Okutama Town in the far western outskirts of Tokyo is offering free homes to entice younger residents. Under the scheme, selected families will be provided with accommodation for 15 years, after which they will receive ownership of the house for free. They will not be charged rent for the duration of the term, although they will be required to pay annual property taxes (around 30,000 Yen per year) and will have to bear any renovation and repair costs.

This is the second time that the town has offered free housing. In January and February, the town received over 250 inquiries and 24 applications on a house offered under the scheme.

This content is available to paid subscribers only.

Sharing information on Japan’s real estate market has been a long passion dating back 14 years. However, gathering and preparing this content takes hours and hours each week. By joining our monthly subscription service, you can access over 3,100 articles dating back 14 years. Best of all, you’ll be supporting us in our endeavor to continue to provide investors with on-the-ground, expert information.

To join our paid subscription service and access over 3,100 news articles on Japan's real estate market, please register here.

Already a paid member? Log-in using your details below.