will pay-off the cost of the initial investment.  It really ends up being a win-win result for all involved.  If you are interested in learning more, some related articles are provided below.  We hope you will enjoy living in Japan! 

Written by Goodfield

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LINKS:

Homes for rent to U.S. military-related customers

"Base properties"｜Off Base Housing Yokosuka | IINO REAL ESTATE is for rental housing in Yokosuka Japan...Civilian, Military house agency

Yokosuka full of hills and valleys

YATO (谷戸) -- 谷/YA = valley and 戸/TO｜Off Base Housing Yokosuka | IINO REAL ESTATE is for rental housing in Yokosuka Japan...Civilian, Military house agency

"Deep dive" article about "AKIYA"/abandoned house problem

Impossible inheritance | FCCJ