Growing Demand for Used Office Furniture Amid Market Shifts and ABW Trends

March 2026 Report on Used Office Furniture Demand

In March 2026, OfficeBusters announced their latest findings on the Used Office Furniture Index. The report highlights a notable increase in used office furniture demand, correlating with the commencement of spring and the traditional peak for office leasing activities. January and February’s caution persisted in the market, with companies showing careful consideration towards relocation and office restructuring.

The office vacancy rate in central Tokyo's five major districts reached 2.22%, a slight increase from the previous month. Meanwhile, the average rent rose by 333 yen. On the employment front, the effective job-to-applicant ratio improved to 1.19, and the unemployment rate dropped to 2.6%. Even while the market is not undergoing a significant transformation, the demand for office furniture continues to be driven primarily by companies adjusting layouts and replacing furniture.

Key Findings of the OfficeBusters Survey

- Increasing Overall Demand: Traditionally, March represents the peak of office demand, and our data confirmed a year-on-year surge in both unit prices and sales volume of used office furniture. Key categories experiencing increased demand include chairs, desks, lockers, and tables, revealing a broad-based recovery rather than concentration in any specific category.
- Focus on Activity-Based Working (ABW): There has been a substantial shift towards designing workspaces that reflect the principles of ABW. Companies are increasingly opting for flexible office layouts that incorporate individual booths and informal meeting spaces rather than solely traditional office furniture. This trend underlines the growing shift towards a more dynamic working environment.

The pressures of material and production costs are also beginning to influence purchasing decisions. As a result, the price advantage and immediate availability of used furniture have become more attractive to businesses, which is expected to deepen as cost management becomes critical for many firms.

Market Trends Comparison for February and March 2026

The month of March presented a mix of trends as vacancy rates ticked slightly upward, while rents continued to rise. This dichotomy indicates the need for close monitoring of supply and demand nuances in the market. Companies remain cautious about investments, prioritizing cost-effective solutions in their office strategies:
1. Reconfiguring Existing Locations: Emphasizing layout adjustments rather than rushing into relocation.
2. Adding Necessary Furniture: Curating additional furniture to accommodate new team structures effectively.
3. Utilizing Used Furniture: Leveraging the benefits of used office furniture, known for cost efficiency and quick availability.

Category Insights and Sales Trends

Below are the performance indicators for our various office furniture categories:

- Chairs: Demand remains robust, with an average selling price increasing by 762 yen from last month and 396 yen from last year. This growth can be attributed to the end-of-year demand for office setups, solidifying chairs as a key focus area.
- Desks: Sales prices rose by 1,336 yen from last month, supported by rising interest in flexible workspaces and ABW-compatible desks. This category is anticipated to maintain its positive trajectory.
- Storage Solutions: Despite the downward trend, desks and lockers to store personal belongings continue to attract interest, reflecting shifts in workplace storage solutions. However, conventional filing cabinets are underperforming due to changing storage needs.
- Tables: Meeting table sales are trending positively due to growing interest in collaborative and shared spaces aligned with ABW principles.

Conclusion and Outlook for April 2026

The findings from March indicate that office furniture demand will remain strong as companies prepare for new operational structures in April. While the frenetic pace of March, driven by fiscal year-end activities may not be replicated, ongoing adjustments in workplace layouts will likely keep the demand for used furniture stable. The need for furniture that supports ABW principles will be sustained, hinting at continued engagement in the used office furniture market.

With the possibility of increased inquiries regarding used furniture setups and modifications, keeping a close eye on market trends will be essential moving forward, especially as businesses adapt to new operational realities.

For further inquiries, please reach out to:
OfficeBusters Marketing Committee
Contact: Muroya
Phone: 03-6262-3155
Office Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM