Buy and revitalise
vacant homes
in Japan

From property search to renovation and management, Akiya Air is your one-stop partner in Japan.

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Discover by destination

Sapporo
Nikko
Kamakura
Hakone
Takayama
Shiga
Nara
Okayama
Matsuyama
Kagoshima
Our services

Our services

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Explore

Curated selection

Start your journey by exploring our curated selection of vacant homes across Japan. Whether you're looking for a traditional countryside retreat, an urban residence, or a property near a ski resort, our platform makes it easy to find the Akiya that fits your lifestyle.

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Buy

Guided purchase

From navigating the Japanese property market to handling all legal and administrative paperwork, we make buying your Akiya straightforward and stress-free.

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Renovate

Transform with confidence

Transform your Akiya into a stunning retreat or a modern investment. We connect you with architects, builders, and specialists who understand heritage homes.

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Manage

Care-free ownership

Great homes shouldn't come with headaches. We handle tenant communication, maintenance, and cleaning so your property stays in top condition—whether you're near or far.

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Monetise

Make it work for you

List on Airbnb, offer short stays, or secure long-term tenants. We provide strategy and tools to maximise returns and turn idle spaces into thriving investments.

Process

How it works

1

Discover properties

Browse listings and shortlist your favourites on Akiya Air.

2

Meet with us

Book a free discovery call to understand your options.

3

Choose your support plan

Pick the service level that fits your goals and budget.

4

Tour and verify

Join property tours—on-site or remote—and complete due diligence.

5

Secure your home

We prepare your offer, contracts, and guide you through settlement.

6

Settle in or monetise

We assist with utilities, renovations, management, and potential rental income.

Our advantages

Why international buyers choose us

Globe
Local roots, global perspective

A team based in Japan with deep local partnerships, experienced in supporting international buyers.

Connection
End-to-end support

From search to purchase, renovation, and management—everything in one place.

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Trusted local network

Strong relationships with agents, contractors, and legal experts give you access you won't find on your own.

Shield
Safe and simple process

We simplify legal, financial, and logistical hurdles so you can buy with confidence.

Heart
Foreign-buyer friendly

Bilingual guidance and cultural expertise keep the journey smooth and stress-free.

Our partners

We work with the best
so you can invest
with confidence

We are proud to collaborate with leading global organisations, giving our clients unique opportunities and expertise.

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FAQs

Your questions answered

An Akiya is a vacant or abandoned home in Japan, often overlooked due to age or location. These homes can be renovated into beautiful residences, guesthouses, or creative projects—at a fraction of typical market prices.

Yes! There are no restrictions for foreigners purchasing real estate in Japan. You can buy an Akiya even without a visa or residency status. Akiya Air will guide you through every legal step of the process.

No, you can complete the entire purchase remotely. Akiya Air can act as your local representative (including tax and utility management), and we coordinate all paperwork digitally. On-the-ground support is available when needed.

Most Akiya properties range from ¥1 million to ¥15 million (approx. $7,000–$100,000 USD), but prices vary based on condition, location, and size. Renovation costs are often the bigger expense, which we help you plan for.

Japanese inheritance laws, demographic shifts, and cultural preferences often lead to homes being left unused. Many Akiya require renovation, which lowers the upfront price—but offers incredible potential.

We provide end-to-end support: property search, due diligence, buyer representation, renovation assistance, permit applications, utility setup, and even rental management. You can choose a full package or à la carte.

No surprises. We provide transparent pricing before you commit—covering purchase taxes, registration, renovation estimates, and any optional services you choose.

Mortgages for non-residents are limited and often hard to secure. Akiya Air can connect you with banks and financing experts, or help you structure a purchase using cash, foreign loans, or investment vehicles.

We cover all of Japan, including both rural towns and urban outskirts. From hot springs in Kyushu to ski regions in Nagano, and even commuter towns near Tokyo or Osaka—we match your lifestyle needs.

Yes, but regulations vary. We help you navigate zoning laws, licensing, and compliance for short-term (Airbnb) or long-term rentals. We can also manage your property if you live abroad.

Typical costs include: - Property tax (around 1.4% of value per year) - Renovation/maintenance - Utility bills - Optional: property management or fire insurance We'll help you budget upfront so you know what to expect.

No. Property ownership does not provide any immigration status. If you wish to live in Japan long-term, you'll need to apply for a visa through the appropriate channels.

From offer to settlement, it usually takes 1–2 months if all documents are in order. Remote buyers may experience a slight delay due to mailing or translation, but we manage everything on your behalf.

Absolutely. Many clients use Akiya for eco-retreats, artist residencies, family homes, or community hubs. We can match you with local architects, builders, and grant programmes that support revitalisation.

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Have any other questions?

Feel free to reach out to us! We are always happy to help.