Bought a Cheap House in Japan...But Something Was Very Wrong
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Buying a house online without seeing it in person, can come with risks. Today we will visit Helen's house. She bought this vacant, abandonded house (Akiya) in Japan without viewing the property before purchase. I was shocked by what I saw behind the walls. In this video, we will find some damage to the house and talk about some options for Helen to try and resolve the issues here in Japan.
If you are new to the channel, my name is Chani and I am a middle aged Australia who was stuck in a rut and moved to Japan to live. I bought an Akiya or empty house and started renovating. I'd love it if you joined the community.
🇯🇵Learn Japanese with me or book a consult on moving to Japan - www.chanijapan... 🇯🇵
☕️ Thanks for all your support of the channel, I really appreciate it so much. If you would like to help me continue to make videos and support my ability to keep the channel going, here is the link:
ko-fi.com/chan... ☕️
I look forward to seeing you in the next video 😀
@ChaniJapan
#buyhousejapan #akiya #abandonded #renovation #japan
Japan is a very wet and humid country. Mold and moisture damage is VERY common. If I were buying an akiya, I would just go ahead and assume there was water damage and get professionals in asap.
I am Japanese.
In Japan, cheap and old houses have many defects like this. That's why most Japanese people don't buy them.
And it is absolutely unthinkable for a Japanese person to buy a house without seeing it in person.
Recently, vacant houses in Japan have been attracting the attention of foreigners because they are cheap, but you need to be careful as there are many pitfalls like this.
If you really want to buy a house in Japan, I recommend one that is less than 30 years old.
Also, be sure to check for leaks. If you need to do major repairs, the roof alone can cost several million yen.
Yes. I think it’s important as you say to be careful when buying older houses. Earthquake standards are also important to consider 😃
海原 San, thanks for sharing your invaluable opinions. Cheers!😊
Thank you this sharing. Really got me thinking deeply. The planning part is very crucial, see the property in person is the best bet. 30 years and under...wow...termites 😢
Strip all the vinyl wallpaper as it's potentially contributing to wall rot by blocking moisture and it's covering up the true condition of the walls anyway. Have a carpenter replace the subfloor and check the rest of the house. Consider adding a concrete foundation with plastic to stop vapor from entering the crawl space and insulating the floor while you're at it.
Great advice! I believe this is what will be recommended by the builder too.
Her front garden is really nice. I can see why she chose the house. I hope she is able to resolve the issues and she still feels it was a good purchase for her.
Yes, the garden is beautiful! I am sure that she will be happy with everything in the end ❤️😃
i bought my house in Kyoto prefecture sight unseen. But the agent provided a video and I opted to get an inspection done on the house before I signed the contract. The inspection report is very thorough. This allowed me to make an informed decision subsequently on renovations later on too.
Would you mind sharing how you found the agent? Arigato!!
@@fc787761 excellent that is the right way not guessing it’s okay.
@ I found the house ad myself and approached an intermediary, NTI, to approach the agent and arrange the contracting paperwork. You can search for Nippon Tradings International . They have a regular podcast on UA-cam.
Exactly, perfect procedure, highly recommended. And any issues found can be negotiated off the price at time of sale
Helen please don’t lose heart!
I’m sure the builder can help and even if it’s expensive just think of the huge home you have compared to Hong Kong!
Also it’s so much cheaper even with a repair
True! Good point 😃
Helen, I can see why you chose that house--what a lovely garden! When you fall in love with a place, the adventure to make it your own becomes part of its charm. I hope it all goes well for you. Good luck!
Lovely comment ❤️😃
I hope that everything turns out well for Helen. My house (unfortunately, not in Japan) needed a tremendous amount of work done on it. It took time (and a lot of money) but it all worked out well in the end. At least with Japanese builders, you will be overjoyed with the workmanship. Best wishes. P.S. I hope Miss Millie is well 😊
Yes! Similar to your house, I think Helen will need to spend some time and money. It will all work out I am sure. ❤️
Before starting any renovations, she should have had a building inspector come out and assess the house so she can plan what has to be done first
Hang in there Helen. A builder can fix a lot of these deeper problems. Enjoy the great location, beautiful gardens and most of all the peaceful japanese culture.
