Survey Reveals Low Awareness of Renovation Services for Used Properties in Japan's Metropolitan Area

Understanding the Market Trends in Used Property Renovation

In recent years, the sharp rise in newly-built housing costs in urban areas, particularly in Japan, has sparked interest in a new housing option: buying used properties and renovating them to personal taste. However, how well-informed are prospective homeowners about this route, especially considering the financial implications of rising housing prices?

In June 2026, a significant study was conducted by `Renoduce`, a company specializing in combined services for purchasing and renovating used properties. They surveyed 2,908 individuals aged 20 to 59 residing in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba who have either purchased or intend to buy real estate for personal use, to explore the awareness and attitudes toward used property renovation.

Survey Results: Key Insights

Interest in Used Properties and Renovation

The survey revealed that only 4.1% of respondents considered purchasing a used property before renovation. This figure starkly contrasts with the 31.1% who considered newly-built apartments, 27.4% for newly-built homes, and 25.0% for fully customized homes. Clearly, the vast majority, about 96%, do not even entertain the idea of buying a used property followed by renovation.

Furthermore, among those who eventually did purchase a home, only 1.6% opted for a used property before renovation, reinforcing the perception that this option is largely overlooked.

Conversion Rates: From Consideration to Purchase

Interestingly, when focusing only on those who considered various options, the conversion from consideration to purchase for used properties stands at 51.6%. This demonstrates that when individuals acknowledge used properties as a viable option, over half end up buying them. Hence, the main concern seems to stem not from rejection, but from a lack of consideration for this alternative.

Reasons for Exclusion

When those who dismissed the idea of purchasing a used property before renovation were asked why they opted out, the most common reasons included:

- Lack of suitable locations, reported by 26.6%
- Prices not aligning with budget expectations (16.5%)
- Perceived value for money concerning property specs and prices (12.7%)

Notably, the reasons listed do not indicate strong aversion to used properties as much as a lack of sufficient information when comparing options.

Service Awareness: The Missing Link

A striking revelation from the survey was that more than 63.2% of respondents were entirely unaware of one-stop services that combine property selection and renovation. This lack of awareness extends to specific individual services, with recognition rates peaking at a mere 11.0%. It's clear that the potential appeal of buying used and renovating isn’t strong enough simply due to the fundamental lack of knowledge about available services.

Desire for Location: An Overlooked Opportunity

Amid shifting home purchasing priorities, the preference for location emerged as paramount, where 58.6% of individuals prioritized area considerations in their housing searches. With favored locations often showcasing limited new building options and rising costs, the strategy of considering used properties coupled with renovation could provide expanded opportunities that align more closely with their desires. In essence, the needs for a specific location and the choice of used properties with renovations sit comfortably side by side.

Conclusion

The survey of nearly 3,000 individuals has unveiled crucial insights into the landscape of property purchasing and renovation trends. Even though only 4.1% of people considered used properties before renovation initially, the potential exists for increased market participation if awareness can be improved. As property costs continue to escalate, understanding the benefits of combining used property purchases with renovation services becomes vital. The finding that a significant fraction of respondents remains uninformed about these options indicates a crucial area of opportunity for companies like `Renoduce`, and prompts a consideration for future homeowners doing their property searches.

For those exploring housing alternatives, it might be wise to look into one-stop services that simplify purchasing and renovating, which could lead to discovering the perfect home in a favorable location without breaking the bank.

About `Renoduce`

`Renoduce` offers comprehensive services combining the purchase and renovation of used properties. By facilitating each step from property selection to renovation under one roof, `Renoduce` eliminates the need for multiple contractors, which can streamline the experience and reduce overall costs.

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