Vacant house
Vacant house / inherited home
Your family home far away: talk to us before you decide.
BLASTMADE has offices in both Fukuoka and Tokyo and takes consultations on vacant houses and inherited homes. Whether you live near the family home or far away, please contact us by phone or form even before you have decided whether to keep, rent or sell.
Your case
Does any of this sound familiar?
An inherited house or condominium has been left as it is
No one plans to live there, and time has passed without a decision.
A parent has moved into a care facility and the family home is empty
Selling feels too early, but leaving it empty is a worry.
You live far away and cannot check on it
You are welcome to ask whether you live in the Greater Tokyo area with a home in Fukuoka or Kyushu, or in Fukuoka with a home in the Greater Tokyo area. Homes in other areas are welcome too.
You cannot decide whether to sell or rent
You would like to hear the differences before deciding.
Options
Keep, rent or sell: three options
The right answer depends on the condition of the property and your family's circumstances. You can start by learning how each option works.
Keep it
Hold on to the property and keep it in good condition. We first check whether repairs are needed. You can also ask about repairs and renovation. For properties in Tokyo, we will introduce partner companies.
Suits homes like these
- Your family plans to live in or use it within a few years
- Your family is still talking it over
- A family member nearby can check on it
Rent it
Rent it out and earn rental income. Our offices handle everything from finding tenants to managing the property.
Suits homes like these
- It is in a convenient spot, close to a station or shops
- A condominium, or a house that is livable with some work
- You want rental income without letting it go
Sell it
Valuations for sale are free (desk valuation or on-site valuation, please ask). For properties in Tokyo, we can consult at our Shibuya office or visit for the valuation. If you cannot decide between selling and renting, we will start by explaining how to compare them.
Suits homes like these
- No one plans to live in it or rent it out
- Built in or before May 1981 (it may qualify for the special deduction below)
- It is far away, and going there to look after it is a burden
Examples
Examples of consultations
These are sample cases based on common consultations. They are not stories of actual customers.
A case where the owner chose to sell
An owner living in Tokyo who inherited the family home in Kasuga
A wooden family home built between 1975 and 1984. With no plans to live there, travelling from Tokyo to look after it had become a burden.
How it went
- We visit to check the condition of the house (free); the owner joins by phone from Tokyo
- Compare selling and renting, with figures for both
- Check the conditions and deadline of the special deduction for inherited vacant homes together
After talking it over as a family, they chose to sell.
If this sounds like you, talk to us
A case where the owner chose to rent
An owner living in Tokyo who inherited a condo in Yokohama
Close to the station and ready to live in after a little work. The family may want to use it in the future.
How it went
- Check the condition of the unit (free)
- Give a rent estimate (free)
- Sort out together what is worth fixing before renting it out
They chose to keep it and rent it out.
If this sounds like you, talk to us
A case where the owner chose to keep the home
An owner living in Kurume whose nearby family home became empty
A parent moved into a care facility and the house became empty. The family is still talking things over.
How it went
- Check the condition of the house (free)
- Separate urgent repairs from those that can wait
- Hear in advance how selling or renting would work once they decide
They decided to keep the house until the family reaches a decision.
If this sounds like you, talk to usGood to know
Rules worth knowing
Some rules for vacant houses and inherited property have changed in recent years. This is a summary based on information from public bodies. Please check individual cases with a tax accountant, judicial scrivener or other specialist.
A vacant house that is not properly maintained may lose its tax relief
Under the revised Vacant Houses Act, in force since 13 December 2023, vacant houses that could become dangerous if left alone can be designated "insufficiently managed vacant houses" and made subject to guidance and recommendations. After a recommendation, the property tax relief for residential land may be removed.
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (revised Vacant Houses Act)
Registering inherited property is now mandatory
Since 1 April 2024, inheritance registration must be completed within three years of learning that you acquired the property by inheritance. Failing to do so without a valid reason can result in a fine of up to 100,000 yen. For inheritances before 31 March 2024, registration is required by 31 March 2027.
Source: Ministry of Justice (mandatory inheritance registration)
The 30 million yen special deduction when selling an inherited vacant house
If you sell an inherited vacant house that meets certain requirements, up to 30 million yen can be deducted from the capital gain. It applies to sales up to 31 December 2027 and has requirements such as the year of construction and earthquake resistance. Please check with the tax office or a tax accountant whether it applies to you.
How it works
By form or phone
Please tell us the location of the house and its current situation, as far as you know.
Your situation and wishes
We listen to your current situation and what you hope for.
On site, when needed
We check the condition of the property and its surroundings.
Keep, rent or sell compared
We explain how each option would proceed. You can decide whether to ask us to act after hearing the proposal.
Contact
For an empty or inherited house, please start with a phone call.
Checking the condition of the house is free. Even if you have not yet decided whether to keep it, rent it out or sell it, please talk to us.
Hours 10:00–19:00
