Tochigi Prefecture’s Vacant House Bank for Realizing an Attractive Traditional House Purchase

Tochigi Prefecture is a region blessed with rich nature and historical background, where the charm of traditional houses remains strong. Recently, using the Vacant House Bank to acquire traditional houses at affordable prices has gained attention. This system, operated by local governments, serves as an intermediary service connecting owners who want to “sell or rent” with those who wish to “buy or lease.” Community interaction and promoting settlement are also major objectives, providing a great opportunity to start a new life.

Many municipalities in Tochigi Prefecture participate in this Vacant House Bank system, each registering unique properties. Even if renovations are needed, properties are often offered at low prices with land, allowing the joy of customizing them yourself. Additionally, subsidy programs can be utilized during purchase, making it possible to create your ideal home while reducing financial burdens. As such, it is supported by many as the first step toward realizing a dream rural life or a new lifestyle.

What is Tochigi Prefecture’s Vacant House Bank?

Tochigi Prefecture’s Vacant House Bank is an intermediary service operated by local governments, connecting people who want to “sell or rent” properties with those who wish to “buy or lease.” This system contributes to regional revitalization and expanding resident interaction, drawing particular attention to properties with historical value, such as traditional houses and townhouses.

Benefits of Using the Vacant House Bank

1. Low-cost property purchase: The Vacant House Bank offers many properties with land at low prices, and in some cases, they are transferred for free.

2. Renovation subsidy program: Some municipalities in Tochigi Prefecture offer subsidy programs to support renovation costs, reducing the financial burden after purchase.

3. Participation in the local community: Moving through the Vacant House Bank increases opportunities to participate in the new local community, helping to build networks through local events and activities.

How to Find Traditional Houses in Tochigi Prefecture

All 25 cities and towns in Tochigi Prefecture have a Vacant House Bank. Each has different characteristics and conditions, so finding an area and property that suits you is important.

Online Information Gathering

Each city and town publishes registered property information on dedicated websites. Detailed descriptions with photos are often available, allowing easy comparison and consideration from home.

On-site Visits and Consultation Meetings

It is also important to visit in person to check the surrounding environment, transportation access, and living infrastructure. Many local governments regularly hold consultation meetings and tours, which can provide a concrete image by participating in these events.

Points to Note When Purchasing Traditional Houses

There are specific points to note when purchasing traditional houses. Below are some representative points.

Building Standards Act and Seismic Diagnosis

Traditional houses are often built before the enforcement of modern building standards, requiring thorough confirmation of legal compliance and seismic performance. If necessary, consider a diagnosis and renovation plan by a professional.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance may include not only daily care but also large-scale repairs. It is crucial to plan a budget from a long-term perspective.

Learning from Successful Vacant House Revitalization

There have been numerous success stories in the past. For example, in Utsunomiya City, utilizing subsidy programs led to high-value sales after renovation. Additionally, community activity support programs for those wishing for rural life are also conducted.

Reuse Ideas:

1. Utilize as a guesthouse
2. Set up a regional cultural exchange space
3. Open as an atelier or workshop space

These ideas pave the way for creating value beyond mere residence. However, careful consideration of legal compliance and market research is essential before implementation.

Finally, the stance of “Advancing the development of a highly convenient environment throughout Tochigi Prefecture” with a model city achieving zero vacant stores, regardless of past achievements, allows anyone to challenge and maximize abundant resources to start a new life.” can be said to be the best starting line. We would be delighted to contribute to creating a “warm hometown.”

What are the Benefits of Using Tochigi Prefecture’s Vacant House Bank?

Using Tochigi Prefecture’s Vacant House Bank offers many advantages. Firstly, property prices are relatively affordable. Many properties are registered around 5 million yen, making it ideal for those with budget constraints. Additionally, the renovation subsidy program can be used to reduce renovation costs after purchase. Furthermore, the rich natural environment and connection with the local community are also attractive.

What Should You Be Aware of When Purchasing a Traditional House through the Vacant House Bank?

There are several points to be aware of when purchasing a traditional house. First, thoroughly check the condition of the building. It is reassuring to have a professional investigate any deteriorated parts or areas needing repair. Also, since moving your residence registration may be necessary, if you are considering relocating as a new living base, it is important to complete the procedures early.

How to Start Dual Residency in Tochigi City?

In Tochigi City, the Vacant House Bank is actively utilized for dual residency initiatives. First, choose a property that matches your lifestyle and desired conditions. Then, proceed with specific contract procedures while consulting with local governments or intermediaries. Additionally, public transportation is well-developed within the city, allowing for convenient living.

What Property Information is Available?

Detailed property information can be viewed on platforms like LIFULL HOME’S. On such platforms, you can search under various conditions, such as proximity to stations or properties with farmland. Additionally, buildings with historical significance, such as those from the Taisho era, are listed, each with its unique charm.

Tell Us About Future Developments.

In 2025, the establishment of a “Prefecture Version Vacant House Bank” is planned. This new system will provide information to more people, becoming a step toward solving the vacant house problem. With an even more convenient system, further utilization promotion is expected.

Utilizing the Vacant House Bank for Traditional House Purchases in Tochigi Prefecture

In Tochigi Prefecture, it is possible to purchase traditional houses at affordable prices through the Vacant House Bank. This system, operated by local governments, connects owners who want to “sell or rent” with those who wish to “buy or lease.” This facilitates interaction with the local community and promotes settlement, providing a great opportunity to start a new life.

Advantages of the Vacant House Bank

The charm of this system lies in acquiring properties at low costs. In many cases, properties with land are offered at low prices or even transferred for free, allowing the joy of renovating them yourself. Additionally, subsidy programs are in place, enabling home renovations while reducing financial burdens.

Choosing the Right Property

All 25 cities and towns in Tochigi Prefecture participate in the Vacant House Bank, each with different characteristics. To find an area and property that suits you, online information gathering and on-site visits are important. Additionally, many local governments hold consultation meetings and tours.

Points to Consider

When purchasing traditional houses, it is necessary to confirm compliance with the Building Standards Act and seismic performance. Consider a diagnosis and renovation plan by a professional. Also, pay attention to long-term maintenance costs.

Finally, learning from success stories can expand revitalization ideas. For example, utilizing properties as guesthouses or opening them as regional cultural exchange spaces can lead to diverse value creation. With the ongoing development of a highly convenient environment throughout Tochigi Prefecture, let’s make the most of these abundant resources to start a new life.