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Understanding Renovation Awareness Among Condo Buyers

In a recent survey conducted by MEMOCO, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, in collaboration with Sumanara, the experiences of 111 male and female condo buyers regarding purchases and renovations were examined. The findings, based on responses collected from March 8 to September 25, 2025, uncover diverse attitudes towards renovations, pointing to significant implications for the real estate market.

Survey Overview and Respondents

The survey analyzed various aspects of condo purchases and renovation intentions. It comprised 111 respondents—59 men and 52 women—with a broad age distribution:
20s: 14%
30s: 31%
40s: 32%
50s: 20%
60 and above: 3%

Purchasing with Renovation in Mind

The data reveals a clear distinction in how buyers approach renovations at the time of purchase. Only about 19% explicitly purchased with renovations in mind, while approximately 33% of participants stated they didn't consider renovations at all. Interestingly, around 42% acknowledged having renovation plans when making their purchase.

Reasons for Not Considering Renovations

Those who chose not to renovate cited several reasons, including:
The property was in good condition.
They wanted to avoid additional costs.
They purchased already renovated properties.
They did not feel the need for renovations.

This suggests that many buyers are satisfied with their current properties and are less inclined to seek renovations.

Reasons for Renovations

Conversely, those who bought with renovation plans indicated several motivating factors:
Desire to customize the space.
The property required repairs.
Intent to change the layout.
Need for upgrading facilities.

Clearly, buyers who purchased with the intent to renovate did so with specific improvement goals in mind.

Current Renovation Intentions and Changes in Mindset

About 46% of respondents now express a desire to renovate, which surpasses the 42% who originally purchased with renovations in mind. This shift indicates that living in the space can reveal new needs or challenges that weren’t apparent before.

Reasons for Wanting Renovations

The most common reasons for wanting renovations include:
Desiring a personalized living space.
Improving functionality in kitchens and bathrooms.
Enhancing overall comfort in their homes.

Reasons for Avoiding Renovations

On the flip side, the primary reasons for not pursuing renovations are:
High financial costs.
Satisfaction with the current state of the property.
The property has already been renovated.
The time and effort involved in renovations.

Preparation for Renovation Budgets

Approximately 44% of respondents currently have no plans for renovations. Only 16% said they have carefully prepared a renovation budget, while others expressed intentions to renovate but haven’t yet acted on budget preparation, practicing caution instead.

Challenges in Budget Preparation

Key challenges hindering budget preparation for renovations include:
Uncertainty about renovation costs.
Difficulty estimating necessary budgets.
Prioritizing renovation expenditures against other living expenses.
Not consulting with professional contractors.

Addressing these issues is crucial for facilitating achievable renovations.

Age and Gender Trends in Renovation Intentions

Age Group Insights

20s (14%): A tendency to buy without considering renovations, yet they show strong interest in renovations once they begin living in the property.
30s (31%): This demographic showcases a split between renovation-focused purchasing and maintaining the existing state, frequently emphasizing the desire to enhance kitchens and bathrooms.
40s (32%): Prioritizing practicality, those in this age group often consider changes that enhance quality of life through renovations.
50s and above (23%): More cautious, this group evaluates renovations based on cost-effectiveness, often opting for minimal improvements.

Gender Differences

While there are minor differences in renovation attitudes between genders, women tend to emphasize improving kitchen and bathroom functionality, whereas men show more interest in structural changes or upgrades.

Conclusion: Renovation Awareness Among Condo Buyers

This survey reveals a multifaceted view of renovation awareness among condo purchasers. Even when not initially considering renovations, many develop a keen interest after moving in, driven by evolving needs. However, financial preparedness remains a critical barrier to action, showing the need for robust support systems that can help buyers navigate budget estimations and foster effective renovation planning. Moreover, establishing frameworks for post-purchase renovation consultations is essential for meeting the needs that arise after settling into a home.