That's very kind of you. ❤️
If Helen would be willling, I'd love to see a follow up with her home renovations. Until then I wish her all the best fixing he lovely home up.
Such a REAL video as the interest from foreigners buying and renovating akiyas grows and grows 👌
Also, I don't usually comment so much about a person's appearance, but I must say, Chani, I love what you've done with your hair and you're absolutely glowing 🥰
Thanks for your kind words, I appreciate it!❤️
Yes, I was thinking same... Definitely glowing
please do a part 2, hope she get her house fix!
In the USA, this type of houses ( akiya ) is called " fixer upper " .
When we were buying a house in the UK we paid for an enhanced survey to make sure it was in a great condition. Nobody should buy a property without having an independent expert looking at it and giving it a green light. They will not detect everything, especially if hidden, but they should find the basic important things. Soft floor should definitely be found.
Helen is lucky to have a great friend in Chani to help with finding a builder!
All the best for Helen. Thanks Chani for another great video. 🇦🇺☺️
Thanks for watching and for your support!
Helen seems lovely. I'm so sorry she is having these issues, and I hope she can get them resolved and begin to enjoy her life there. The garden is lovely, and I can see why she was drawn to the home. Best wishes, Helen!!
That's unfortunate that Helen's akiya had more damage than she expected. I hope the builder is able to help her so it's liveable and safe, without being too expensive. As well as the termite(s), I'd be concerned about the mould, which can be so damaging to one's health. It's lovely of you to help her, Chani. I do hope Helen hasn't gone back to Hong Kong with a heavy heart or any regrets about her decision.
Thanks for sharing Helen's story. I liked her comment that she bought the house to be close to transport but also it was an opportunity to join a community. All the best with the repairs, Helen. Hope not too costly.
I agree, it's nice to have a sense of community.
Best wishes to Helen!
Thanks for helping and also for showing us things to look for
Yes, great video Chani!!!! Great topic!!! Would love to see more homes
With the garden being so cared for, someone did care about this house, despite the issues it still has. The problems can be over come with time and a bit of $. ☺
@@kenembree4088 very true 😃
A lot of $! Maybe more than she paid for the house.
I hope she finds good builders to help repair everything ❤ lovely home, I can see why she loved it. Hopefully everything can be fixed reasonably.
It's going to be a lot of work, but I think she'll love it when it's done!
I'm sorry for Helen to discover the damage after buying her property, but I think she has a good attitude about it in that not to worry until she get's a damage report & estimate about how much it will cost to repair any damaged areas. When you buy used property you'll usually find some things that need repair or that you wish to change. However, it's too bad Helen couldn't have a proper assessment prior to her purchase as she may have been able to negotiate a better price to help offset the cost of the repairs. I wish her the best and hope that any repairs can be made within her budget,
You are right, things happen. Helen is a positive person and will get through it!
キッチンの床下を覗くなんて、プロみたい！
コンクリートじゃない場合は、畳を変えてもずっと湿気に悩みます。
chaniさんの家のように、以前の家主がどれだけリフォームしていたかが大事。
床だけじゃなく、窓も原因
25年前の家は、アルミの窓なので結露が出ます。
アルミ窓（窓1枚）なら、県が実施すれば補助金を出してくれると思う。
Thanks for sharing good to see that it’s not all roses with Akiyas sometimes some work is required
Yes, you are right, they are not all perfect.
Some? Any cheap akiya below 30k usd needs a lot of work. Almost the same price of the property.
Very impressed with your analytical mind, leading to your quick 'detective eye' to watch out for signs of damages in the house! Given Japan's weather and humidity (maybe a bit different in Hokkaido?), water/moisture-related damages are typically common. Water leakage through the roof, window/door would quickly lead to termite damages, along with soaked walls (lower parts), floorboards, etc. Very good & generous of you to contact a building contractor to help Helen with a deep dive check and possible remedial work! Good luck to Helen with the renovation, and everything will work out for her in the end!
The garden looks amazing was my first thought. It’s good Helen has your assistance to help with organising a builder & identifying the problems. Fingers crossed for no more termites.
It is a great garden!
I think helen was good at buying the home n wish her the best .
Do they have house inspector in japan?
