#Japan #Survey Results #Shibuya #Condominiums #Family Time

The Effects of Buying Used Condominiums on Family Life

Recent research conducted by MEMOCO, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, in collaboration with the company Sumanara, aims to explore the impact of purchasing used condominiums on family interactions. The survey analyzed the responses from 120 individuals, comprising 58 men and 62 women, who have experience in buying used condominiums. This piece delves deeper into how purchasing a new home influences family time and communication dynamics.

Survey Overview

The survey ran from January 29, 2025, to November 25, 2025, harnessing internet-based research through a crowdsourcing service. Among the respondents:

• - Gender Distribution: Approximately 48% male and 52% female.
• - Age Distribution: 14% in their 20s, 24% in their 30s, 33% in their 40s, 21% in their 50s, and 8% aged 60 or older.

Change in Time Spent with Family

The core aim of this research was to understand how the transition into a used condominium affected the amount of time families spend together. The study revealed that:

• - Increased Family Time: About 74% of respondents reported an increase in the duration spent with family after moving, with 54% saying it increased somewhat and 20% stating it increased significantly.
• - Decreased Family Time: Conversely, 26% felt they spent less time with family post-move.

Reasons for Increased Time Together

Respondents provided various reasons for the increase in family time:
1. Spacious Living Areas: Many noted that larger and more comfortable living spaces encouraged family gatherings, fostering a welcoming environment that prompted members to spend more time together.
2. Reduced Commute Times: Shorter commuting distances enabled more relaxed and prolonged home life, significantly benefiting dual-income families.
3. Shared Entertainment Spaces: Family members reported enjoying common areas, such as wider living rooms where gatherings become natural, leading to more bonding time and interaction.

Reasons for Decreased Time Together

On the flip side, those who felt their family time had diminished cited:
1. Increased Work Commitments: Several indicated that the pressures of work and financial obligations, such as mortgage repayments, necessitated longer hours away from home, leaving less time for family interactions.
2. Privacy through Individual Spaces: With the move to bigger homes, many family members created personal spaces, leading to individualized experiences that decreased collective time together.
3. Children's Growth: As offspring mature, naturally, the quantity of shared time diminishes as their interests diverge.

Changes in Family Conversations

Following the move, the majority reported a noticeable change in the frequency of family conversations:

• - Increased Conversations: Around 83% indicated that the conversations among family members increased, contributing positively to family dynamics.
• - Decreased Conversations: Only about 17% noted some reduction, with no respondents claiming their discussions diminished outright.

Factors Leading to Increased Conversations

The reasons for the enhancement in conversation volumes included:
1. More Togetherness: The increase in shared time directly correlated to increased dialogue among family members, facilitating more frequent and meaningful conversations.
2. Improved Space Configuration: More inviting shared spaces, such as open kitchens combined with living areas, enabled families to engage while preparing meals or enjoying leisure activities.
3. Psychological Comfort: Many voiced a newfound appreciation for their improved living conditions, which in turn heightened their desire to communicate.

Key Takeaways

1. Importance of Living Space

The most significant insight derived from this study is the enhanced role of living areas in family interactions. A functional and spacious living area increase the likelihood of family gatherings, thereby nurturing stronger bonds.

2. Commute Time's Role

The study also highlights the critical nature of selecting a condo location, where shorter commuting vectors allow for increased quality time at home.

3. Balance Between Personal and Shared Spaces

While privacy is essential as children grow, maintaining balance with communal areas conducive to family interaction is equally crucial. Careful consideration in this aspect can serve to bolster family ties over time.

In summary, the reflections from this survey posit a definitive link between living spaces and family dynamics. Families transitioning into used condominiums often experience marked improvements in time spent together and communication levels, confirming the notion that home environments significantly shape family life.