From Dream to Reality: How an Australian Couple Found Their Perfect Retirement Project in Rural Japan

In an era where many dream of international retirement but face skyrocketing property prices, one Australian couple found their solution in an unexpected place: a 155-year-old abandoned house in rural Japan.

Deborah and Jason Brawn’s journey from Brisbane to their $23,000 akiya (abandoned house) in Mitocho offers valuable lessons for anyone considering a similar path.

A Love Story with Japan

The seeds of this adventure were planted decades ago when Deborah studied Japanese in university during the ’90s. After graduation, she spent five years teaching English in Tokyo and maintained her connection to Japanese culture through three decades of karate practice. Her passion gradually influenced her husband Jason, and together they developed a deep appreciation for Japanese lifestyle and traditions.

The Perfect Timing

With their four children grown and their youngest turning 18, the Brawns found themselves at a crucial life junction. The pandemic had introduced them to the concept of akiya – abandoned houses in rural Japan available at surprisingly affordable prices. This coincided perfectly with their emerging retirement plans, offering them not just a property investment but a meaningful project to transition into their next life chapter.

Finding Their Perfect Akiya

After extensive online research during Japan’s border closure, the couple finally visited in person in 2023. Their perfect match awaited in Mitocho, near Masuda city – a traditional Japanese house built in 1868 with a fascinating history as a former sake brewery. At 3.5 million yen (approximately $23,000), they acquired a spacious 7LDK property (seven bedrooms plus living, dining, and kitchen areas).

Retirement Home

They intend to split their time between Australia and Japan, slowly working on bringing the house back to its former glory while incorporating some modern touches, until they can fully retire in about five to eight years. Unlike many foreign akiya buyers, they have no plans to monetize the property through Airbnb or other rental arrangements – instead, they’re treating it purely as a personal retirement project and a way to pursue their passion for Japanese culture.

A Practical Guide to Buying an Abandoned House

Based on the Brawns’ successful akiya purchase in rural Japan, here’s what you need to know to follow their path:

Before You Start

Learn Japanese – at least one partner must speak it well enough for paperwork and community interaction
Join akiya Facebook groups and research listings extensively before visiting
Have a steady income source – the Brawns kept their Australian jobs while renovating
Budget beyond the purchase price – while they paid $23,000, renovation costs are substantial

Location Selection

Look for properties within 2-3 hours of major cities (theirs is 2 hours from Hiroshima)
Ensure basic amenities are nearby (they have a 7-11 across their rice field)
Check the village size (their community has 300 houses)
Verify property vacancy duration (theirs was empty 12 years)

Required Documentation

Prepare detailed personal information in Japanese
Employment records
Family details
Specific property renovation plans
Financial capacity proof
Written commitment to community involvement

Property Management

Install security cameras for remote monitoring
Build relationships with local real estate agents for property checks
Plan regular visits from your home country
Prepare for wildlife management (they deal with snakes, bears, hornets)

Community Integration (Critical)

Join the neighborhood association immediately
Participate in local events (like their river cleaning project)
Start exterior renovations first to show commitment
Attend community functions regularly

Timeline Planning

Plan for 5-8 years of gradual renovation
Begin with essential updates (they prioritized kitchen and bathroom)
Schedule regular visits during key renovation phases
Balance renovation work with community participation

The key takeaway from the Brawns’ experience: success depends more on community integration and long-term commitment than on the initial purchase price.

Source: Business Insider