$6000 USD House in Japan: Day 10 renovation update!

If you can take anything away from this video, make sure that it’s to apply for the government grants as soon as you have the house contract in your hand!
Local governments will have different incentives - especially for low population areas. There are so many incentives to entice people to move into the area and sustain the community.
I missed out on almost $10,000 USD in government grants because I didn’t apply for it within 30 days. I only found out through word of mouth and went to apply on day 45. They were strict about the 30 days from having the title in hand and I missed out. Would’ve really helped in a lot of ways :,)
FYI, every local person I’ve met has welcomed me to the area with open arms. Today at the restaurant the owners said, “that’s great you’ve moved here!! We really need more people in the area and we would love the population to increase!”
More than 5 other neighbours have said the same thing. It’s been very welcoming!
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[@SmilingQuokka]

Thanks for the update. The house is looking good! Much more like a home. The white paint has really brightened the interior and definitely makes the kitchen look more modern, as do the new lights. I like the idea of light green curtains in the living area. That would compliment the tatami and the kitchen cabinets, as well as being a nice contrast to the furniture. It's great seeing how it's all coming together. 🙂

[@im.mattguy]

Thanks for the positive words!! It’s changed a lot in just 10 days. Looking forward to put in some kitchen cabinets and update the bathroom. The rest of the house is basically just adding furniture :)

[@antonc81]

Man you should get more elements in that green colour.. goes nicely with the white of the kitchen. Has a nice clean and slightly retro feel to it.

[@Computerleet]

It's amazing how a fresh cost of paint in your style makes a place feel like yours. I waited a year to repaint my house and I was instantly more at home when it was done.

[@im.mattguy]

Coat of paint makes it feel like a new place when it’s done right :)

[@tacoventure]

thank you for the update, It's incredible to see how much can be achieved in just 10 days. The dedication and hard work put into transforming this space is inspiring. The attention to detail and the creative solutions for maximizing the limited budget are impressive. I can't wait to see the final result and how this humble house will be done.

[@peperoniejam7513]

The whole place has opened up so much with the white paint, especially the kitchen! It feels so much more clean as well. I might suggest some cool looking mirror to decorate with, I've found when I've lived in smaller spaces that mirrors really help to bounce natural light around and make a space feel more open. Would like to know what type of interior design styles you like the most? The only detail I would change personally is the stark-white roofing color, I think if you'd like it to be light for heat reasons I would still pick a pastel shade of earth tone like beige or seafoam green. Either way, your hard work is really showing, making great progress!

[@im.mattguy]

Mirror is a great idea. I’ll decide on the shelves and wall space first and then look at mirrors to bring light through the kitchen

[@debbiecurtis4021]

You've inspired me to do Swedish death clearing. I've just thrown out 4 bin bags of crap I didn't need. I'm going to strip my house bare, deep cleanse, and redecorate. Thanks for motivating me.

[@Marco.93]

Why these videos are so satisfying to watch 😅 I just enjoy them so much. Keep em coming 🙌🏼

[@im.mattguy]

Thank you so much!

[@emy1111]

I hope to do this one day, looks like your making great progress...

[@im.mattguy]

Go for it! Very worth it :)

[@davidorr8194]

Hi, I'm a new subscriber! I've watched your day 1 - day 10 videos . I was initially worried about the termites. To be fully transparent, I also had reservations about your stated design ideas. I take it all back, you are doing awesome!!! It's looking great, your carpentry/construction skills and knowledge are really coming through. I love the way it is progressing and look forward to seeing more from you!!! :)

[@im.mattguy]

Thank you really appreciate it! It might sound like I’m making big changes but I’m making safer choices. I loved the house as it was but realistically, I needed to update some things to clean up the place. I also wanted a mix of modern comfort with traditional design. Both elements can work well if thought through carefully :)

[@and0v]

Thanks for sharing the whole thing, it is sooo interesting! Not planning to buy a house in Japan but I love how transparent you are with the good and the bad of the process! Keep up with the great work, it is looking really good!!! 👏 taking notes: termites, possible government support,… 📝

[@im.mattguy]

One of the best things about it the process is the learning. Information about an old house, creating spaces within the Japanese design, understanding different building processes and methods, the new Japanese language I’m acquiring, and paperwork behind it all. I’m also connecting with local tradespeople who have all been so helpful and friendly which has been nice to build connections

[@SharonTseung]

Thanks for sharing! I hope to follow in your shoes when I visit Japan again 😄

[@im.mattguy]

I hope so too! It’s a fun project :)

[@DimereseiniNRobbyRavouvou]

another fabulous educational video indeed of home renovation in Japan

[@DimereseiniNRobbyRavouvou]

Your removated home looks lovely thanks for educating all

[@jordanbelknap9168]

I love watching your progress! Thank you for sharing 😊 I just got back from a 17 day trip to Japan and completely fell in love.

