#Japan #Tokyo #BuySell #Survey Insights #Abandoned Houses

Insights on the Abandoned House Items Survey

In a recent study conducted by BuySell Technologies' BuySell Research Institute, significant insights have emerged regarding the handling of leftover items found in inherited abandoned houses. The survey, which analyzed the experiences of 655 individuals who completed the clearing of items from abandoned homes, sought to understand their choices in disposing of these items.

Key Findings of the Survey

The results presented intriguing figures: only 36.5% of respondents opted to sell items they deemed valuable, while 25.1% successfully made over 100,000 yen (approximately $700) from their sales. Meanwhile, a staggering 69.7% of the participants who did not sell items expressed that they would have used a buyback service if they had known it was an option.

The Growing Issue of Abandoned Houses

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the number of abandoned houses in Japan has doubled over the past three decades, now exceeding 9 million, which represents a growing societal challenge. This situation is exacerbated by the presence of leftover items, which many homeowners hesitate to deal with. A survey by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism found that 55.8% of homeowners retain these properties as storage space, indicating that leftover items are a significant barrier to utilizing abandoned homes effectively.

Research Background and Methodology

The study ('Survey on Clearing Abandoned Houses') conducted an internet survey targeting men and women over 40 who had inherited and cleared properties. During the survey period from December 17-19, 2025, the findings emphasized the reluctance to embrace the idea of selling unused items as part of house clearing processes.

Selling vs. Disposing of Items

Most respondents (64.4%) preferred disposing of unwanted items via professional services, and 61.4% chose to discard them as household garbage. This indicates that selling items is not yet a common practice. When asked about the reasons for not selling, 44.7% cited the hassle involved and 41.6% believed their items would not sell.

Positive Aspects of Selling Items

Despite the skepticism, among those who sold items, 69.5% acknowledged the benefit of converting unwanted goods into cash, while 57.3% appreciated how selling facilitated the clearance of their homes. The survey highlighted that the most sold items included kimonos (49.8%), followed by dishware (39.3%) and jewelry (38.1%). Notably, those who made over 100,000 yen often sold a combination of valuable items, including antiques, brand-name goods, and kimonos.

Interest in Buyback Services

A significant finding was that 69.7% of participants who did not sell their items remain open to using buyback services if they had known about their potential profitability. Curiously, many participants expressed interest in selling unused items if they had been made aware of the option during the clearing process.

Conclusion: Leveraging Reuse for Future Solutions

The survey revealed not only the concerns regarding abandoned property but also the need for more awareness about the benefits and possibilities of selling leftover items. The economic advantages, along with the environmental benefits of reusing items rather than wasting them, present a compelling case for adopting buyback services. Moving forward, fostering a culture of reuse will likely contribute to resolving the issues related to abandoned houses in Japan.

As BuySell Technologies continues to promote sustainable practices through its buyback services, the findings from this survey emphasize the importance of generating awareness about the economic and environmental benefits of reusing and repurposing unwanted household items. The BuySell Research Institute aims to create an environment where reusing items becomes a socially accepted norm, advancing toward a more sustainable future.