Causes of vacant houses and future policy directions: evidence from a nationwide survey of local governments in Japan

This study surveyed the employees responsible for vacant houses in municipalities across Japan to assess the status quo, causes of vacancies, and policies. Several municipalities conducted surveys to determine the number of vacant houses. The primary methods included exterior inspections, public records and utility data examination, and postal surveys of property owners. The main reasons cited for not conducting surveys were a lack of personnel and budget and low prioritization. However, approximately 70% of municipalities identified an increase in the number of vacant houses, with low birth rates and an aging population as the primary causes. Moreover, limited access to urban areas increases the number of vacant houses. Therefore, improving infrastructure and increasing the number of workplaces would promote the growth of the working population. Approximately 80% of the municipalities implemented subsidy policies to reduce the number of vacant houses, and 97% planned to implement policies to reduce future vacancies. Measures to reduce the number of vacant houses include subsidies, vacant house banks, tax support, consultation services, and measures to improve owners’ awareness of property management. The study’s findings can inform strategies to address vacant houses in Japan.