Free Houses in Japan: Hidden Costs, Drawbacks, and Online Search Tips Explained

Рет қаралды 275,505

Ай бұрын

You've heard that there are free houses in Japan. Japan is filled with many akiya homes; homes that have been vacant for a long time. And now, many akiya homes are being given away for free by cities and individuals. But, are free houses in Japan really free? In this video, I delve into the world of free houses available in Japan.
First, We'll explore the ins and outs of finding a free house in Japan online. Is there a hidden gem waiting to be claimed?
01:24
Next, I shine a light on the drawbacks of free houses in Japan. While the prospect of a free home may sound enticing, it's essential to be aware of the potential challenges and limitations that come with it. I discuss common issues and considerations to help you make an informed decision.
06:45
Finally, I uncover the hidden costs associated with obtaining a free house in Japan. From renovation expenses to property taxes, we break down the financial implications.
12:53
Whether you're intrigued by the idea of free housing or considering it as a viable option, this video provides invaluable insights to guide you through the process.
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!
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If you enjoy my content... then you'll know I love coffee! Coffee donations welcomed!
www.buymeacoffee.com/diyjapan
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Shout out to Taede @ / @taedefilms
for helping me film some of the footage in the video. If you need a great film maker in Osaka, be sure to check him out! You can also contact him at @cynemathis
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#akiya #Japan #Free
Akiya house Japan
Buying a house in Japan
Free houses in Japan
Japan house
Japan abandoned house
cheap houses japan
diy home renovation
old house restoration

Пікірлер: 446

@nippolitica Ай бұрын

Been trying to fight this myth for years. Got a livable house for $43K, no restrictions, including agent and closing costs, on public transport, near a beach. Free houses in Japan are unending money pits. The only way they are free is in the way they free you of your time and yen.

@MonkeyHero Ай бұрын

That's really cool, dude! I hope you share more about that! Sounds like you nailed it.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

lol Yeah, I felt the same as you. I got tired of seeing clickbait articles talking about it. I felt compelled to make a video about it.

@jdmimportlogistics Ай бұрын

Exactly- such clickbait nonsense especially now with inflation on building materials.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

yeah, materials costs are insane... should have started my renovations 3 years ago 😪

@nippolitica Ай бұрын

@@DIYJapan Thank God for the Yen vs Eagle Buck exchange rate. It has netted me something like a 50% discount in dollars.

@jasonmoser8957 Ай бұрын

Lived in Japan for 29 years. Lived in the Japanese countryside and have family in a village with no stores and half the houses are empty. It is depressing. For some it may sound appealing but the countryside is a very lonely place for most foreigners. You can get proper houses in big cities on the cheap.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Most towns we looked at fit your description… our town luckily is kinda touristy so it’s still vibrant… maybe too so lol 😂

@Jack-jp6ki Ай бұрын

That's because most foreigners are obsessed with being around a lot of people lol. I'm from the country. I love the country. I love nature. I love growing my own crops/produce. Also, it only takes one lever to no longer be lonely. Give it 10 years and we'll have a community 😂

@badischertraum1806 Ай бұрын

Hey, do you know why they dont remove the empty houses? I guess a small village doesn't feel as deppresing as a dead village

@someone-3499 Ай бұрын

City people who used to live easy life, buy anything they need at store, go everywhere using car maybe stressed living in village. Most of village people grow their own food and do lot of physical avtivity.City people may found this stressed. I used to live in big city. After retire I live in small city near village. I want to move to village. I love nature and village life. I grow my own food now.

@Jack-jp6ki Ай бұрын

@@someone-3499 it's so ironic because people in cities are scientifically more stressed than people not living in cities because of all of the unnatural things, especially the exposure to so many toxins.😅

@evilskwerl Ай бұрын

I myself was able to purchase my house (built in the 60s) for about 5k USD from the Akiya bank. The only extra costs were basically lawyer fees handling all the paperwork and sign over of ownership. About an extra 1k. After that the house was completely livable as is however EXTREMELY outdated. I’m gonna say the only real costs after o bought the house was all the DIY renovation that I did both inside and out. Less than 5k in cost of materials . After that I also owned the land which contained parking as well as a secondary smaller house (I used for storage) . It was quite a lot of land and property for the price. So I’m gonna say with proper research and contact with someone from city hall who helped in the entire process it was completely doable and extremely cheap. I also want to add I made a lot of local friends who helped with advice and even lent me tools. Also property taxes are only about 700 per year. Located literally waterfront ,seaside in Yamaguchi prefecture.

@saifssj Ай бұрын

Can I please contact you for more details?

