Vacant properties in Japan

Abstract

Legal regulations are an important measure to solve the overuse problem. In Japan, however, where population decline is a constant problem, vacant properties such as abandoned houses have become notable. Even though vacant properties often have the potential for habitability, the Japanese who are generally apprehensive around strangers have a tendency to avoid renting or selling these properties on the market. The origin of property arises from an intention and act of appropriating a thing in pursuit of economic value. Property law is based on the assumptions that properties have active uses, and the role of property law involves the attribution of resources for efficient use and provision of legal rules for competitive use. The Japanese civil law including its property law and the Japanese land use law were enacted during the period when capitalism was on the rise and land overuse was acknowledged as a social problem.