A traditional Japanese house built in 1930, set on a plot of nearly two hectares, is being offered free of charge to a new owner. The listing appeared on OldHousesJapan, a specialist website that helps find buyers for the country's old homes.
The property is what is known in Japan as an akiya, an empty house whose owners have moved away or died and whose heirs are unable or unwilling to look after it. The plot covers 20,969 square metres and includes not only the wooden house itself but also a clay-walled barn, a cellar and a chestnut garden.
Inside, the house follows a traditional Japanese layout with five rooms, a kitchen and a dining area. The previous owner kept the property in working order, regularly repairing the roof and installing solar panels to give the home energy independence.
The water supply system is outdated and will need servicing, according to the listing. In winter, reaching the pipes becomes even harder because of snow.
Main condition for the new owner
Giving away property for a token price, or for nothing at all, is not charity. It is part of a Japanese government strategy to tackle the country's growing number of empty homes. The key condition for whoever takes on the house is that they actually live in it, rather than using it as an investment or a holiday home.
The new owner will also have to pay an annual tax of 9,500 yen, roughly equivalent to 2,700 hryvnias.
According to available data, several million houses stand empty across Japan, with the highest numbers found in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Other free housing offers
Free accommodation has also been reported in Tuscany, where those wanting to stay temporarily in the scenic Italian region are offered villas and historic houses through house sitting arrangements. These come without rent but require the sitter to look after the property while the owners are away, with duties that can include tending the garden, caring for pets and running small errands, depending on the agreement.