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Nice!! That’s a great find! Many places were like that before the pandemic. I feel like property prices, even for Akiyas, popped up when the pandemic finally finished. Now houses are floating around 15k+

@evilskwerl Ай бұрын

@@DIYJapan I moved here back in 2018. Just before the pandemic. Had no idea prices rose so much. Recently a friend of mine moved here from France and works for the city hall . He was able to get a free house from the owner . The only stipulation being that he restore the house . While it is a free house he tells me it’s nothing but stress as he’s having to spend an enormous amount of money to renovate himself, as well as the surrounding overgrown land. He’s dreading having to bring in equipment to dig the land out. I guess it’s just about how you view your own situation. A blessing or a curse 🤷‍♂️

@Well_dunnWell_dunn 29 күн бұрын

Who was your agent

@evilskwerl 29 күн бұрын

@@Well_dunnWell_dunn she wasn’t really an agent but more of a city worker who worked for city hall in that department. I was able to find her when contacting city hall about a house that I saw for sale online. Unfortunately, well for the better I guess, she ended up leaving and going into business for herself. This was almost 6 years ago now. My family was actually the last that she worked with before leaving so she took extra care of us and we were very fortunate for that. Anyway with just a bit of research and lots of emailing , it’s totally doable. They are very accommodating if they know you are serious and even went so far as to tour the property on face time while we were still in the states. Good luck to you!

@BGP369 Ай бұрын

Some towns have incentives for rennovations of certain parts. Example, 20% of a roof replacement of Kawara tile, for example.... but with a max of 200,000 yen. In my case it was close to 4 million yen. Theres also some difficulties with older land plots being wholely or partially classified as Farmland - which normal people cannot buy still (though this is changing now slowly, some towns already allow normal people to buy the land but its very, VERY strictly watched to prevent unapproved use of the land). For us, it wasnt free, but it also wasnt overly expensive. Doing the rennovations ourselves as a hobby for 3 years now. Got past the half way mark just recently. We adjusted the insurance coverage recently, the inspector was surprised how well the condition had improved. Gotta thank YT for providing most of the learning material I used to be able to do this.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Yeah the farm land laws seem to be relaxing a bit... but there is more to go with those. It's a tough one though, Japan definitely needs more local food production. It'll be in trouble soon if they erase all their farm land to development. But no one wants to be a farmer in Japan so it's tough. Congrats on the half way mark! It's tough but keep going!

@bearwolffish Ай бұрын

Good info, well done and congratulations.

@awablue Ай бұрын

A very well thought out video. There’s another KZfaqr @RealRuralJapan with a post called Navigating Japanese Culture. Watching this and his one should be essential watching for anybody wishing to jump on to the Akiya/Japanese countryside bandwagon. Very different approaches but equally very informative. Thank you. 🙏

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

I'll have to check out the video... I think navigating Japanese Culture is too taboo for me to touch... too many people have strong opinions about it.

@Frag-ile Ай бұрын

This video demonstrates well how the free houses are very much not void of costs. However I would find it a lot more interesting if you had compared and contrasted it with the costs of obtaining a house normally. Surely some of these costs are applicable to a normal purchase as well, the various service charges, taxes and upkeep costs. It would be interesting to see an accounting estimation of the full cost over 10 years of these two options. The way I see it at least is that while the idea of a free house is obviously a mirage, the more interesting question is whether or not it is a cheaper way to get a house at the end of the day/decade.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

That would take quite a lot of time and research indeed. A lot of people live in my area who, by the looks of it, have never done renovations. It just depends on the individual and what they are capable of living with and accepting. Everyone has a different level of comfort and living standard. So even if I made such a video, some people can accept more than others in terms of discomforts and that would affect the price dramatically. In the end, if you own the house outright then it's already a savings in money compared to having a 30 year mortgage... I dunno... it's hard to quantify.

@Julia-zj2ch Ай бұрын

Excellent, informative and as always spiked with humor! Great watch. Thank you.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Thanks always!

@keithlevesque3974 Ай бұрын

Fantastic info and great professional video. It's really nice to see quality videos on KZfaq!

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Glad you appreciate the effort put into it!

@harleydavis3814 Ай бұрын

Really well-put together video and very informative!

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Appreciate it!

@etonbruno2 Ай бұрын

Thanks for breaking it down for us in a simple way ! Congrats! Rly enjoying ur content here! Best Regards from Brazil!

@loucodavida2391 Ай бұрын

Brasil!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@DIYJapan 29 күн бұрын

Thanks for watching! Brazil is across the world! 🗺️ nice! 👍

@colinswainson9882 24 күн бұрын

I always enjoy your videos , thanks for this one as it’s something that needs to be told to the world and those wanting a free house .

