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An Insightful Overview of the Used Office Furniture Market for January 2026

As businesses adapt to changing work environments, understanding the dynamics of the used office furniture market becomes key. OfficeBusters has compiled the January 2026 index focusing on the latest trends influencing this sector.

Market Index Findings

The report reveals that the vacancy rate in five major districts of central Tokyo stands at 2.15%, down by 0.07 percentage points from the previous month. Additionally, rental prices have seen an increase of 2,391 yen. This continued decline in vacancy rates suggests a tightening supply and demand for office spaces. The effective job opening-to-application ratio is at 1.19, reflecting a 0.1 point increase, while the unemployment rate remains stable at 2.6%. Overall, the employment environment appears to be stable, which supports continued investment in office improvements.

Analyzing Trends for Various Product Categories

Chairs

• - Upward Trend: The average selling price for office chairs has increased by 928 yen from last month and by 1,817 yen compared to last year.
• - Color Variations: While traditional colors like blue and black remain popular, there is now a rising interest in vibrant hues like orange and beige.

Desks

• - Downward Trend: The selling price for desks has decreased by 786 yen since the previous month and by 458 yen compared to last year.
• - Increased Demand for Flexibility: The need for free-address desks continues to rise, with more companies leaning towards implementing these types of workstations.

Storage Solutions

• - Mixed Trends in Bookcases: Bookcase prices dropped by 143 yen compared to last month but increased by 309 yen year-on-year. Inventory remains high, with open shelving gaining popularity among consumers.

Lockers

• - Popularity Surge: The selling price of lockers rose by 625 yen since last month and by 1,243 yen from the previous year, indicating a growing popularity for both personal and changing room lockers.

Tables

• - Increased Demand: Prices for tables went up by 1,177 yen last month, although they decreased by 678 yen from the previous year. Notably, larger tables, particularly those over 3,000mm in width, are in high demand due to new office setups.

Market Dynamics and Future Outlook

As we look ahead into 2026, the declining vacancy rates seem to shift the focus away from large relocations towards optimizing existing office spaces through investments in furniture replacements and layout rearrangements. There is an observable trend of businesses enhancing their office environments as part of a strategy to bolster hiring efforts. This gradual improvement indicates a strong interest in comprehensive solutions that include office design, furnishings, and overall workspace management, reflecting companies' investment dispositions and office strategies.

Conclusion

In summary, January 2026 saw a stabilizing market following the typical post-holiday demand dip, although inquiries and project sizes have shown an uptick as businesses prepare for the demand surge expected in March. The persistent low vacancy rates highlight a strong need for refurbishment and upgrading of existing office spaces, along with an emphasis on creating conducive environments for recruitment.

This index and the trends reflected within provide valuable insights for businesses operating in or entering the used office furniture market, shaping future strategies and investments.

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