Japan Firms Leverage Satellites and AI to Locate Abandoned Homes for Sale

The Rise of AI-Powered Real Estate Discovery in Japan

In Tokyo, a growing number of Japanese companies are leveraging satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to identify abandoned houses that could be repurposed or sold. This innovative approach is becoming increasingly vital as the country faces a rising number of deserted properties due to its aging population.

Where Inc., a startup, offers a service that uses AI trained on tens of thousands of images to detect signs of aging roofs, such as rust and discoloration. These findings are then overlaid on satellite maps, helping users spot properties that may have been left unattended.

One of Where Inc.'s users, Kotaro Yasue, recently discovered a two-story wooden house through this service. He was able to contact the owner via a real estate registry. It turned out that the house had been neglected for over a decade, and the owner was unsure how to proceed with its disposal.

Yasue, who runs a house rental service company in Gifu Prefecture, decided to purchase the property for just 1 yen from the owner.

"Before I started using the service, I had to visit local real estate agents or check each site by myself," Yasue explained.

The issue of abandoned homes has become a significant challenge in Japan. Government data indicates that there were approximately 9 million such properties in 2023. This figure highlights the urgency for solutions that can efficiently identify and manage these spaces.

Where Inc. developed its AI technology with support from an entity affiliated with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Originally designed to analyze craters on the Moon, this technology now helps in identifying land suitable for parking lots or solar panel installations.

The Tokyo-based company has already attracted around 50 client companies since the full-scale launch of its service in 2024.

"We want to help (companies) make effective use of untapped real estate," said an official from the company.

How the Technology Works

• AI Training: The AI is trained on extensive datasets of images, allowing it to recognize patterns indicative of abandoned or deteriorating properties.
• Satellite Imagery: High-resolution satellite images are used to map areas where potential properties might be located.
• Data Integration: By combining AI analysis with geographic data, the system can pinpoint locations that may require further investigation.

Benefits of the Service

• Efficiency: Reduces the need for manual inspections, saving time and resources for real estate professionals.
• Accessibility: Makes it easier for individuals and companies to discover properties they might not have otherwise found.
• Sustainability: Encourages the reuse of existing structures, which can contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

Future Prospects

As the demand for efficient real estate solutions grows, Where Inc. is poised to expand its services. The company's innovative approach not only addresses the issue of abandoned homes but also opens up new possibilities for land use in Japan.

With continued advancements in AI and satellite technology, the future looks promising for companies looking to make the most of underutilized real estate. As more businesses adopt similar strategies, the impact on urban planning and property management could be significant.