I transformed a $54,000 abandoned house in Japan into a luxurious Airbnb—see the inside.

Anton Wormann, 32, has always been passionate about DIY projects and creating beautiful spaces. When he discovered that his neighbor's property had been abandoned, he decided to buy it and restore it to its former glory.

The property had been vacant for approximately 10 years following the passing of its elderly owners, as discovered by Wormann upon inspection.

According to official government data from 2023, this property was one of the 9 million "akiyas" — vacant houses — across Japan.

Japan is experiencing an oversupply of housing, in contrast to many countries facing a housing shortage.

These abandoned properties, scattered across Japan, are going for as low as $10,000 each, with their bustling cities and lush countryside.

Japan's abandoned houses

The decline in Japan's fertility rate has resulted in a significant increase in the number of empty houses.

According to 2024 data, the elderly population in Japan is growing rapidly, with people aged 65 and over estimated to make up approximately 30% of the country's total population.

The number of deaths in Japan has exceeded the birth rate, resulting in an increase in abandoned properties. Some individuals, such as Wormann, view this trend as a chance to purchase real estate at a low cost and preserve Japan's beautiful architecture.

An 'akiya' discovery

In 2015, Wormann, who grew up in Sweden and has lived in major cities such as Paris, London, Milan and New York for almost a decade, fell in love with Japan during a work trip.

Every time he visited the Asian country, Wormann felt reluctant to leave due to the stunning scenery, delectable cuisine, and rich culture.

In October 2018, he decided to relocate to Japan, feeling an inexplicable connection to the place.

After becoming more familiar with Japanese culture and language, Wormann found a significant opportunity in buying "akiyas," renovating them, and transforming them into attractive short-term rental properties.

He explained that although he had read some articles about it, he didn't fully grasp the magnitude of the issue until he relocated, learned the language, and became immersed in the culture.

As a child, Wormann would discuss renovation ideas with his father and explore old houses they encountered. He had prior experience renovating properties in Sweden and Japan before discovering his neighbor's house.

"Creating something truly exceptional takes time and results in something unique that cannot be replicated," he stated. "I find immense joy in creating something truly remarkable that I can be proud of."

The renovation process

With the help of a neighbor, Wormann was able to reach out to the owner's children after finding an empty property next door.

According to CNBC Make It, Wormann purchased the 86-year-old property for approximately 8 million yen (about $54,000), not including closing costs and fees.

Despite being abandoned, the house still contained items belonging to its previous residents, a common occurrence in Japan. The property required significant structural repairs due to termite infestation.

"He admitted that he was intimidated by the place, as he had only seen it from the outside and could only imagine what it looked like from the inside. However, he was surprised to find that it was not as clean, empty, and tiny as he had imagined."

"Despite the uncertainties, I loved the location, sunlight, and size. With these elements in place, there's nothing you can't fix," he stated.

It took Wormann 15 months to renovate the property.

"In Tokyo, the land pieces are so narrow that you must demolish and discard one at a time to proceed with the renovation," he stated.

The process required repeating the steps of demolishing, renting a car, driving it to the dump, and returning throughout the entire months-long duration.

The design choices for the home were developed over time, he explained. You can sense the placement and style of elements in the space, as well as the warmth of the sunlight.

He said that all those small choices were a result of the countless hours spent in that house.

Wormann spent a total of about 1,500 hours working on the house over the span of about a year. He said, "It occupied my mind. I lived for that house for a year," and in total, he spent another 8 million yen (about $54,000) on the renovation.

The property, which cost approximately $110,000 to purchase and renovate, is now a popular tourist destination in Tokyo and generates around $500 per night on Airbnb. According to CNBC Make It, the property brings in about $11,000 in monthly rental revenue.

Passion project turned business

Wormann's passion project for renovating abandoned houses in Japan has evolved into a profitable business. The 32-year-old now owns eight properties in the country, with seven of them being previously abandoned. He has already completed renovations on three of the properties and is currently working on four more.

Wormann stated that these abandoned homes, which some may consider "old" and run-down, can be transformed into something lovely with much care and dedication.

"In Japan, there are villages that are slowly fading away, and I believe that from a cultural standpoint, many of the beautiful houses are being left to waste."

"Many things that were once thriving are now being abandoned and forgotten, but it's fascinating yet sad. However, you can save and salvage them," he said.

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