【An Vacant House Manager Speaks Out】The Fatal Gap Between the 'Expectations' and 'Reality' of the Support Corporation System

Today, I would like to share my personal thoughts on the news that the first Vacant House Countermeasure Support Corporation in Ishikawa Prefecture has been designated in Kanazawa City.

Some of you might be thinking, "Now that a support corporation has been established, the vacant house problem will be solved, right?"
It is certainly a reassuring mechanism.
I have written about this system on my note before.

But is this really the panacea that everyone thinks it is?

"Is it okay as long as there is a support corporation?"

The "Support Corporation" system was newly introduced under the revised Act on Special Measures Concerning Vacant Houses, which was enforced on December 13, 2023.
To put it very simply, this is a mechanism where specialized organizations designated by municipalities help solve vacant house problems.

Generally, it is often said that "it is reassuring because experts are involved" or "it is reliable because it has the government's stamp of approval."

Most media reports also take that tone.

But please try to think from the perspective of someone troubled by a vacant house.

If you went for a consultation expecting that "if I consult with a support corporation, something will be done," but ended up being told that "the procedures are complicated and time-consuming," "you have to solve the cost issue yourself," or "in the end, you were just introduced to a contractor," how would you feel?

The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment.

"There is a significant difference in response" depending on the municipality

What I want to pay particular attention to in this news is the point that regarding the support corporation system, "there is a significant difference in response depending on the municipality."

This means the following.

While you can receive comprehensive support in the neighboring city, a support corporation has not even been designated in the city where you live.

Such a "disparity in the system" is being created.

In Kanazawa City, operations have begun with the Ishikawa Prefecture Real Estate Association serving as the secretariat.

On the other hand, many other municipalities have not yet introduced the system.

Looking at this situation, it is clear that it is not a simple story of "the problem is solved because the system was created."

Nevertheless, new possibilities are also coming into view

However, there is no need to be pessimistic.

What I find interesting is the part about specializing in properties with unique circumstances (such as unregistered properties, incomplete inheritance, or non-compliant road frontage/location conditions).

New solutions are finally emerging for vacant houses that were previously often dismissed as 'hopeless'.

For example...
A family home left abandoned for years due to inheritance disputes.
An old house in a secluded location not facing a road.
A building that has not been registered.

A system has been created where specialized teams can collaborate to approach these 'troublesome vacant houses'.

This is actually a big deal.

The key is 'adjusting expectations' and 'utilization suited to the region'

When considering the support corporation system, the important thing is not to have overly high expectations.

While this system is certainly one effective tool, it is not a magic wand.

At the end of the day, every vacant house problem is different, and many involve significant time and costs.

However, that does not mean they lack value.

Looking at the example of Kanazawa City, a clear direction has been shown where specialized organizations collaborate to provide concrete proposals, thereby solving the problem of vacant houses that could serve as hubs for migration, settlement, or local community spaces.

This is the important point. They are working from the perspective of 'utilizing them as local treasures' rather than simply 'reducing the number of vacant houses'.

Let's think realistically while utilizing the system

The support corporation system is certainly one effective option.
But it is not everything.

Even if there is no support corporation in your area yet, there is no need to give up.
There are many places you can consult, such as existing real estate agents, construction companies, and administrative offices.

Conversely, for those in areas where a support corporation does exist, it is important not to assume 'everything is fine now,' but to gather information on your own and consider multiple options.

Vacant houses are certainly a troublesome issue, but if managed and utilized properly, they become valuable local resources.
I believe we should move forward one step at a time while making good use of the system.

▼Thank you for reading to the end.
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