@DIYJapan 23 күн бұрын

My pleasure!

@cohall46 Ай бұрын

Very enjoyable and very informative. Thanks for sharing.

@DIYJapan 29 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@Elonquin Ай бұрын

The information interjected with the comedy is so clean and sharp. The comedy helped hammer home the pitfalls. Without it, this would have been a slog to go through for many. Great job on the scripting.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Much appreciated! I tried my best not to make it boring lol

@shirleychuk7800 Ай бұрын

Good to know the information !

@jeffq2302 Ай бұрын

Loved the article. Humorous and informative. Well done. Show me more. I’ve already bought a few places. But never for free.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Thanks! 🙏

@ANTONINJAPAN 24 күн бұрын

Good stuff! Very well made video.

@DIYJapan 22 күн бұрын

Thanks man, means a lot coming from Anton In Japan! I watch your channel as well!

@brandontownsend6955 Ай бұрын

At first I was thinking, this guy makes terrible videos. Then I realized, he's doing it on purpose for comedic effect. Sugoi. Liked and subscribed.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Thanks! I do have an odd sense of humor maybe lol

@OlgaMontt Ай бұрын

Great explanation. Love it handsome!

@AdrianArgentina-nd7rg Ай бұрын

Great video! Finally somebody telling the truth! Thanks so much.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

You're welcome!

@akiyajapan Ай бұрын

Been waitin' for you to get this video made, boa! Good on ya! Maybe we'll let you stay in the community organization a while longer!

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

My wife attends the meetings for me lol I can pull the gaijin card on this one and just be the useless foreigner lol

@NMIBUBBLE Ай бұрын

lol it's like a reverse HOA telling you what to do after you get the house for free, but you have to live there for 10 years, forced to do community activities, forced to do the renovations within three years awhile paying out of pocket the 45,000.00 dollars in Renovations and how much labor and materials that will cost you too. Then give tax fee 6000. lawyers fee 500, another 500 fee extra strings, MMM You need to make a video of what type of community activities are what they do the history behind them too. See ya great video!

@Cordycep1 Ай бұрын

they also want babies.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

I hope to share my experience with the community service thing soon in a future video. Every community is different... and although I am not required to participate in anything, I bought my houses, but my wife feels compelled to do so because of how it looks upon us if we don't.

@AlfordLau Ай бұрын

Thanks for explaining in simply terms.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Most welcome!

@gb4939 Ай бұрын

This phenomenon does not only affect Japan. In France, we have the “house for 1 euro” program. But it's generally the same thing. You pay 1 symbolic euro BUT you commit to living in the house for years, investing tens of thousands of euros to renovate the house with a time limit, etc.

@DIYJapan 29 күн бұрын

Exactly… and from what I heard, you pay high cost real estate agent fees and you have to hire their local tradesmen to do the work. Seems pointless.

@kalayne6713 29 күн бұрын

I am elderly, unable to do repairs myself but have a small inheritance. These schemes are very seductive but I doubt they are doable unless you are a young, diy expert with quite a lot of savings. Disappointing as I have been homeless and would love my last years to be reasonably secure where I could make a garden as my legacy.

@gb4939 29 күн бұрын

@@DIYJapan In France I never heard about those terms. I think you rather have to go to the maire and you directly make the deal with him. So real estate agent is not required (at least from what I know). Pointless ? I agree. Most of the times probably. There was a documentary about this in France and I - and others people - were pretty embarrassed. The buyers of those 1 euro houses were very excited, and we were like 🤔🤔I mean, the houses were in very bad shape and I'm pretty sure they could find much better with less constraints. Not to mention the fact that many of these houses may be in a protected area (which involves much more expensive work and complicated procedures) If you are interested you can also take a look at the same kind of program in Italy. It looks pretty bad to my eyes too🤥🙂

@gb4939 29 күн бұрын

@@kalayne6713 Exactly. It's seductive. And that's the problem. I think it's essential to be aware of all the constraints and terms before being seduced. But I understand. I myself when I saw that for the first time, I was like "Oh, look like an incredible deal !". Then now, after watching it closely, it looks like garbage.

@GamingDad 19 күн бұрын

Same in Italy, I once found an entire Spanish town for sale for roughly 200k euro featuring 6 or so houses a bar a hotel etc.

