Survey Results on Corporate Real Estate Strategies
Mitsubishi Estate Real Estate Services Co., Ltd., located in Tokyo, has recently conducted an insightful survey regarding corporate strategies surrounding real estate. The survey, aimed at understanding trends in corporate property sales, effective use, and office relocation, was conducted between December 4 and December 26, 2025, gathering responses from 198 clients subscribed to their newsletter.
Key Insights from the Survey
One of the most pressing issues identified was the need for
aging building solutions. This concern ranked highest among the challenges companies face, following closely behind the necessity for
real estate cost reductions. The survey revealed that the proportion of companies either undertaking or contemplating property sales rose sharply to
33.7%, which marks the highest rate since the survey's inception in 2022.
Reasons for Property Sales
The predominant reason for selling properties is to dispose of
idle assets, with many respondents also citing issues related to
aging buildings. This trend reflects a broader movement towards streamlining assets within companies. Conversely, challenges arise from internal consensus difficulties regarding sales, which have been identified as significant bottlenecks in exit strategies.
Property Purchase Trends
On the purchasing side, responses indicated a solid 26.2% of companies are considering or actively engaged in acquiring properties. The primary motive remains enhancing income from core business operations, with a notable rise in interest for entering new business domains and expanding production capacity. However, the soaring prices in the market have dissuaded some from proceeding, illustrating a disconnect between cost and benefit.
Office Relocation Dynamics
Regarding office relocations, over 50% of companies reported that their return-to-office rates exceed 90%, signaling a reestablishment of pre-pandemic work styles. A particular surge in the motivation to move stems from an emphasis on
brand and recruitment enhancement, showing a strong appetite for investing in human capital. Yet, inflation in rental prices has led some firms to reconsider or downscale their office space.
Summary of Findings
The survey unveiled that the interest in relocating has increased along with the number of companies experiencing hesitation due to cost-benefit concerns and challenges in securing new spaces in the overheated rental market. Among the reasons for moving, improving office environments and accommodating workforce growth were the most frequently cited, with the push for
brand and recruitment enhancement reaching all-time highs since the survey began in Q1 2022.
Furthermore, while there was a notable increase in responses favoring
substantial space increases, the overall trend exhibited has shifted towards downsizing. As a result, approximately
30% of respondents indicated plans for
reducing their office space during their relocations.
Looking Ahead
Mitsubishi Estate is committed to continuing its research efforts to provide valuable insights for addressing challenges in the real estate market. The organization will release further details in a comprehensive report available for download.
For access to the detailed survey report, please click
here.
Reference Information
- - Participants: 198
- - Survey Duration: December 4 - December 26, 2025
- - Methodology: Web-based survey via email newsletter
- - Conducted by: In-house team
This survey highlights the evolving landscape of corporate real estate in Japan, where environmental factors and internal motivations shape real estate strategies.