A Comparative Study of Operational Status and Problems of the First Countermeasure Plan for Vacant House and Related Strategies in 19 municipalities in Shiga Prefecture

Abstract

The vacant house problem has become a nationwide administrative issue. The "Special measures law about the promotion of unoccupied houses", known as the "Vacant house law", which came into effect in 2015, has become a hot topic as it will be revised in 2024. Currently, many municipalities are reviewing their vacant house strategies and revising their countermeasure plans. Therefore, we analyzed the actual conditions and problems of vacant house strategies in 19 municipalities in Shiga Prefecture. First, we researched the actual condition and regional characteristics of vacant houses in Shiga Prefecture as a whole. Next, we analyzed the status and composition of vacant house plans in each municipality. Based on interviews with 19 municipalities, we have clarified the actual condition of vacant houses, strategies such as specified vacant houses and vacant house banks, and their operational status in municipalities. Finally, we considered problems related to the reuse, management, and removal of vacant houses.