@junkogreene5644 Ай бұрын

Another great video, thanks, with humor and the important data! Some people do like the challenge of fixing the really derelict homes. There's the question of community integration and support, as in is there more support for a person who joins this scheme rather than a person who buys a home independently? People in the countryside are so welcoming and knowledgeable, I find.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

I think some of the houses deserve another chance at life for sure. There are some beautiful old traditional houses that deserve to be restored. There is just not enough people with the time, money and willingness to do so. Belonging to the community definitely has its perks. Many people might not like the prying eyes but I have nothing to hide lol Our community has been nothing but helpful for the most part.

@kuri8015 Ай бұрын

great video. Well explained.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Appreciate it!

@agentarnold86 29 күн бұрын

Thanks for your research on this topic

@DIYJapan 25 күн бұрын

My pleasure

@user-fv8dw1zl8y Ай бұрын

Excellent video Danny.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Thanks!!

@cocolenchojapan Ай бұрын

Great video and very informative!

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@robertgayst165 Ай бұрын

Brilliant video. Thank you so much, very clear and well produced. How easy or difficult was it for people trying to find tradesmen, particularly carpenters, plumbers and electricians who are well versed in fixing up these kinds of traditional homes?

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

It can be a challenge in some areas. Depends on the town. Kyoto prefecture probably has more than most since it’s more traditional and still in demand because of tourism.

@robertgayst165 Ай бұрын

@@DIYJapan Got it. Thank you again for the cool video.

@brettcrawford8878 20 күн бұрын

Thanks. Good informative video.

@DIYJapan 19 күн бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@sifutenzsako2701 24 күн бұрын

Entertaining. Ive always wondered what it might be like to live there for a while.

@DIYJapan 21 күн бұрын

I'm going to start adding content about living here soon. But I guess, in the end, home is where you have family and can make friends. They are the ones that really make a place no matter where you are.

@reshalnovian3375 27 күн бұрын

Thanks for the information 🙏🏻

@DIYJapan 24 күн бұрын

My pleasure

@NomadGains 29 күн бұрын

Thanks for the information 👍

@DIYJapan 28 күн бұрын

You’re welcome!

@shawnrhode 29 күн бұрын

I noticed that you first pointed out that buildings are separate from land in both (potential) ownership and taxes. The entire discussion after that only refers to free houses but doesn’t state if they include the land and if they do, whether the land is free or not. I have seen some other videos where the land was owned by someone else and not part of the offer. This can be either a blessing or a curse or both. If the land owner is willing to work with you or very lenient, doing the renovations and getting the necessary permits can be pretty easy and simple. Then, the real advantage is that you only pay taxes on the house, which can be a lot cheaper. However, if the land owner is difficult or not responsive, getting things done can be near impossible. In cases like that, getting the renovations done in the allotted timeframe can be almost impossible. The worst part is that you probably can’t know how the land owner will be before committing unless you are a local and know them or about them. And if you are a foreigner, this can hurt you with them as they may not want to work with you for a variety of reasons.

@DIYJapan 25 күн бұрын

Both are usually included together. After all, the city owns it so they would want to tax you on both and not just one. It wouldn't benefit them. But of course you can easily check just by asking not just the city but any individual that is giving the house away.

@wampastompastomp Ай бұрын

fantastic video, liked and subscribed

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Thanks for the sub!

@Verdekiwi 26 күн бұрын

thank you for the video. maybe I'd think about renovating some of the beauty you shown, but... doko desuka....?

@DIYJapan 24 күн бұрын

Where is up to you. You could point a finger anywhere in Japan and find cheap homes. Then it's just a matter of finding a town and area you like.

@johnmeladathfelix1238 7 күн бұрын

Wow...! I have been hearing this for sometime... Thank you so much for opening the lid and revealing the myth of this tempting offer...! Yes, there's actually nothing free in this world. We didn't pay anything to our parents for bringing us up. But they sure paid a heavy price. There's absolutely nothing free in this world. Someone has to pay the price. Thank you my friend...! What a lesson...!

@DIYJapan 4 күн бұрын

No problem! I think once you get old enough you learn you have to take everything with a grain of salt... especially ''free'' things.

@the.true.mjdavis 27 күн бұрын

So this is not a good idea for someone who is looking to flip. But for someone who would actually like to live in it, it is an option.

@DIYJapan 24 күн бұрын

Flippers beware indeed. But as a livable and very affordable house... probably the best bang for the buck given you find the right deal in the right location.

@hida_berserker Ай бұрын

i almost added a nasty comment because in the opening , you answered YES there are free houses in japan. Thankfully I had an open mind and finished the video

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

lol thanks for sticking with it to the end! ✌

@user-if4dr7hi2n 21 күн бұрын

One thing I can say your humor is everything bro you said yeah where?? 🤣🤣

@anaandreu5085 22 күн бұрын

Thank you great video

@DIYJapan 21 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@luisfelix5291 26 күн бұрын

IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE IS EXCELLENT!!

