Two companies are collaborating to revitalize the market for Japanese homes.

A blockchain-powered solution may be the answer to the problem of abandoned real estate in Japan. Known as ‘akiya’ these ghost dwellings numbered about 8 million in 2013. This number has now ballooned to 10 million by 2020, and is on track to comprise 30% of all Japanese homes by 2033. Real estate crowdfunding via the blockchain may give these properties a new lease of life, according to Securitize. (BTCMANAGER)

A partnership to tackle the problem of abandoned real estate in Japan

Securitize, a compliance platform for token issuers, has tied-up with LIFULL, a Tokyo-based housing and real estate information listing service. Together, the companies will offer a crowdfunding platform that will issue digital securities in return for investments in Japanese real estate.

Kanagawa-based consultancy BUIDL Ltd, which is now a subsidiary of Securitize, had initially commenced the project.

In a statement, LIFULL said that the nationwide problem of abandoned houses could be solved through the renovation and conversion to other uses. Unfortunately, traditional modes of financing such renovations are impractical. That’s because these dwellings command negligible valuations.

However, the answer to the problem may lie in regionally focused real estate crowdfunding.

Initial tests are successful

According to a post in Medium, in the initial first phase the two companies proved that crowdfunded real estate funds could successfully run using digital securities and blockchain technology. The test provides a glimmer of hope for the huge number of moribund dwellings in the Japanese countryside.

“Our collaborative success in creating a comprehensive platform solution for crowdfunded real estate funds is very exciting, and it is a great start for Securitize and LIFULL as we work to modernize the Japanese real estate market together,” said Carlos Domingo, Securitize Inc. CEO and Co-Founder.

Moreover, the test was successful on various parameters, including a verifiable reduction in operating costs, automatic distribution of security tokens, successful operation of smart contracts and complete transparency in the flow of funds, smart contracts and tokens.

Tsunahiro Matsuzaka, LIFULL Co., Ltd. Project Manager said LIFULL commits to a future where everyone can trade real estate freely using tokens.

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