What happens to the house when I’m not here for 3 months?

What happens to property in Japan when you’re not there? Is it ok to buy a place and leave it for long periods of time?

I recently left for three months and this is the condition of my house when I arrived back. I hope it gives people some idea of what to expect and maybe some ideas on how to prepare for long vacancy.

Keep in mind that I left in around spring and summer time. Winter would be a different story.

For the seasons I left, I needed to consider the issues with dampness caused by humidity and wet soil from snow melt and rain.

Houses in Japan are known for a few challenges when left empty. They’re especially known for dampness and mold with the extreme changes in climate plus high levels of humidity.

In the video, I show how I prepared my place to try to overcome these well known issues with Japanese houses.

Leave any comments for things you found interesting, any questions you have, and any additional suggestions.

————————————-
————————————-

SUPPORT ME:)

————————————-
————————————-

[wendyon]

I saw the first video and wow at what you got for $6, 000. It was so clean compared to other homes I've seen. Its hard to wrap my head around how you got such a nice place that didnt have issues.
I live in Kagoshima where any snowfall brings traffic mayhem... because of thebup and down of the mountain roads not the driving skills.

[CC-pg]

Hi Matt, I’m happy you have a safe neighborhood and kind neighbors, but please don’t tell people you have left your keys and code to your house. People will try to get into your house. You can say you left that with your neighbor. That’s fine. I suggest you edit this video and leave that part out. Then delete this not too. I love watching your adventures! And yes, your house is beautiful and I love it! Oh, and those dehumidifier things, ( I don’t know what they are called), are very cool. I will get some for my house. ❤

[michelleagnew]

Welcome home! Your home is so beautiful and peaceful. Sending hope for your plants to be revived. You did an excellent job preparing the house for a long absence.
Thank you for the tour!

[md-oysw]

Hey Matt, please continue to upload content about your home! It’s very cool to see the house become yours over time. I would love to see more videos of the garage and garden to see where you are taking those projects. Also, congrats on 10, 000 subscribers! 🎉

[darcieaddison]

Beautiful home, you did an amazing job!

[kathrynbunton]

Thanks for sharing Matt, you’ve made a beautiful job of your house. It seems to have a serene atmosphere ☺️

[tayengn]

So much information about houses. Very practicle yet fun to watch. Keep them coming😊

[DonSeldum]

Looks amazing after your renovation :) I really like how you keep it original but with a modern touch.

[susanaescriba]

The house is beautiful. I love the style you have given it. The furniture is super nice and that sofa is wonderful ♥️

[Iceland]

Beautiful vacation home! Appreciate all the information and video! What a wonderful dream come true! You are lucky and I am trying not to be envious! Love your plants too! I was going to get a dehumidifier for my bamboo flute collection. Thank you for being so inspiring and sharing so many helpful hints.

[budad]

Hi Im the same guy who left a comment on your other video, I watched the others, great work on the house upgrade and the videos answered my other questions :)

[joenisnapje]

Turned out to be a lovely house after you did some tender loving care to it. Perfect combination of Asian/Western interior 👍🏻 Nice and tidy and thank God clutter free 👍🏻
Good to hear you love your base camp 😉

[ruthmoliner]

Amazing work! I can’t wait for the day I have my own Japanese house 😭🙏🏽💪🏼

[lillianmvargaso]

❤❤❤Thank you for sharing; very good tips. You are blessed.

[DonSeldum]

Here's a random suggestion: Since you have traveled around Japan a lot, perhaps you could do a video of the different climate conditions of Japan? I suspect it must have different environments as the country is so long :) Or other things you have seen in terms of differences across the country.

[judypetersen-qe]

Hi Matt. I think maybe you should have a spare set of keys cut, now you have mentioned you lose things, you may have jinxed yourself. I have a spare house key hidden outside on my property in case something happens. The last person that looked after my place while I was away, accidentally pulled the door shut on the way out and had left the keys on the table inside.
Gas heating always adds moisture to the air. Enjoying your youtubes. Thankyou.

[Chick-mzxc]

I luv your home… Great price and I luv how you made your home comfortable for you and maintaining the Japanese culture.

[MouseoutoftheHouse]

Super helpful for anyone looking at having a part time habitation in Japan.
<3

[blackwhite]

U really miss ur house, so happy for u that u r back.. home sweet home.Btw u have a nice HOME.

[IzzyOnTheMove]

I'm someone who goes for 3 and 4-month vacations each time. I never understood why dust accumulates in an empty place. But it does. Spider webs everywhere. Weird bugs in drawers that don't have food (?) I'm in Canada. Also, when I started bringing my cat on vacation, the mice had a party. So done. Can't wait to sell and go back to renting!! No more headaches!!!