There's a lesser-known treasure in the land of sushi and samurai: the $50k house. Believe it or not, nearly 14% of all houses in Japan are empty, which adds up to a staggering 9 to 11 million homes just sitting there, waiting for a new owner.

These abandoned, vacant gems, known as "akiya" (空き家), are Japan's hidden real estate jackpot. And here's a mind-boggler: by 2033, akiya could make up over 30% of all Japanese homes, according to the Nomura Research Institute.

So, if you've ever dreamed of owning a piece of the serene Japanese countryside, now's your chance—because when it comes to these $50k houses, the only thing more abundant than their charm is their availability.

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How is this possible?

How can these beautiful and well-built homes in Japan go for so cheap?

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Japan Facts:

  • Nearly 14% of all houses in Japan are empty (The Guardian)
  • That's somewhere between 9 million and 11 million homes
  • Abandoned, vacant homes are called akiya (空き家)
  • Akiya may represent over 30% of all Japanese homes by 2033 (Nomura Research Institute)