Top Regrets of Leaving Inherited Nagaya or Vacant Houses Unattended

What Do People Regret Most About Leaving Nagaya or Vacant Houses Unattended?

Have you unexpectedly inherited a house or land through succession?

Old nagaya (traditional row houses) and vacant homes can be difficult to manage. Many people postpone decisions with thoughts like "I'll deal with it later," only to realize time has passed without action.

So, what do people actually regret after leaving such properties unattended?

In collaboration with Followind Corporation, a real estate buyer based in Kansai and Osaka, we conducted a survey targeting 30 men and women nationwide who previously answered "yes" to having left a nagaya or vacant house unattended. The survey asked: "What do you regret most about leaving your property unattended?"

※ When quoting this press release, please:

・Clearly state the source as "a survey by NEXER Group and Followind Corporation, a real estate buyer in Kansai and Osaka."

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Survey Overview: "Regrets of Leaving Nagaya or Vacant Houses Unattended"

Method: Online questionnaire

Period: June 29, 2026 – July 5, 2026

Respondents: Nationwide men and women who previously indicated they had left a nagaya or vacant house unattended

Valid Responses: 30 samples

Survey Questions:

Question 1: Select the one thing you regret most about leaving your nagaya or vacant house unattended.

Question 2: Please explain why you selected this.

Ranking of Regrets from Leaving Nagaya or Vacant Houses Unattended!

◆ Rank 1: Ongoing maintenance costs such as fixed asset tax – 40.0%

Survey respondents shared the following comments:

・The longer it goes, the more money it costs. (Female, 20s)

・Felt like I was wasting money on taxes. (Female, 60s)

・I left the inherited property unattended for a while, and there were only disadvantages—no benefits at all. (Male, 60s)

・After a typhoon damaged the roof, I left it unattended and it became unmanageable. The entire town was devastated by a massive typhoon, and repair work had a 300-case backlog. Even demolition had a similar wait. I was paying taxes despite not being able to live there. (Male, 60s)

・It was a waste of expenses. (Male, 70s)

The top choice was "ongoing maintenance costs such as fixed asset tax."

The responses show that many feel burdened and regretful about continuing to pay taxes and maintenance fees even for unused properties.

Additionally, some cases showed that neglecting building damage led to the need for repairs or demolition, resulting in further costs and delays. Even if there are no plans to use the property, ongoing neglect can increase the burden.

◆ Rank 2 (Tie): Asset value decreased due to deterioration – 16.7%

Survey respondents shared the following comments:

・I realized I should have sold it earlier. (Male, 20s)

・I had no choice but to leave it unattended. (Male, 40s)

・It's now covered in weeds like fern plants. I haven't done anything yet. Its value will likely keep decreasing. (Female, 50s)

The second-place regret was "asset value decreased due to deterioration."

The comments suggest growing anxiety about properties becoming harder to sell as their condition worsens.

In particular, as weeds overgrow and buildings deteriorate, it becomes harder to delay decisions on management or utilization. Some respondents felt they should have considered selling or repurposing the property earlier.

◆ Rank 2 (Tie): Building deterioration worsened (e.g., leaks, collapse risks) – 16.7%

Survey respondents shared the following comments:

・It deteriorated, but even if I repair it, no one will live there. (Male, 50s)

・I currently own it. It's been vacant for three years, and climbing weeds now cover the house. I'm wondering what to do. (Female, 50s)

・The damage became severe, making it increasingly difficult to find buyers. (Male, 70s)

Also ranking second was "building deterioration worsened, including leaks and collapse risks."

The responses indicate that even as vacant homes deteriorate, owners struggle to decide whether to spend on repairs or proceed with a sale, often delaying action.

As building damage and weed overgrowth progress, not only does management become more burdensome, but it may also reduce buyer interest. If there are no plans to use the property, it's crucial to consider future plans before deterioration becomes severe.

◆ Rank 4: Missed the timing for sale or utilization – 13.3%

Survey respondents shared the following comments:

・I wish I had sold it quickly and cleared things up. I feel like I lost money paying unnecessary taxes. (Female, 60s)

・Due to the wood shock, land prices dropped and I couldn't sell. (Male, 60s)

・The damage worsened to the point where no buyers were interested. (Male, 70s)

・I regret not acting decisively at the right moment. (Male, 80s)

Fourth place went to "missed the timing for sale or utilization."

The comments reveal regrets like "I should have acted a bit sooner." While delaying sale or use, maintenance fees continue to accumulate, and building deterioration may progress.

Once the situation worsens further, available options may become limited. Even if you can't decide to sell immediately, it's important to start with an appraisal or consultation to understand your current situation.

◆ Ranks 5 and 6

Now we present the fifth and tied sixth ranks, along with comments.

Rank 5: Demolition or repair costs were higher than expected – 6.7%

・Things might have been different if I had acted earlier. (Male, 70s)

Tied Rank 6: Led to complaints or troubles from neighbors – 3.3%

・The apartment got old, no one lived there anymore, and it was left as-is. I was troubled by it. (Male, 70s)

Tied Rank 6: Deteriorated relationships among heirs or family members – 3.3%

The final ranking looks like this.

In this survey, "ongoing maintenance costs such as fixed asset tax" ranked first with 40.0%.

The top regrets centered around "financial burden" and "building deterioration." The responses indicate that the longer a property is left unattended, the more maintenance costs accumulate, the more the building deteriorates, and the fewer options remain for sale or utilization.

Additionally, open-ended responses included sentiments like "I should have acted sooner." Even while doing nothing, the burden of owning a house or land gradually increases. If you have an unattended nagaya or vacant house, now might be the time to consider your next steps.