@DIYJapan 24 күн бұрын

Not gonna lie, I'd love it too... too hard to convince my wife of that though lol

@Biiiiird Ай бұрын

Thank you for the video. Just my opinion but I had to speed it up cuz it's a very slow paced video ! Hope this doens't rub you the wrong way

@DIYJapan 29 күн бұрын

All good! I still have work to do on my pacing, I’ll keep it in mind! Thanks!

@EugeMeijster-nf7fl Ай бұрын

If it's leaning, leave it... Thanks for the video mate. Let the people know! 😂 Hope your reno's are going well. ❤

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Thanks 👍 All is going well so far! Just taking my time and trying to enjoy life at the same time!

@TheShibanaire 28 күн бұрын

I've been dying just to go visit Japan 🇯🇵 a free house im welling to live out there for ever

@wiikends Ай бұрын

Didn't know this existed in Japan. The end result is similar to Italy where you spend lots to still live with very few people although I'm not sure full requirements for buying

@DIYJapan 28 күн бұрын

I reckon 20 years my town will be half gone. Lots of old people passing away every year.

@Xeerst 29 күн бұрын

thats the hero we been waiting for! keep exposing the naked truth!!

@theinternationalist1357 Ай бұрын

Love the humor! No thanks, no free house needed.

@vbcbsrnkk8029 19 күн бұрын

11:00 my first though when hearing that

@TheBaldr Ай бұрын

In the US the gift tax only applied to the Giftee, not the recipient.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

I never got or gave anything for free so I didn't know the specifics lol That's a crazy system that almost guarantees no one is going to gift you anything.

@EileenTheCr0w Ай бұрын

Idk where you got this idea, it's usually the recipient paying taxes on gifts in the US. Look at the fine print on any sweepstakes, it'll usually say the winner is responsible for that because the IRS treats it like income.

@rokk144 Ай бұрын

Honestly, living in a house in the countryside in japan, sounds like a dream. Imagine integrating with the local community and stablish your life there (10years), who knows maybe start a family and live a healthy lifestyle away from the city smog and social disparity. However, there's clearly obstacles to be aware of, i wouldnt mind to invest 10 years there, problem is work, making money and get retirement pension. Those are the real questions a men must know the answer for. Awesome video thanks

@Shin-Ayin Ай бұрын

I won the lotto, I’d never move there though . I’ve seen enough anime to know there’s demons.

@DIYJapan 29 күн бұрын

It makes sense if you have a desire to live there for a long time. You’d be surprised, many jobs are available because nit many working age people to take them. They are not the best paying jobs but enough to live a nice simple life. Thanks for watching!

@jl909-nr5vx 10 күн бұрын

"I'll take this plow up....." lol Good video! There are always strings attached. The only thing anyone really owns in life...is their time....and even that has strings attached (gotta work to eat, to stay alive etc).

@DIYJapan 9 күн бұрын

So true!

@quietlywandering1995 Ай бұрын

FREE Cookies!!! for home delivery. No Wait. What? The delivery fee is how much!!! A taste tax. Aww come on, I just some cookies with my free house. This video is definitely the reality of "FREE" houses in Japan that so many people need to hear. Well done.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

That shipping and handling will kill ya lol But no one better ''handle'' my cookies lol

@phoenixx5092 Ай бұрын

My understanding was a larger part of why these houses are vacant is also the property tax which is so high, (like land rates) the family of the owner does not wish to pay it - as incomes can be quite poor per hours worked in Japan. But the gift tax is a new point i have never heard before. Very Interesting.

@SmartYouTubification Ай бұрын

Inheritance tax applies to all amounts afaik, so I think that is a bigger problem

@phoenixx5092 Ай бұрын

@@SmartYouTubification inheritance tax too? So Gift Tax, inheritance Tax, land tax/rates?, and I suppose on top of that income tax too. Not to mention the doubling annually registration fee for a vehicle. No wonder nobody wants to live more than 30 minutes from the middle of a city anymore. In any other country you would have to wonder how the current political party doesnt get voted out, but i suppose all the parties leave the taxes alone. I feel really sad for the youth over there. ;(

@SmartYouTubification Ай бұрын

@@phoenixx5092 yeah the unavoidable inherence tax for a property when it's owner dies ensure that most beneficiaries deny their inherence of the house of it's in the countryside, and these houses end up in an akiya bank because of it. Gift tax, a shrinking population and no immigration ensures that they stay there.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Property tax isn’t super bad… if you live in it. But if you don’t claim that house as your residence then they double the property tax. That’s where it becomes a liability. You don’t have the time to maintain it, pay double on taxes, and it’s worthless to sell…. It’s a big issue.

