Unpacking Akiya: The Millions of Empty Houses in Japan yahoo.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from yahoo.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
A push into the city and population decline are two reasons they sit empty, as well as the Japanese preference to newly built homes rather than pre-owned.
Foreigners see Japan's empty houses as a way to be homeowners for as little as $23,000. Moving there allows them a more adventurous and affordable life.
Dateline: Sept 5 | TV Tonight tvtonight.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from tvtonight.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
House prices are tipped to rise further this year - spurring some to look for more affordable solutions. In Japan, millions of abandoned houses, known as ‘akiya’ are being sold cheaply or even given away for free - and some Australian expats have decided to buy up.