#Japan #Shibuya #USED_CONDOS #Survey_Results

Understanding the Financial Struggles of Used Condo Buyers in Japan

In a recent study conducted by MEMOCO, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, and their partner Sumunara, a survey explored the relationship between securing funds for purchasing used condos and the current economic climate in Japan. Targeting 126 individuals with experience in buying used condos, the study aimed to uncover the financial challenges faced during these transactions.

Survey Details

The survey titled "Market and Economic Survey" spanned from January 29 to December 12, 2025, and was conducted online through a crowdsourcing service. Among the respondents, 72 were male and 54 were female, with a diverse age range.

Respondent Demographics

• - Age Distribution:

- 20s: 13%
- 30s: 24%
- 40s: 32%
- 50s: 27%
- 60s and older: 4%

The analysis revealed that approximately 64% of respondents found it difficult to secure funds for their condo purchases, with notable insights from their comments.

Financial Challenges Identified

When asked about the difficulties in securing funds, a large majority (about 64%) responded affirmatively, indicating that they faced challenges. The details were telling:

• - 44% said it was "somewhat difficult," while 20% marked it as "difficult."
• - Conversely, only 25% felt it was "somewhat easy," and a mere 11% found it "easy."

Many respondents attributed their struggles to the rising cost of living and stagnant wages. Here are some testimonials from those who faced difficulties:

• - "Prices are rising while wages stay the same." (Female, 40s)
• - "Living costs are high and taxes burden us too much." (Male, 30s)
• - "The economy is stagnant, and incomes aren't increasing." (Male, 50s)

These comments reflect a widespread sentiment concerning the economic pressures impacting personal finances.

Insights from Those Who Found It Easy

On the other hand, approximately 35% of respondents indicated that securing funds was easier than expected. Many cited proactive financial planning as a key factor:

• - "I had been saving consistently." (Male, 30s)
• - "I received parental support to help with costs." (Female, 20s)

Those who found the process manageable often had strong financial foundations, whether it was through personal savings or advantageous loan arrangements. This suggests that careful financial preparation can significantly ease the burden of purchasing.

Economic Context

To delve deeper into the issue, respondents who reported difficulties were asked whether they believed these challenges were tied to Japan's economic conditions. Approximately 73% affirmed that they indeed felt a connection, highlighting a notable consensus on the role of the economy in personal finance struggles.

Breaking Down Perspectives

Among those who felt a correlation:

• - Economic stagnation was frequently mentioned, with individuals expressing frustration over stagnant earnings amidst rising living expenses.

Conversely, some individuals felt the challenges were more personal. For example:

• - "My inability to save was due to my own spending habits." (Male, 40s)
• - "I believe my company’s situation affected my finances more than the broader economy." (Male, 20s)

This split indicates that while many recognize a broader economic context, others attribute their financial challenges to personal circumstances.

Conclusion

The survey highlights a pressing concern within the real estate market, showing that a significant percentage of used condo buyers find it challenging to secure funds, largely due to economic pressures. The results indicate that while some individuals manage to navigate the purchasing process using proactive financial strategies, many are hindered by external economic factors like inflation and wage stagnation.

For prospective buyers, this survey underscores the importance of early planning and maintaining an awareness of market trends. Understanding how economic factors shape personal finance could be crucial in making informed decisions in the real estate market.