@MaruPP8 22 сағат бұрын

Thank you very much

@zoomzoomernik Ай бұрын

Always a pleasure watching your videos, production is great! But if you had to pay all these fees too, why you chose to do it?

@nippolitica Ай бұрын

You don't. Or at least, if you pay some of them (agent/closing fees), you don't have the restrictions. You end up paying less, sometimes substantially so.

@akiyajapan Ай бұрын

Because he is DIY Japan 😂

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Well, I bought my house so I didn't get it for free. But I did have to pay similar fees when I bought it. It's pretty much standard in any country now to have such fees when purchasing a house. I remember in the U.S. my ''closing costs'' were in the thousands.

@lucacarlucci4940 Ай бұрын

Good work, I like this video so much 😊

@DIYJapan 29 күн бұрын

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

@lucacarlucci4940 29 күн бұрын

@@DIYJapan yes may be in a future I like to spending many days after my retirement and a little cheap house is in my mind now.

@speedmao1 Ай бұрын

Thanks!

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Thanks so much! 🙏

@bearwolffish Ай бұрын

Honestly, still sounds like a great deal if can remotely guarantee costs fall within $60k for renovations over that 3 years. As a foreigner would be only right to involve self in some community activity to improve language skills and understanding of the culture. I would be wary of any legal loophole that allowed repossession if put a foot a wrong with something.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Renovations can definitely be less than 60k, especially if you do the work yourself. No legal loopholes but if for instance you did have a 10 year resident stipulation, and left, then you’d be billed for the asset value of the house in full. I agree though, most community events are a great way to get to know your neighbors and practice the old tongue lol because their dialect is strange compared to the cities.

@thelonelyfisherman9797 Ай бұрын

I just subscribed, I think your channel is only going to get bigger

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Appreciate it!

@rejoiceblossom9225 Ай бұрын

Depends on the location for the akiya. I believe you can stay at the akiya (free home) without any renovation needing to be done for a homeless person. There is a rule called MOP (Minimum Occupation Period) for housing costs half a million or millions of dollars for a small apartment unit only in some country as well. Jail for 5 years and up to 10 years too !!!

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Is this a Japanese law? I’ve never heard of it… I’ll have to research it.

@user-yy3vd9vx7y 29 күн бұрын

Merci mon ami!💪🇯🇵

@DIYJapan 25 күн бұрын

Vous êtes les bienvenus.

@AbeyantHeroAspires Ай бұрын

Big maybe on the Akiya, but prob look for the deals w/ the seller looking to cash out. Thank for making the video per usual. Free Akiya rules on top of the restrictions make it an eye opener. I wonder about homes thathave split business levels on the street & living quarters above: what renovations are allowed & would the new owner need to also have a business there too?

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Not sure those split types would be going for free… they’d be desirable enough to sell for a good price. As for renovating them, exterior would need to go through the city planning and have proper permits to do anything but there is no law saying you can’t do it yourself. But you’d have to submit the plans yourself.

@samsan4644 Ай бұрын

if all conditions are met, do you get both the land and the house or just the house alone? say after 10 years will those conditions (community service and living in the house for 10 years) still be viable or they goes away?

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

It is for land and building of course. You can move or do whatever you like after the 10 years. You can also move before the 10 years but then you’d be required to pay the value of the house in full back to the government.

@eimdeima Ай бұрын

Houses in the countyside in the middle of nowhere sound absolutely perfect in all honesty...😅

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Right?! I have no problem driving a while to buy groceries... Just stock up when I go lol Night time is when countryside places shine... stars, extremely quiet, clean air. It's the best in my opinion.

@YouNeverKnowWhoIsWatching Ай бұрын

as much as I don't like these rules as a foreigner who would love to buy a Japanese home to live in, I imagine many communities here in the States would benefit from such rules and protect buyers and neigbhorhoods from house flippers who put cheap materials into condemned houses in order to make a profit when they resell them. I especially like the part about forcing people to be involved in the community. At least for a limited time, like maybe the first 2 years of purchasing. That would actually facilitate community bonds and civil responsibility.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

It’s a good way of looking at it. You definitely have good points. The house flipping part is probably the main reason why they do it.

@cjd2889 18 күн бұрын

This sounds the same as, "land contract" houses here in the US. You get the house itself for "free" or "cheap" but you have to make improvements to the house and/or property.

