On November 13th, AtHome, a leading property portal in Japan, released the results of an internet-based survey conducted among 359 buyers of brand new and existing condominiums in Japan.
Wix AI generated image using the prompt "Data collection on condo buyers in Japan" with a sketch filter. All rights reserved.
The survey, which targeted buyers between July 29th to August 1st of this year, aimed to uncover the factors condo buyers prioritized most and the areas where they were willing to compromise.
Of the total 359 respondents, 189 reportedly bought a brand-new condo while the remaining 170 purchased an existing condo.
Top Priorities: Light, Security, and Transit Access
When asked about essential features, respondents highlighted specific factors they valued most in a condo:
Property Conditions: "Good sunlight and ventilation" topped the list, with 54.6% of buyers prioritizing these aspects.
Facilities: Secure “auto-lock” systems were a must-have for 47.6% of buyers, underscoring a strong preference for security.
Surrounding Environment: Convenient access to the nearest station and transit lines was critical, with 54.6% of respondents choosing this as a top priority.
The survey results also revealed a focus on security-related amenities, with features like "parcel delivery boxes" and "video intercoms" ranking high on buyers' lists.
Compromises: Storage and Proximity to Hometown
While certain features were deemed essential, other areas saw more flexibility:
Property Conditions: Only 24.2% of respondents prioritized "spacious storage."
Facilities: A “walk-in closet” was a compromise for 18.9% of buyers, suggesting that storage space took a back seat to other amenities.
Extended Family: Proximity to hometowns was one of the most sacrificed factors, with only 17.0% choosing this as a priority.
Pros and Cons: Insights from Japan Condo Buyers
The survey also collected insights into the perceived benefits and drawbacks of respondents' eventual purchased properties:
Benefits: Brand new condo owners reported enjoying modern amenities like garbage-disposals, floor heating, and common-area lounges, which they say contribute to a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
High-floor units were noted for enhancing safety, with one buyer mentioning “an added sense of security.”
Drawbacks: Some brand-new condo buyers expressed dissatisfaction with high parking fees and inconveniently located parking spaces.
Buyers of existing condos, meanwhile, noted limitations on renovation options, with certain areas of the unit unable to be modified.
Sources:
AtHome Press Release (Japanese only)
R.E. Port News (Japanese Only)