Did she use one or did you ?
How long did it take to learn basic Japanese?
Is there anything you would change ?
Its nice to have a friend that lives close by now.
I hope you n helen enjoy each others company n are great friends now !
Enjoy your week chani ! ❤😊
You gotta feel for Helen. Chani, you have a real niche with your channel about Japan, and it is refreshing, informative/educational, and interesting. Good on ya, and gambatte!
It's pretty cool that you can buy a place over there just like that for short or long stays and as a hobby to put your own touches, I wonder how much it costs per year even if it's empty, like basic council rates , electricity , water etc , I enjoyed the video!
I’ve found the running costs to be low compared to Australia.
TY for sharing her story and Akiya situation. It is a good learning experience and I hope she is able to safely resolve her damages! The fact that she has bought a property in Japan is a fantastic accomplishment and I'm sure everything will work out!!
Great programme, thanks!
I’ve been amazed to see what builders in Japan can do to fix things. And they seem so conscientious.
Watching this video about a month after it was first posted. Hope you've been able to make some progress now Helen, even if a little. The gardens do look beautiful. Hopefully in time this will all be worth it. Looking forward to a Part 2 video in time. All the very best ❤
Congratulations on your new home Helen. I will be thinking of you and hope you get the help you need to make it the home of your dreams. I’m glad you have a friend to help you out with getting help. God’s blessings to you both.
Thank you for your kind words. 😊 Helen is organising a builder so I think it will all be sorted in time ❤️
That’s cool that you’re taking your experiences and helping your Japanese neighbors.
My heart sunk for Helen. The water damage, mold and termites are all very serious issues. I feel like the seller and agent did her dirty, but I hope she comes out on top in the end! My own health has suffered greatly from landlords not disclosing and repairing water damage and mold.
It is very unfortunate that she had to deal with those issues. But I know she will get it sorted.
Perhaps the water damage and termite damage needed to be disclosed in the purchase... The seller or agent may be liable for some of the remediation costs...
Great video. She’ll be fine - might have a few repairs but look at the amazing house she will end up with. Wishing her the best ❤
Very kind of you ❤️
Yes, it's such a lovely house!!! And lucky to have a garden
Thanks for sharing Helen's house buy. Hopefully, all will end well. Even if it was a bargain, she could spend and design it to her liking and will end up as a good investment. 🤞
Oh wow darl! Really impressed with your knowledge and experience about the house! Have see other UA-camrs do this, its awesome to see an Aussie doing this too!! Totemo subarashii desune!!!!!
Best of wishes xx stay positive. You’ll get there 💜
Chani you are an amazing person
Hi again, Chani, I’m right behind you in getting my akiya (although ahead of you in age) 💕 I hope to finally meet you next time I return to Japan. I love your sharing and really appreciate the older woman perspective - Tokyo was so different in April as a 50+ woman vs when I was in my 20s 😢😂❤
Have followed yoir channel and enjoyed it every time. You have put a lot of thought in your vdeos. Kudos
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoy the videos. ❤️
Another great video.
We stayed in a renovated akiya guest house last week in Higashimiyoshi. I shared with the host your UA-cam channel. She was very interested in your videos and is now following you too.
Thoroughly enjoying your videos.
Thanks so much! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. 🙂
You are so kind🥰
Wow!!! You are a great friend ❤❤❤
Hi Chani,
Good on you for giving your helping hand for Helen.
Hope all is well with Helen's journey.
Hope Millie is doing well.
You are such a smart business woman 😊 you are my role model!!! Helen seems like such a sweet Lady! I wish her all the best. Hope she can find a good deal to get the leaks and termite damage fixed 😢
Thank you so much!
@@ChaniJapan ❤️
I love this for you that you are doing consults when you can.
Thanks ❤️
Great you helping Helen as best you can and just being supportive ❤ Strong's to Helen 💪😘
We all learn as we go. Helen will figure it out. Your advice of a reputable builder will get to the bottom of it all. Good job.
Chani, you're very kind and helpful! Love your channel ❤
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoy the channel. ❤️
It’s a tear down. Spend on a house maker unit and get satisfaction rather than frustration.
It is so helpful to know someone who can help you when moving to a new city. And is anywhere! You are doing a great job, Chani!
