Global real estate trends show extreme price shifts and housing vacancies

Real estate markets across various regions are experiencing extreme shifts. In Japan, approximately nine million homes are vacant, a phenomenon known as 'akiya'. Due to demographic decline and the tendency for buildings to depreciate like vehicles, some rural properties are being sold for as little as one yen. While foreigners can purchase these homes, they do not receive automatic residency rights, and renovation costs can be substantial.

In the Balkans, housing affordability is a major concern. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, rising apartment prices mean that a 65 m² home can cost around 260,000 KM. Based on average net salaries, it could take a single worker over 12 years of total income to afford such a property, or over 21 years for a family saving 1,000 KM monthly. Similarly, in Montenegro, property prices have nearly doubled since 2020, with coastal areas seeing high demand from foreign investors.

In Croatia, the market shows a divide between luxury and affordability. In Zagreb, investors are focusing on high-end developments, with luxury apartments reaching up to 8,400 euros per square meter. Meanwhile, in Split, a tiny 13.5 m² apartment priced at 90,000 euros has sparked public debate regarding extreme price-per-square-meter rates.