[@im.mattguy]

Thank you! Where did you travel in the 17 days and what made it to your highlight reel? :)

[@DimereseiniNRobbyRavouvou]

Okay good you certainly have a lovely home again thanks very educational

[@DimereseiniNRobbyRavouvou]

what a lovely home indeed very great looking indeed

[@claudiaximenarg]

I like the video and the changes to the house. The kitchen looks bigger, just with a few adjustments.

[@nancysmith9425]

YOU ARE AN ENGAGING PERSON, TIPS IN COMMENTS EXCELLENT!!❤😂

[@Fulcrum4747]

This is making me want to move and live in Japan. Specifically that area it's amazing.

[@doncjack5913]

Great update, I would have suggested to keeping the tub and put it in the shed (safely wrapped up) because over time, if you decide/change your mind and want to add a tub, you got one, and it looks like it is stainless steel and that is usually means it could of been expensive option. Also should see about taking a trip to a secondhand/antique shop(s) for some stuff i.e. anything artistic of the region, carved Ranma panels, and/or other accents for your partition panels to decorate them (adding or changing the style). They can be found well kept condition for value prices

[@katiepandey5023]

I’d replace all those pipes before you put in the floors. Also replace the walls in bathroom with green board. Are you going to get solar panels? How much is snow removal service? Seems like a good investment.

[@im.mattguy]

All done yup! Solar panels will be later down the track. There’s a government subsidy for that :)

[@chrisp.bacon.696]

i just found you and i saw that some people said you shouldnt paint the wood.. and tbh the kitchen looks much nicers with the white paint now. well done!

[@im.mattguy]

Thank you! 😊

[@le_th_]

Honestly, It's inexcusable that your real estate agent did NOT tell you about the money available to people moving to Miyoko. smh I don't mean to be negative, but that's something every real estate professional should know because it's a selling point to motivate people to purchase.

[@rachgarcia7]

Thanks for sharing info on the grants!

[@SamSung-wr7lc]

Man, you are a hero, you are living the dream, I am sorry to hear that you get Screwed by not knowing the money you can get from the government, but thank you for letting all of us know that it's very valid information and 1 day. I gonna consult you when I do the jump, I just moved to Sydney in 2023, and I hope you can make it all the way

[@LorraineinAustralia]

Love the house.. love Japan.. just found your page.. look forward to seeing your progress 🇦🇺🐨

[@debbiecurtis4021]

Could you do a video of going to the hardware store to buy paint and other items? It would be interesting to see the range of products available, and the prices so we can all compare.

[@konstantinlindner1037]

It's looking great! Awesome job so far, can't wait to see the next update

[@im.mattguy]

Thank you so much!! Long way to go but step by step

[@anthonysammut3133]

Hi there, looks amazing love what you have done. Great job .😊

[@Donpapibonsai]

The house is coming along so much now even though your still at the beginning

[@bobbiebenge1339]

The house is awesome I love everything about it and even your shed you could fix up and rent out how did you find such a deal?

[@sunnyw4148]

FYI There are two kinds of termites. Wet and dry. You tend to get wet ones in the bathroom or kitchen area. Once you take care of the reason for the wet , you should be good.

[@domda9898]

Saw this on Instagram and i really look forward to the whole journey of the house. But would love to hear your story. I assume you're living and working in Japan, how long you been there? You bought it for the skiing you planning to love there permanently or will it be a holiday home? Looking forward to the next update

[@brendasusanchristensen7058]

New subscriber from Wyoming USA. You are really making your home look nice and much more comfortable!! I look forward to seeing what you accomplish as you put your home in order.

[@im.mattguy]

Thank you so much!

