The problem of vacant housing in Japan is becoming increasingly severe due to an aging population and a declining birth rate, which has had a significant impact on land prices and the economy. It is predicted that this trend will result in a huge economic loss of approximately 3900 billion yen in the next five years.
According to Nikkei News, from 2018 to 2023, the number of vacant houses in Japan increased by 360000, bringing the total to 3.85 million, accounting for 5.9%. The National Vacant Housing Alliance of Japan has conducted an economic impact assessment on this issue.
The evaluation indicates that for every 100000 units of abandoned houses added in Japan, land prices will be severely impacted, with an estimated loss of up to 150 billion yen. Taking the Sakahara area in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture as an example, its Edo style was abandoned due to aging, with two-story wooden houses left unused for over 20 years. According to the Nikkei report, population stagnation has made these old houses a “hot potato” for future generations, difficult to sell and requiring payment of taxes and maintenance fees. Over time, land price losses have intensified, putting enormous pressure on the local economy.
At the same time, vacant houses have had a significant negative impact on surrounding real estate prices. The land value within a 50 meter radius of these uninhabited houses continues to decline. Buyers and tenants are concerned about the environmental problems caused by long-term disrepair, including environmental issues and safety hazards, which have exacerbated the downward trend of surrounding housing prices. Over time, the area may become a concentrated area of vacant houses.
For the current issue of vacant housing in Japan, the following are some solutions:
The government can promote urban renewal projects and re plan and develop areas with concentrated vacant housing. This will create more employment opportunities and economic growth points, while improving urban infrastructure and living environment; Secondly, it is possible to strengthen the maintenance, management, and reuse of vacant houses, or encourage developers or individuals to renovate vacant houses to meet the needs of different groups of people and prevent further deterioration of the houses; Thirdly, we can collaborate with local communities to jointly solve the problem of vacant housing. Community residents can participate in the decision-making process, propose suggestions and solutions, and collaborate with the government to implement relevant plans.
Reduce the number of vacant houses and improve land utilization through comprehensive policies and measures.
