#Japan #Tokyo #RealEstate #Condominiums

Understanding Buyer Perspectives on Used Condominiums

In a recent joint survey by MEMOCO, a Tokyo-based company, and the article production firm Smunara, the attitudes of 113 individuals regarding the purchase and future resale of used condominiums were explored. This survey aimed to identify the motivations behind buying used condominiums and their perceived asset value, conducted between March 8, 2025, and September 5, 2025.

Survey Demographics

The participants included 113 individuals, consisting of 70 males and 43 females, predominantly from varying age groups:

• - Ages 20s: 13%
• - Ages 30s: 30%
• - Ages 40s: 36%
• - Ages 50s: 18%
• - Ages 60 and above: 3%

This demographic representation serves as a foundation for analyzing their attitudes toward future sales of their condominiums.

Future Resale Considerations

When asked if they considered future resale when buying their condominium, the responses were:

• - Considered: 24%
• - Somewhat considered: 29%
• - Somewhat did not consider: 17%
• - Did not consider: 30%

Approximately 53% of buyers indicated that they are, to some extent, aware of future resale, emphasizing that used condominiums are valued not just as a living space but also as a significant asset. Flexibility in housing plans accounting for lifestyle changes—such as transfers, family structure changes, or retirement—is a notable trend among buyers.

Investment Consciousness

Awareness of property value when purchasing used condominiums has also been an interesting aspect highlighted.

• - Aware of value: 31%
• - Somewhat aware: 31%
• - Somewhat unaware: 13%
• - Unaware: 25%

About 62% of buyers showed some level of awareness regarding asset value. Many expressed their concern about avoiding depreciation, stating preferences to avoid properties that are likely to lose value. Others indicated that their purchase is a form of securing future resources for retirement.

Key Factors in Value Consideration

The aspects that buyers who valued asset appreciation particularly prioritized included:

• - Location: 59%
• - View and sunlight: 20%
• - Age of the building: 8%
• - Earthquake resistance: 5%
• - Floor plan: 5%

Buyers emphasized location as the most critical factor, with comments focusing on accessibility, future development potential, and stable demand. When considering selling, factors like view and sunlight were prominent, reflecting owners' awareness of these elements as vital to future asset value.

Trends in Home Buying Consciousness

The results of the survey reveal a clear polarization among users. One segment views their purchase as a lifelong residence, whereas another segment considers their buy as a real estate investment with a future resale in mind. This duality in motivations appears noticeably influenced by demographics, including age and economic conditions.

The Significance of Value Awareness

The increase in buyers' awareness of asset value indicates a growing understanding of real estate investment. Particularly, the trend of focusing on location reveals a rational decision-making process aimed at long-term value preservation.

Generational Insights

Notably, buyers in their 40s are the most prominent demographic in this survey. This trend correlates with mortgage timelines and evolving family structures, highlighting that this generation must consider both child-rearing and future retirement plans concurrently. Hence, strategic choices in their condominium purchases become vital to align with their comprehensive life stage considerations.

Conclusion

Overall, the survey clearly indicates that the mindset of used condominium buyers is shaped by practical concerns regarding future asset valuations. As the understanding of real estate investments grows among the public, it’s evident that future buyers will approach the housing market with a keen eye for both livability and investment opportunity.