#Japan #Tokyo #Real Estate #custom homes #At Home

Exploring Trends in Custom Home Building

In a recent survey conducted by At Home, a real estate information service based in Tokyo, a significant rise in interest towards custom home construction has been noted among potential buyers. The survey targeted individuals aged between 23 to 78, focusing on those considering purchasing a custom home within the next three years, along with those who have bought such a home in the past three years. This article delves into the core insights gleaned from this comprehensive survey.

Key Findings

Searching for Land

When it comes to land procurement, the majority of respondents, both prospective buyers and past purchasers, turned to real estate portal sites such as At Home and SUUMO. This method emerged as the most prevalent, reflecting a shift in how individuals now navigate the complexities of land acquisition in Japan.

Deciding Factors for Custom Homes

The driving force behind choosing a custom home appears to be the freedom to select both equipment and layout. This factor took the top spot among reasons for selecting custom homes, followed closely by considerations related to personal family lifestyles. Interestingly, around 60% of respondents also evaluated the option of newly built homes, indicating that buyers are weighing multiple possibilities before making a decision.

Utilization of Portal Sites

The survey also addressed how potential buyers locate construction firms and house manufacturers. Among these, the foremost resource identified was real estate portal apps, utilized by over 51% of those looking to build their homes. Past buyers indicated that visiting model homes was a vital part of their process, showcasing a balanced approach towards digital and in-person resources in making informed decisions.

Respondents expressed that browsing these portal sites was beneficial, as it allowed them to view varied construction cases, serving as valuable references during their planning stages. This illustrates the integral role that digital resources now play in contemporary home building.

Emphasis on Structural Integrity

A significant finding was that both current buyers and prospective ones prioritize seismic resistance as the top criterion when constructing their homes. Following this, factors such as thermal insulation and airtightness also ranked highly, highlighting that potential homeowners are increasingly aware of the need for quality and durability in their homes.

Desired Features in Home Layouts

Examining the desired features within home layouts, the survey revealed a clear preference for walk-in closets, with nearly half of the respondents inclining towards this design element. For those who have completed their home purchases, storage-related features like pantry spaces appeared as favored choices, indicating a trend towards maximizing utility in home design.

Research Overview

This survey was conducted from March 26th to April 4th, 2025, gathering insights from 865 individuals. The responses were carefully analyzed to exclude those directly involved in the construction or real estate industries. The results shine a light on emerging trends in custom home construction and reinforce At Home's commitment to continuous research into the real estate market.

At Home regularly engages in studies to delve deeper into the housing needs of those living in purchased properties, as well as studies focused on first-time buyers' searches for homes. These ongoing evaluations offer insights into the evolving landscape of the real estate market, providing stakeholders with valuable information that aligns with industry trends. For more details and past research results, inquiries are encouraged, reflecting At Home's dedication to transparency and consumer understanding in the housing sector.