Paying to 'dispose' of land!? The truth behind the surging land-takeover business and how to let go safely

Today, I want to talk about whether services that take over 'unsellable land' for a fee are truly a lifeline, or just another sinking ship.

Actually, there are some aspects of this service that are being viewed with concern.

For inherited land, there is a growing need to let go of property due to reasons such as 'living far away and having no plans to use it' or 'the burden of maintenance is high because it causes trouble for the surrounding area'.

In response to this, the 'Inherited Land National Treasury Vesting System' was created, which allows heirs who have acquired ownership of land through inheritance or bequest (transferring part or all of the property to a specific heir by will) to hand over the land to the national treasury (have the state take it over) if certain requirements are met.

However, there are various conditions, and the reality is that the hurdles are quite high.

Raising the issue: Do you want to let go of it quickly, even if you have to pay?

Recently, I often see advertisements saying, 'We will take over your unwanted real estate for a few hundred thousand yen!'

It sounds easy, like a junk removal service for moving, but when it comes to land, the scale and risks are on a completely different level.

According to a survey by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the number of such 'paid takeover' businesses has increased to at least 59 companies.
Moreover, about 30% of them do not even have a real estate brokerage license.

Is it really 'pay and you're done'?

A common piece of advice is, 'If it won't sell, just pay a little money to have someone take it off your hands.'
Certainly, considering inheritance taxes and mowing costs, being able to settle it quickly is attractive.
But...

troubles where the registration is not transferred and the risk of the land being abandoned after takeover have also been pointed out.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is also keeping a close watch, stating that 'the lack of transaction safety and management will increase future vacant houses'.

The conflict is a 'mental tax'

'Fixed asset tax + neighborhood trouble + guilt' wears down your mental health every year, I hear such voices in the field as well.
I can really understand the feeling of wanting to let go as quickly as possible once it reaches that point.

Proposal: 3 self-checks

1. Timing of registration transfer
   ... Confirm whether the takeover fee is paid 'after the registration is completed'. Advance payment is a red flag.

2. Real estate brokerage license & association
   ... Check not only for the presence of a license but also if the company is a member of the industry's self-regulatory organization (Real Estate Paid Takeover Business Association).

3. Utilization plan after takeover
   ... Be careful with businesses that do not disclose 'what they will do afterwards' with the land, whether it is forest or farmland.

That said, I won't say they are all bad

In cases where you are losing money every year on a remote field, such takeover services can sometimes be the 'final exit strategy'.

The point is how to ensure a 'reliable takeover partner' and 'transparent procedures'.

Another perspective: First, buy time with 'loose management'

Here is another perspective: instead of 'paying for disposal' right away,

• Annual inspection

• Professional handling of weeds and garden trees only

• Coordinating with local government vacant house banks if necessary

This way, you canminimize running costswhile taking two to three years to find an exit strategy.

This 'loose management + exit search' model is what we members of the Vacant House Manager Association practice.

The conclusion is 'don't rush, but don't neglect'

The option of paying to let go is certainly gaining prominence.

However, it is not a 'zero-burden magic' solution; you might just beprepaying for other risks.

If you feel 'I'm really lost...'

• First, grasp the current situation through free consultations, etc.

• Select a business operator using three self-checks

• If you are still anxious, watch the situation with 'loose management'

The new perspective that there is more than one way to take the weight off your shoulders is today's goal.

▼ Click here for the Association's website where you can read various topics related to vacant houses every day↓↓
https://www.akiyakanrishi.org/
▼ You can also see entries for the 'Vacant House Photo Contest' on Instagram↓↓
https://www.instagram.com/akiyakanrishi/
▼ Akiyaka Kansha is looking for business partners nationwide↓↓
https://www.akiyakanrisha.net/
▼ We have started a podcast on YouTube↓↓
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUMANO48IlzDM7gLSpPFn5A
▼ You can add our official LINE account as a friend. Please feel free to use it for questions, consultations, etc.↓↓