1. Common grant types
| Grant type | What it usually covers | Typical conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Renovation (改修補助) | Part of repair or remodelling costs | Akiya bank house, local contractor, residency |
| Earthquake strengthening (耐震改修) | Seismic assessment and strengthening of older houses | Usually pre-1981 wooden houses |
| Demolition (解体補助) | Removing a dangerous or unusable building | Often for owners of neglected houses |
| Move-in / relocation (移住支援) | Moving costs or a lump sum for new residents | Register as a resident, stay a set period |
| Septic tank (浄化槽設置) | Installing a combined jōkasō | Outside sewer service areas |
2. Conditions to watch
- Apply first: approval before contracts or work is almost always required.
- Residency: many grants need resident registration and a minimum stay, often several years, with repayment if you leave early.
- Local contractors: some cities require a builder based in the city.
- Budget limits: yearly funds can run out, so apply early in the fiscal year (from April).
- Tax status: you may need to show no unpaid local taxes.
3. How to find your city's programme
- Start from the city's akiya bank page in our akiya bank directory.
- Look for pages on the city site about akiya, relocation (移住) or housing support.
- Email or call the akiya bank office to confirm current amounts and whether the grant applies to your house.
- Get the rules in writing before you buy if the grant affects your budget.
Pair this with the renovation cost estimator to see how much a grant really covers.
Frequently asked questions
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