Always a pleasure to share in your Japan adventures. You offered really excellent advice to your new friend and I hope we will get to see how her property ills are solved in the future. Give Miss Milly a hug for me!
I just discovered your channel, and I'm so impressed! Thanks for all your informative videos. After watching this video, I wonder if you could create one that is about the practice of demolishing a house in Japan to build a new house. I see some articles online saying that this is a relatively common practice. How much does that cost in an area where one would find an Akiya? How easy is it to find a reputable construction company? What kind of a timeline is common for purchase, demolition, construction of a new home? I have a feeling you would do a great job with a story like that!
Oh my gosh, this looks like a difficult situation for Helen! I hope she is able to get everything taken care of soon. Thank you for another interesting video!
Thanks for watching! I think she will get through it 👍
Interesting video, Chani. Much thanks to Helen, and to your previous guests who you've shown regarding house purchases. And of course, much thanks to you and Millie! ☺️🤗😻 Xoxo Robin
Hi Chani
Awesome videos and information
We have been binge watching your experience. Such an inspiration well done.
Shane and Di Aus
Thank you Shane and Di - I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!
Good video Chani. Having just rented places sight unseen it's very tough to know what you are really getting from pictures. I hope she can get those issues fixed without too much trouble and cost.
Always pay someone to go through the house for you. Both a layperson and some professionals.... So needed... And if certain things need doing, and it is known, it can be negotiated into the cost and terms of the sale
Props to her! Those issues can be fixed easily. She has the property and now just needs someone to fix the building.
Despite all the problems, that’s a super cute house with a nice layout and gorgeous gardens, and worth putting the work into! Hope we get to see the final product!
Yes, would love to see the finished product... She will be so proud when it's all ship shape. Those older houses are gems.
I have had to watch this video in two sections as I could not continue to watch all the issues this lady was discovering as she was renovating and refreshing her house and stumbling on one issue after another... 😭and watching the slow realisation show on this lady's face as it dawns on her the unknowing of what she has actually taken on.
Hoping that it all works out well in the end for Helen. It seems that the house needs more than just decorating. This could be a challenge as she can only visit occasionally and does not speak the language.
Once completed it will be a lovely home, especially with the garden, which I suspect will become her passion project.
Can you go through how to use At Home to look for homes in Japan?
Great video. Love Helen's attitude despite the problems. Stay positive.
Thanks for watching!
The perspective you provide through your videos is very unique and interesting. Looking forward to what's next ;)
Unfortunately that's going to be an expensive fix. Fixing the water leaks can sometimes be hard, I've got a roof that is leaking and after 16 years still can't find where it's coming from. Good luck to her though.
Yes it was a big surprise to find out about the leaking roof.
When buying a house, always check when the roof was last done, and when it next needs doing, as it is a significant cost
A roof leak can be clear across the other side of the attic from where it drips down inside a wall. I hope you've found a way to mitigate the problem since you can't find the leak.
Hope you do a follow up video. I have renovated several old houses and termites are attracted to water. Seems like an ingress of water somewhere and I hope she sorts it out.
Yes, check the exterior... And would love a video of what the builder finds/reccomends, and how it turns out... Good luck with the remodel... It's a very cute house... Wishing for the best for her... And how is the house fixed to the ground? Are there upgrades or insulation needed there?
You shouldn’t buy a house without looking at it first and inspecting it yourself. Online photos can be deceiving.
I hope Helen gets things worked out. I agree with you, she needs a builder. 10 years ago I looked at buying an Akiya, but most I saw in Osaka needed a lot of work, and I'm not a handyman, so I purchased a new house. That was an adventure. I don't speak Japanese (even now I totally suck) but the agent and the bankers were kind and one even used an iPad for technical terms translations. All went smoothly.
Thank you for sharing! I hope it turns out great for Helen
Thank you for creating this channel! I just found you and I am a 50 year old single mother with hopes to moving to Japan in a few years. The information you give in the videos are very helpful! Keep up the great work!🫶🙌❤️
I’m so glad you’re finding the information helpful! 😄
Great video! Hope there will be a Part 2.
