The housing crisis in the U.S. is flipped upside down in Japan, where each home that's occupied could be next to an empty one by 2033
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The housing crisis in the U.S. is the opposite in Japan, where a shrinking population has led to a surge in the number of empty homes. Vacancies in Japan have reached 8.99 million, an increase of 500,000 from the previous survey in 2018 and an 80% surge from 20 years ago. This means a record 13.8% of homes in Japan are now vacant, with the share exceeding 20% in some rural areas. The number of abandoned homes has also risen to 3.85 million, or 5.9% of all homes. The U.S. Census Bureau reported vacancy rates of 6.6% for rental housing and 0.8% for homeowner housing. The vacancy rates in Japan align with a prediction by Nomura Research Institute that the vacancy rate could exceed 30.4% by 2033. The best solution would be to increase Japan's population or at least halt its decline, but this is challenging. Other options include removing vacant homes, limiting new construction, and converting them to non-residential properties. Tax policies and ownership issues also contribute to the problem. Foreigners may see bargains in Japan's housing market, but renovation costs and language barriers make it difficult for them to purchase these homes. 

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https://fortune.com/2024/05/12/housing-market-crisis-us-vs-japan-vacant-homes-abandoned-properties/