[@loudsisi7895]

What an amazing job you did 😍! However, I must point out that the biggest mistake you might make, especially if you live in a place with harsh winters, is not having a bathtub. As someone who lives in snow-land, I would love to soak in a hot bathtub instead of just having a shower. If you have the space, why not have both? Alternatively, you could add a low European-style bathtub that is easy to get in and out of! I hope you changed your mind 😅

[@im.mattguy]

I’ve kept the bath for now but I’m not a bath person. Also, there are hot springs 1 minute walk away which I much prefer :)

[@Schatzie301]

Looking awesome. So happy you haven’t painted the ceiling or woodwork. They are beautiful as is. And save the doors. Incredible feature.

[@rhmagalhaes]

I wonder how the winter will be like. Following. Good luck and great job.

[@im.mattguy]

Excited to trial it :) thanks!

[@BubblesMcGhee]

The progress is amazing!! Great work!

[@shahidmehmood6896]

Hello Matt the work you doing and update us is great things I would say it. I have a quest is easy to give on the rent after when the house is ready to live in countryside

[@CheekyMonkey1776]

Most on YT wouldn’t have been honest about missing the grant deadlines. Kudos

[@DimereseiniNRobbyRavouvou]

If that was meself since it is so cheap only 6000 dollars 1. Bulldoze demolish the house but keep the shed no demolish shed as well 2. Clear everything grounds take them to the dumpster 3. Build a concrete house 5 metres higher the foundation from ground level with all the pipes and whatnots 3. Do a sloping easy slope drive way to the road below Fence also at 5 metres above right and have a gate front and side to both roads Have the garden and other things usefulness

[@Jen_ah]

Omg looks amazing already!!!!!

[@im.mattguy]

It’s quickly taking shape! Toilet installed today 😆😆

[@ngrog234]

these are awesome man keep it coming

[@im.mattguy]

Thanks!!

[@jrmayol857]

Been watching your videos and I enjoyed a lot on how you deliver your updates/progress. Just a quick question, how did you found that house for sale and how did you contact the owners when they no longer live there? Can you please explain a little bit on your experience? Thank you so much

[@brigid6609]

You had a 70s time capsule.🥰 You might try to sell some of it. I think even the big orange carpet may earn you some cash! 😅

[@im.mattguy]

The carpet was a little too crunchy 😂

[@markking3755]

matt ya i agree with you that you missed out big time if you were to get those greants the money you said you would get if you got that money then that house you would have got it for free then and still have money to ix everything in that house too.

[@lateoriadelkuii]

you can kill the mold with wather + vinager mix too, add some garlic to pull termmites out

[@SaninNino0]

Where can you find houses like this to buy?

[@BubblesMcGhee]

So exciting!!

[@user-ib5mx8ro4k]

You should be using treated wood for the floor joists.

[@VansSpartacus]

Hi, The house is really decent for the price, I’m living in England and over here the houses are worth more than gold, so did you move from your native country,? And which country did you move from, if I may ask??

[@brigid6609]

What a disappointment missing the grant 😥 So if you would be able to buy another cheap property close by could you appeal for this grant? So maybe you can use that money on both houses? Of course youd have to renovate both of them 🤔 but you can use 1 as an b&b 🤷🏼‍♀️ I love what you did with the kitchen. I like the green walls but not with the red couch 😉 although I would leave only 1 accent wall green and paint the other 3 white or cream. Strange they made such a roof in a snowy region. 😳 great idea paiting the roof white. And if you have natural airflow through the house and the temperatures don't go above 35 you might not need ac. Can you tell us a little about the village in your next video. Is it abandoned I didn't see anyone on the street when you were filming the roof.

[@im.mattguy]

For the grant, possibly can get it if I get another property later down the track. It will depend on certain conditions I don’t have the full details of. The house is along the “main” road - there’s a post office and hospital right next to my place. Since the house is right on the road I imagine, without knowing the full details, that the roof needs to be a certain way to avoid snow falling and hurting a passing pedestrian. The town is Myoko Kogen - it’s very seasonal with winter sports being huge for the area. The accomodation will be fully booked in winter but the other seasons are mostly occupied by only the local farming community. Location is great for the mountains but summer mountain sports are not so popular in Japan with international tourists

[@arthurluzon3555]

Hi Matt, thanks for sharing. I need your help in buying a house in Japan. Please respond.

[@user-ib5mx8ro4k]

This guy said he’s just going to fill the massive cracks by the window upstairs and it’s not a problem…😂

[@user-ib5mx8ro4k]

Japan doesn’t seem to have any building codes. The way people are allowed to do structural repairs is crazy.

