Insights into the Used Condominium Viewing Decision-Making Process in Japan
Rearx Find, a real estate company based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, recently conducted an extensive survey targeting 300 individuals in the Tokyo metropolitan area who have purchased a used condominium in the past five years. This exploration aims to uncover the decision-making processes involved when prospective buyers consider viewing properties.
Breakdown of the Survey
The survey, named "Reality Study on the Decision-Making Process of Viewing Used Condominiums," was carried out through online methods from July 9 to July 12, 2026. Each participant confirmed that they had purchased a used condominium during the last five years, and the results indicate significant trends and preferences in the purchasing process.
Number of Viewings Conducted
The data revealed that a majority of buyers tend to view a limited number of properties before making a purchase decision. Specifically,
37.0% of respondents reported viewing between
1 to 3 properties, while
31.0% viewed
4 to 6 properties. Combined, these groups represent
68.0%, indicating that nearly seven out of ten buyers culminate their search with six viewings or fewer. This trend suggests that buyers are more inclined to make decisive choices within a narrower scope of viewings, emphasizing the importance of how potential leads are structured.
Social Media as an Information Source
The survey also investigated how buyers gather information about potential purchases. Remarkably,
over 60% of respondents indicated that they check social media platforms at least once a week for condominium listings. Specifically,
25.0% reported that they look almost daily, while
24.7% use these platforms two to three times a week. This suggests that social media is a prevalent method for engaging with real estate information.
Channels Leading to the Viewings
In terms of how potential buyers discovered the properties they viewed, a notable
64.3% attributed their findings to
real estate portal sites like SUUMO and HOMES. Additionally, proposals from real estate agents accounted for
34.0% of the sources. Although traditional avenues remain dominant, it’s important to note that
29.3% of buyers cited social media as a valuable source of information, reflecting the increasing role of platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
Influential Sources for Initiating Viewings
When considering the most impactful source that led to their final decision to view a property,
59.6% of respondents again pointed to real estate portal sites. This highlights the ongoing relevance of digital platforms in the real estate market, with both portal sites and real estate agents combined accounting for nearly
80% of the pathways leading to property viewings.
The Role of Social Media Influencers
Interestingly, the survey also examined the intermediaries on social media that influenced the decision to arrange viewings. A close competition emerged between individual agents and official accounts from real estate companies, with
47.7% of respondents stating they were driven by information from individual agents, while
46.6% cited corporate accounts. This data underscores the duality of influences existing on social media platforms.
Decision Parameters
The factors that prompted individuals to undertake viewings included property conditions such as price, location, layout, and age. A striking
59.3% of respondents highlighted that favorable conditions played a significant role in their viewing decisions, with other factors such as aligning with their desired lifestyle and the aesthetic appeal from photographs contributing to the decision-making process.
Timing of Engagement with Social Media
Another key finding was the timing of when buyers began engaging with social media for property searches. About
47.7% noted that they started following property listings once they began contemplating a purchase, while
40.9% had been checking listings long before making any serious considerations.
Final Outcomes from Social Media Engagement
The results revealed a high conversion rate from viewings initiated via social media, with a substantial
71.6% of respondents confirming they ultimately purchased a property they had initially found through these channels. This statistic highlights the effective transition from mere interest to actual purchase in the digital age.
Relationships with Real Estate Agents
Finally, the relationship dynamics between buyers and their real estate agents were analyzed. The survey found that
81.0% of buyers either viewed properties primarily through one agent or purchased from the agent who initially facilitated their property viewings. This suggests a strong loyalty and continuity in the buyer-agent relationship from initial inquiry to final sale.
Conclusion
The findings from the survey shed light on the crucial aspects influencing condominium purchases. With a noticeable lean towards fewer but more impactful viewings, the survey highlights the critical role of both real estate portals and social media in acquiring property information. As the landscape evolves, understanding buyer behavior in relation to the avenues they explore will remain pivotal in shaping real estate strategies.
About Rearx Find
Rearx Find embodies the philosophy of 'bridging the gap between people and real estate.' Operating in the Tokyo metropolitan area, the company offers a comprehensive suite of real estate services, including sourcing, product planning, sales, and after-sales support. The company recently reported its highest sales of
9.25 billion yen for the fiscal year ending June 2025, establishing itself as a leading entity in the sector.
Company Name: Rearx Find Inc.
CEO: Keita Otona
Founded: February 5, 2013
Capital: 100 million yen
Location: 6F, O-PLACE, 7-30 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Website: Rearx Find