#Japan #Tokyo #Property Management #Used Condominiums #Real Estate Survey

Importance of Property Management in Used Condominiums

In a recent survey conducted by MEMOCO in collaboration with Sumanara, involving 119 individuals who have purchased used condominiums, significant insights were gathered regarding the importance of property management quality in their purchasing decisions. The survey aimed to uncover the general awareness and emphasis buyers place on property management status when selecting a unit.

Survey Overview

The survey, which took place between January 29 and September 9, 2025, was conducted online through a crowdsourcing service. Among the respondents, men comprised about 60%, while women made up 40%. The age distribution was notable:

• - 20s: 12%
• - 30s: 25%
• - 40s: 41%
• - 50s: 19%
• - 60 and above: 3%

Awareness of Property Management

The findings revealed that when it comes to property management status while selecting a used condominium, a staggering 92% of respondents indicated that they either consciously considered it or somewhat did. This highlights a growing trend among buyers to factor in more than just location and price, emphasizing the importance of ongoing maintenance when making a purchase.

Reasons for this awareness include concerns about future liabilities, depreciation of value, and the desire for a comfortable living environment. Many expressed that poor management could lead to potential problems and higher maintenance costs, underlying the necessity for a long-term perspective when it comes to property investments.

A Minority Unconcerned with Management Quality

Interestingly, only about 8% of the surveyed individuals stated they did not pay much attention to the management condition of the property. Their comments often indicated a predisposition for full renovations or preferences for new constructions, suggesting that they may prioritize other aspects over management specifics when considering a purchase.

Methods of Assessing Management Status

The survey sought to understand how respondents checked the management status of the properties they were interested in. The results showed:

• - 53% relied on intermediary real estate agents
• - 26% conducted their own research
• - 17% consulted the management company
• - 4% received information from previous owners

Notably, the majority opted to depend on real estate professionals, illustrating the trend of leveraging expertise in order to obtain comprehensive insights regarding management fees, repair funds, and the financial health of homeowners' associations.

For the subset that opted for independent research, their commitment to direct engagement was evident, as they often sought detailed information during property visits and discussions with associations. Key areas of interest included management fees, structural integrity, fire safety measures, and recent repair histories.

Satisfaction with Management Assessment

When queried about their satisfaction with the management condition assessment:

• - 40% felt their checks were thorough and satisfactory
• - 54% were somewhat satisfied
• - Only a marginal 6% expressed dissatisfaction regarding the quality of management information acquired, highlighting a strong general satisfaction amongst buyers.

The underlying reasons for this high satisfaction included receiving adequate and detailed information about property management, instilling confidence in their purchase decisions. This points to the effectiveness of open communication and thorough reporting from real estate professionals.

Conclusion: Shifting Buyer Mindsets

The survey's conclusions reveal a critical shift in buyer mentality towards the importance of management quality in used condominiums. With 92% of respondents recognizing its significance and 94% expressing satisfaction with the information they received, it signals a maturation in the used condo market. This evolution reflects a buyer landscape that now prioritizes property sustainability and long-term value retention.

As prospective buyers embark on their condominium search, this survey serves as a reminder to place high importance on property management assessments as part of the purchasing process. Engaging professionals in this aspect can significantly enhance the overall purchase experience, ultimately leading to informed decisions that suit long-term residential needs.