@DIYJapan 17 күн бұрын

Never heard of that. But reminds me of associations that mandate you keep your house in certain conditions or face lawsuits. Pretty crazy.

@AndroidSamsung-qz9pl 3 күн бұрын

@@DIYJapanThat answers my first question. 😢 Can you just buy the land while applying to have the house demolished, or negotiate with the government to buy the land if they demolish the house?

@RetroGent5 27 күн бұрын

I’m a carpenter and woodworker and plan on doing this next year. Do you have any tips for finding a job as a carpenter in the Japanese countryside?

@BuzzSargent 28 күн бұрын

The girl at the end is adorable. Love the outtakes. I have heard the immigration to live in Japan from the US is very hard to do. True or False? Have a Magical Day.

@DIYJapan 25 күн бұрын

It' true. Immigration is tough. If you don't work and get sponsored by a company then getting married is the only other route.

@dannyribas84 Ай бұрын

The acting was so bad that it was funny and entertaining 😂.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Definitely not working in Hollywood anytime soon... or Bollywood for that matter lol

@chikupachi 28 күн бұрын

Thank you..this is very informative. And you're so handsome too 😊

@DIYJapan 24 күн бұрын

So nice of you! Thank you!

@91099Babar Ай бұрын

EXCELLENT ... 😀👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

@DIYJapan 29 күн бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@justinsheffer514 Ай бұрын

Alot of what you’re saying sounds very similar to the free homes in Italy

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Makes for great headlines and attention grabbing... little else. The Italy one is just as crazy if not more so.

@LinuxGalore Ай бұрын

From what I can see you are better off buying an Akiya house around USD$15-20k as the TCO is better in the long run. Either way, you will be looking at USD$40-60k for a livable home.

@DIYJapan 29 күн бұрын

Totally agree. And you have a bit more freedom to choose where to live as well.

@1p4142136 29 күн бұрын

Is the land part of the house deal? ie free land? Is there running water? Or septic?

@DIYJapan 28 күн бұрын

Land is usually included. Running water, for sure unless it’s super country and running on well water… the bathrooms are almost always septic or pit toilets. Rare to get one on sewage.

@princeofamber9407 18 күн бұрын

Are there any programs for people that want to travel and look and then travel again for the move? It cost less to buy a few homes in the country in the US than just the travel cost let alone other cost to move to Japan. If there are programs for families that are looking to move, what are they? If there are none it would be more stable to buy 3 houses in the country sides in the US and rent 2 out and live in one

@DIYJapan 17 күн бұрын

No programs that I know of. To live here legally you’d need job sponsorship of your visa or married to a national. Outside of this it’s relatively hard to migrate to Japan. It’s a shame because they need people.

@IamtheMan1111 28 күн бұрын

That's ok, you can always find another free places again

@HoneyMaharshi 28 күн бұрын

Is this vacant house in county side comes free with the land ownership or without it...

@DIYJapan 25 күн бұрын

They usually include both house and land.

@Fungsabai33033 Ай бұрын

Hey, thanks a lot for revealing the truth.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

My pleasure!

@saturn_in_blue 22 күн бұрын

I think a cheap house is better than a free house, because in the end, a cheap house will be in better condition because the owners are confident enough they can sell it for something, and it will save you so much repairs and expenses that you would get from a "free" house.

@DIYJapan 21 күн бұрын

That's true! People who sell their homes have taken better care of them and have some pride in selling them.

@LaloMartins Ай бұрын

Thanks for the video, people keep asking me 😹

@DIYJapan 29 күн бұрын

No problem 😊

@supermonk3y07 Ай бұрын

Even with all the fees and taxes, it's still a lot cheaper than buying a house in the US. A regular house would cost half a million dollars in the US. Wish i had tens of thousands of dollars though. I dont know how to fix and renovate nor do i even have that kind of moneu

@DIYJapan 29 күн бұрын

If you manage your money well enough you can save $10k in 1-2 years and theoretically buy a cheaper home that needs some work. It’s the visa you’ll have to contend with after that.

@supermonk3y07 28 күн бұрын

@@DIYJapan I'm Mexican American, and with a Mexican Passport, I can stay in Japan for up to 180 days without a visa. Thats about half a year. I believe I have to renew it by 90 days. With the US Passport, I believe it's only up to 90 days without a visa.

@nickwilmoth9019 27 күн бұрын

Really starting to understand what inspired Tom Nook

@bgt54rfvcde32wsxzaq1 Ай бұрын

Baltimore Maryland Is Giving Away Free Homes As Well

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

I’m waiting for the punchline lol are we talking about squatting laws?