Stay tuned! I will be filming again early next year😃
Very interesting and helpful video. The thing about buying an Akiya on the internet is that you buy it as is. So you have to fix the house on your own and it may cost a little of money.
Yes, it is always a gamble buying a house unseen.
For those who are considering buying a used house in Japan
History of Changes in Japanese Seismic Standards
The Japanese earthquake resistance standards have undergone three major revisions in the past, in 1971, 1981, and 2000.
Avoid tile roofs.
Tiles and roof tiles together weigh about 2 to 3 tons.
In earthquake-prone Japan, durability decreases with each earthquake.
Basically, calculated based on the age of the house.
Of course, the price will be higher because of this, but the difference will shrink when you consider the cost of repairs.
If you have plenty of assets, it would be a good idea to fix it thoroughly.
However, that may not be a simple solution, as there is a serious shortage of craftsmen in Japan.
The wood pillars directly on concrete blocks under the house look like they're not even fastened to the blocks, just sitting in top. That house is going to fall down in a small earthquake. If it doesn't collapse just under its own weight first. I feel so bad for Helen.
Hi Chani ❤que amor eres de persona 💕.
Fuerza Helen. Desde Argentina te envío mucha luz.
Abrazos y cariños Chani y Milli 😊😊
Muchas gracias ❤️
I have the perception that since the country is so natural disaster prone they really don’t build expecting the structure to last all that long. That when you buy a house 30 years old or more it’s really the land you buy most tear them down, if possible.
Go Helen!!!❤❤❤
Hey Chani!! Love from Adelaide, Australia!❤ hope Millie and yourself are going well
Thanks so much 😃
Dreams don't happen and they never will don't let anyone decieve you into thinking they will.
What you're doing is extremely helpful, as it is. But, this video should serve to re-enforce that people, and excuse the cliché, need to curb their enthusiasm and follow well known steps and procedures in buying anything as important as this.
The inspector should have caught all of these problems. Never waive the inspection by a qualified inspector that you hire. This house is a nightmare, but I suppose the mold and water damage is very common in Japan.
My parents had thst same blue tile in their bathroom in the 60s. Glad to see it still surviving in some areas.
I think it is always a good idea to have a property thoroughly inspected by a certified inspector. Properties in Japan might seem cheap to foreigners, but you’ll want to avoid any problems later.
I agree. It's best to be safe than sorry.
I would get a building inspection prior to buying it’s very dangerous buying with out inspection you could be buying someone else’s problem.
hey chani, did you use a judicial scrivener when you purchased you home? if so, do you recommend who you used?
Wld be nice to see Part 2 on Helen's hse.
Probably best having a survey done before buying a house, especially if buying blind. £600 can save you thousands. Hope the poor lass gets it sorted for not too much money.
Moral of the story: Don't buy a property sight unseen.
Exactly! If you don’t have time to visit in person, wait you do. I hope everything works out for Helen and that it does not cost too much to repair!
Thanks.
i want an Akiya with a garden and a parking space. it can be small as its just me
Helen stating she found a live termite, even if it was just one warrants professional intervention as you have stated. Its nice of you to help, hope it works out for Helen. My concern would be that the structural integrity may be ok in normal times, but if the termites have decreased structural integrity there could be safety risks if exponential risk is placed during the time of earthquake. Any recommendations expressed by a professional assessor should be taken very seriously
I agree, it’s best to be cautious and get an expert opinion.
Hello again from Mie area. Those kinds of old houses may need to be gutted out and put in new posts and walls if there are termite infestation or water damage. I have a bit of carpentry experience and would be nice to come over to help you guys out tho unfortunately live way over in Mie. I used to build 2x 4 homes in Japan and always wanted to implement 2 x 4 framing in old homes such as those. That’s the dream when I get my Akiya, make ‘‘em stronger with 2 x 4 framing and all.
That's really kind of you to offer your help! It's amazing to hear about your carpentry experience.
I womder of a dehumidifer would help prevent wood damage coused by too much moisture? O.o
Thanks for sharing and good luck to Helen.
I just wonder how Helen manages the payments for the water, electricity, gas, internet and property tax - while she is back in Hongkong?
I believe she set up her credit card to make payments.
@@ChaniJapan Many thanks for your precious information. Good luck.