Most of the old homes are actually not worth living in. Construction is so terrible you are practically living outside in terms of insulation. Earthquake hazards with huge shingle roofs unlike anything in US. Even newer construction that’s not even 10 years old is still shit compared to US standards. There is a lot that can be said about why but it would take up a full essay.
If their all be-all end-all goal is occupying those homes with whatever way...
Local governments have done something in that regard in recent times, but nowhere near enough.
Many small towns will give houses basically for free in exchange for people moving in and fixing them to stay long term :