[@renaldorasfuldi9027]

Thank you for the vids Matt! Just wondering, to apply for the government subsidy, do you need to actually change your residency to that municipality before you can get the grant? I am currently working and living in Tokyo and considering buying a property in Niigata or Nagano area, but I’d like to do it without changing my residency. It’s unfortunate that you didnt get the grant, but dont let that disappoint you too much because your vids are super interesting!

[@im.mattguy]

You have to check the conditions, they will all be different. Some of them need to be applied for within 30 days of property purchase and contract completion!

[@renaldorasfuldi9027]

@@im.mattguy thank you for the reply! Good luck on your new home m8!

[@fede-balzi]

What are the legalities for buying a house in Japan? Does buying a house allow you to live in Japan permanently, is some sort of visa required?

[@im.mattguy]

You don’t get any visa benefits. You can easily buy it but you can’t live there year round without a visa

[@katiepandey5023]

What real estate sites can we use to see similar or abandoned properties? Also what’s the visa situation like?

[@im.mattguy]

Suumo.co.jp or athome.co.jp for regular properties. Akiya / abandoned property is a different site for each prefecture and sometimes each city. So it depends when you want to search :)

[@Bear_cm]

did you feel/see any ghost or any paranormal activity?

[@vinnyrides]

Mat, why was the house only 6k? Is that the norm for that area?

[@im.mattguy]

For Japanese people it’s not a good buy. Renovating homes DIY style isn’t as popular as it is in western countries so it’s not a desirable purchase - it would cost a lot to update it using contractors. As for international people, hotels and other accommodation would be more of interest. This isn’t a big money maker so it went under the radar

[@maiy8786]

Can you still apply for support after the 30 days? Not the 5000$ you mentioned but help to offset other renovation costs? I've bought property in Nikko, Tochigi. Due to me not being in Japan I've used a company to purchase the house so everything took quite some time.

[@im.mattguy]

Unfortunately, no. All of the grants in this area had to be applied for in that 30 day period. It was painful considering there was so much to learn and arrange on both sides - finishing up the contract with my apartment and packing up. But every area will be different. You’ll need to check to confirm. Otherwise, some areas also offer grants / subsidies for upgrades like solar power, energy saving AC, that kind of thing. In my case, I see those as a bit of a luxury at this point in time. Would have liked to spend the money on the updates

[@KenseiOtaku]

From what I gathered applying for the government grants is only available to residents of Japan. Kind of ironic though. If you are a foreign investor - you also pay property tax and other taxes.

[@im.mattguy]

Yup! I’ve also heard of local government helping find loopholes to stretch the rules though ;)

[@Littledemon1234]

❤️❤️❤️

[@proto7688]

How does this place get heat for winter?

[@nyphira]

I dont think you shouldve painted a lot of the wood. Takes away the character of the house. But the white does brighten it up nicely

[@im.mattguy]

For the wood, the kitchen has had minor updates here and there over the years. I felt it looked a bit out of place since it’s been slightly modernized already. It will make it easier to put my own design in the kitchen with a clean canvas. The wood is throughout the house in every room so I don’t feel like I’m missing anything :)

[@Graysonck]

Do you speak Japanese? I would love to do this!

[@im.mattguy]

Yup! I do my best!

[@KarlSmith-p5r]

Too bad about the $5000. It is a toy the broker didn't alert you to this benefit. It would've almost paid for the purchase of the house.

[@im.mattguy]

Exactly. I’m not bitter about it though with such a great deal already :)

[@jiyoo6448]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@deschaindeschain6495]

WINTER IS COMING

[@im.mattguy]

Excited!! :)

[@littlemoneyful]

Orange oil safer for termite infestation …

[@nancysmith9425]

BE SURE TO LIVE IN HOUSE THRU WINTER BEFORE ANY REMOVAL OF WALLS!! NO CENTRAL HEATING. PLEASE PROVE SOME NAYSAYERS WRONG!! TALK TO LOCALS LIVED HERE LONG TIME FOR TIPS! GRANDMA NAN 83 YRS OLD, RESTORED MY 1946 COTTAGE, BOT 62 YRS OLD HERE 20 YRS, LOVE IT!! GOD BE WITH YOU ON ALL THOSE LADDERS!!❤😂

[@theKrautwald]

Man, he painted the ceiling that was exposed cedar. :(

[@user-ib5mx8ro4k]

Painting the roof and trim in the kitchen looks terrible. Non of the rooms match.

[@sheilatanart9874]

Bargain!