[Reversal] Can 'Nuisance Vacant Houses' Become Saviors During Disasters?

Today, I would like to write about an interesting project that has started in Mie Prefecture.
This is something that will become extremely important in the future, a truly two-birds-one-stone initiative thatsimultaneously solves the 'vacant house problem and disaster prevention measures'.

Regarding vacant houses and disaster prevention measures, the Vacant House Management Association is also conducting various initiatives, or rather, social experiments.

The assumption that 'vacant houses are a nuisance'

We often hear people say, 'The increase in vacant houses is a problem' or 'They should be torn down quickly.' Certainly, abandoned vacant houses are a problem.

But are all vacant houses bad?

Ido not think that the increase in vacant houses itself is the problem.
The problem is vacant houses that have been abandoned and are no longer of interest to anyone.

The pitfall of 'let's just tear it down'

When I receive consultations about vacant houses, many people say, 'If there are no tenants or buyers, I want to tear it down as soon as possible.'

I understand the feeling well.
It costs money to maintain, and you worry about what the neighbors think.

But please wait a moment.

It can cost millions of yen to tear one down.

And once you tear it down, you can't go back.
Besides, you will also lose the special tax treatment for fixed assets.

I have seen many people regret it, saying, 'I should have thought about it a little more back then.'

A groundbreaking initiative in Mie Prefecture

That said, the project that started in Mie Prefecture overturned such conventional wisdom.

Operate it as accommodation for tourists during normal times, and use it as a 'deemed temporary housing' base for disaster victims during disasters.

In other words,giving one vacant house two roles.

Simply put,it's a private lodging in normal times and temporary housing in an emergency.

When you think about it, this is very rational, isn't it?

Even during times when there are no tourists, its value as a disaster prevention base remains unchanged.
Conversely, even when no disaster has occurred, it can be effectively utilized as a tourism resource.

The appeal of the 'two-sword style'

The interesting thing about this project lies in the 'dual-purpose' nature of vacant houses.

Usually, the occupancy rate of accommodation facilities determines their profitability.

However, by also serving as disaster prevention hubs, they create meaning even during times when they are not being used.

Anxiety that readers might feel

You might be thinking, 'But can I really do that with my vacant house?'

Certainly, there are pros and cons depending on the location and the condition of the building.

But what is important is a change in perspective.

It starts by viewing vacant houses not as a 'burden' but as a 'treasure trove of possibilities'.

Even if it is not a tourist destination, there may be demand for it as a disaster prevention hub.

Conversely, even in areas with low disaster risk, there is potential to utilize them as tourism resources.

Re-evaluating vacant houses as local treasures

That said, not all vacant houses are suitable for this project.

However, what this initiative demonstrates is a perspective that views vacant houses not as 'negative legacies' but as 'local treasures'.

Vacant houses that are properly managed and loved by the community will surely create wonderful value.

Why not explore new possibilities?

So, if you happen to own an untouched vacant house, please consider options other than 'demolition' for once.

Disaster prevention hubs, tourism resources, community exchange spaces, art spaces. The possibilities for vacant houses are infinite.

The important thing is to imagine what kind of value that vacant house can create for the community and for you.

You might just find an answer you never expected.

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