Question from a reader:
What is it really like to register with a vacant house bank? Both my husband’s family home and my family home are located in depopulated areas. In particular, my husband’s family home is in a mountainous area known as a “hidden spot,” making it quite a challenge to visit. We currently live near an urban area and
have school-aged children. The children have severe cedar allergies, and despite treatment, it has little effect; they immediately develop runny noses and hives when we visit my husband’s family home. I believe this makes them unsuitable as successors. My husband and I have siblings, but even if we renounce our inheritance, we still have to manage the property to some extent, and I am troubled that we might end up inheriting it as it is. Currently, my nearly 90-year-old father-in-law lives alone, and my sister-in-law and her husband visit regularly to help him. While my sister-in-law has a close relationship with my father-in-law, I worry that he may develop dementia in the near future. The main house where my father-in-law lives has not been occupied since my mother-in-law passed away, and the roof and gutters are deteriorating. Repairs are necessary, but to utilize the town’s subsidy program, we need to register with the vacant house bank. Registration itself is not a problem, but we are actually considering selling the property. I attended a consultation meeting on vacant house measures in the area, but the person in charge was not knowledgeable about the law and said they could not take responsibility. I am at a loss as to what to do.
About the Vacant House Bank and How to Utilize It
Thank you for your question about registering with the vacant house bank. Concerns about managing family homes in depopulated areas and future inheritance are challenges many people face. Especially with your father-in-law’s advanced age and concerns about his health, it is essential to think carefully about managing or selling the house. In this response, I will explain in detail the mechanism of the vacant house bank, its practical aspects, regional characteristics, inheritance laws, and what actions should be taken in the future.
The Mechanism and Benefits of the Vacant House Bank
The vacant house bank is a system that provides unused vacant houses to local residents, aiming to promote migration and revitalize the community. By registering, local governments offer various forms of support. For example, there are subsidies for repair costs and promotional activities to attract new residents. Additionally, registering with the vacant house bank makes it more likely for potential buyers or renters to appear. In particular, regarding the main house where your father-in-law lives, registering with the vacant house bank is crucial to utilize the subsidy program. Since repairs are needed, neglecting the property could further decrease its value. By registering, you can receive local support while carrying out necessary repairs, making it a very beneficial option.
Points to Consider When Thinking About Selling
When considering selling, it is important to first understand the local real estate market. Investigating the price range for properties in your area and the balance of supply and demand is crucial. Additionally, selling real estate in depopulated areas requires more careful judgment compared to urban areas. Specifically, it is essential to understand the needs of local residents and potential newcomers and to develop an attractive selling plan. Moreover, legal procedures are also involved in selling. Consulting with experts in this area can be very effective. It is important to seek accurate information from local legal consultation centers or real estate agents.
Considerations Regarding Renouncing Inheritance
Choosing to renounce inheritance is a very significant decision. By renouncing inheritance, you can free yourself from the responsibility of managing that property, but it may also affect family relationships. It is important to make this decision while considering your relationship with your father-in-law and your sister-in-law. Considering your father-in-law’s aging and health condition, arranging a suitable living environment for him will also be an important issue for your family. Additionally, your children’s health problems cannot be overlooked. Cedar allergies are quite troublesome, and it may be difficult to force them to live in a depopulated area. For this reason, you need to carefully compare the merits and demerits of either choosing to renounce inheritance or proceeding with property management or sale through the vacant house bank, and select the most suitable path.
Regional Characteristics and Measures for Vacant Houses
The vacant house problem in depopulated areas is seen nationwide, but each region has its own characteristics. For example, in mountainous areas referred to as “hidden spots,” there may be potential as a tourist resource. Considering vacant house measures that leverage regional characteristics is one approach. For instance, if you can think about utilizing the property as a tourist facility or accommodation, it could contribute to revitalizing the local economy. Additionally, promotional activities that utilize local events and culture can also be considered. By showcasing the charm of the region with vacant houses, you can attract new residents and revitalize the entire community. This can also lead to the formation of local communities, making it a very meaningful activity in the long run.
Future Prospects and Action Plans
Looking ahead, utilizing the vacant house bank and revitalizing the community will become increasingly important themes. In particular, efforts by local residents to cooperate and solve the vacant house problem can serve as a model for other regions. Moreover, information dissemination using digital technology is expected to advance further. There will be a need to promote the charm of the region through social media and online platforms. Here are some specific action plans: 1. Research the local real estate market: If you are considering selling, first check the real estate prices in your area and confirm if there is demand. 2. Consult with experts: Seek advice from professionals knowledgeable about law and real estate regarding inheritance and selling. 3. Register with the vacant house bank: To utilize the subsidy program, register with the vacant house bank and proceed with necessary repairs. 4. Consider contributing to regional revitalization: Explore ways to utilize vacant houses that leverage regional characteristics and seek methods to promote the area’s appeal. 5. Prioritize discussions with family: Consider your relationship with your father-in-law and sister-in-law, and have thorough discussions with your family about future property management.
Conclusion
Registering with the vacant house bank is an effective means of managing or selling a property while leveraging regional characteristics. Given your father-in-law’s advanced age and the health issues of you and your children, careful judgment is necessary. It is important to incorporate expert opinions regarding inheritance issues and property management, and to proceed in a way that all family members can agree upon. By considering an action plan tailored to your specific situation and valuing your family relationships while leveraging regional characteristics, you will ultimately achieve positive results. Please keep an eye on future developments and proceed at your own pace. I would also appreciate it if you could share the experiences and opinions of other readers.