@bgt54rfvcde32wsxzaq1 Ай бұрын

@DIYJapan Punchline is Prostitutes and Drug Addicts Outside. Roaches and Rats Inside 🐀 🪳

@oblitusunum6979 26 күн бұрын

Also, whats to stop them after 3 years from saying that the house "doesn't meet expectations/requirements" even though it 100% does and just kicking you out and selling it on the market as a liveable residence. All you need is a 1 crooked official and they could do this easily.

@DIYJapan 24 күн бұрын

That doesn't happen but they do inspect what you did. If for any reason they were not satisfied then they would just bill you the price of the house but they really are not like that at all. They are just happy someone took the house and lives in it.

@1p4142136 29 күн бұрын

Since these houses look generational ancient are there any peculiar history or maybe haunted stories associated with them?

@DIYJapan 28 күн бұрын

Hard to say. If all the owners are dead the city may not know or you can assume the owners passed away in the house.

@Babassecretchannel 27 күн бұрын

The bit where the foreign gentleman has a chat with the akiya project official, yeah, they don’t speak english there. Plus to get residency in jp is very difficult to get. You can’t just move and live there.

@DIYJapan 24 күн бұрын

Good catch lol so true! I should have A.I.'ed my voice into Japanese lol

@MiGorengFave Ай бұрын

What kind of visa do you have to get to live there full time?

@DIYJapan 29 күн бұрын

Many different types but a work visa gets you only a few years at a time before renewal. Marriage is the second option… but could be harder lol

@GnaReffotsirk Ай бұрын

Come to the philippines. It's good here.

@DIYJapan 28 күн бұрын

I’d like to visit someday!

@username849 13 күн бұрын

Where I can see prices of decent houses in japan? Is it possible to by something livable under 100k?

@DIYJapan 10 күн бұрын

I made a video showing a similar process as the one is this video on how you can find cheap homes in Japan. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b8l8gLSQyMqVhnk.html It's way more than possible to find a decent house for under 100k! You can find great houses for 20k-50k depending on the areas.

@pipkinrahl7264 27 күн бұрын

I am looking to retire in Japan and want to look into these free houses, is it something that is worth doing? I have a small homestead here in the U.S. and look to do the same in Japan.

@DIYJapan 24 күн бұрын

One of the eligibility requirements would be having residency here either through marriage or work visa. Basically legal to live here. Otherwise, you could buy a house but that would be through a private sale and even then, that doesn't give you the legal right to stay more than 90 days at a time.

@thehungrygoldfish 23 күн бұрын

No, there’s no special retirement visa in Japan, lol. Your best bet is to use it as a vacation home.

@msbebelle07 Ай бұрын

Many of these houses could be interesting if the town increases the time for renovating according to the size and the problems that the house have and exempt gift taxes and year home and land taxes during the renovation time allowed. But if not, keep it 😂

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

The gift tax is singlehandedly the worst part of it. Keep free free.

@BoatingJapan Ай бұрын

The two houses you worked out the tax on are way overvalued also.

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

More taxes that way ¥¥

@DoubleSupercool Ай бұрын

The real question is: what are you going to do in Japan once you have you "free" house in the middle of nowhere that needs $50K+ renovations to make it livable?

@DIYJapan Ай бұрын

Some houses are ''livable'' but that is stretching the truth a bit. Most people, and I mean almost everyone, will say that most old houses in Japan are not livable. I think people are used to a higher degree of comfort in winter and summer than these houses are able to give and renovation costs are not cheap anymore.

@andrewbieler4752 16 күн бұрын

If the structure is so bad can you boldose and rebuild?

@DIYJapan 15 күн бұрын

It’s certainly possible.

@Livlifetaistdeth 21 күн бұрын

There's a good reason people give things away and it's usually not altruistic

@DIYJapan 21 күн бұрын

Exactly. Always have to ask what the catch is.

@rickhunter6949 Ай бұрын

Never trust anything that is free lol Thanks for the info!

@PollyDollyBabe 28 күн бұрын

Free 😂

@PollyDollyBabe 28 күн бұрын

They can take it back anytime as land.. Look at Australia 🇦🇺

@aaronnava2985 27 күн бұрын

I would like to remind please how hard it is to become a citizen or even resident of Japan.

@DIYJapan 24 күн бұрын

It's tough but not impossible.

@thehungrygoldfish 23 күн бұрын

Then use it as a vacation home. You don’t have to live there permanently.

@SequentialSnep Ай бұрын

10 years occupancy is crazy long... I think it would make more sense to have it at 3 years, to match the rebuild time. Not a fan of the participation of activities as well >.>