From Inheriting Parents' Belongings to Personal End-of-Life Planning: Art Sales Driven by Estate Sorting in 50s, Pre-Estate Organization in 60s+

Baku, a specialized art buyer (Headquarters: Ota-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Daisyo Kobayashi), conducted a survey targeting individuals with experience in art appraisal and purchase, focusing on the 'reasons for selling art.'

In recent years, terms such as 'end-of-life activities' (ending life preparations) and 'pre-estate organization' have become widespread, leading to increasingly diverse reasons for parting with art pieces.

This time, by analyzing the reasons for selling by age group, it was found that among those in their 50s, 'estate sorting' is most common, while for those aged 60 and above, 'pre-estate organization' is the leading reason.

From organizing artworks inherited from parents to asset management in anticipation of one’s own future, the background behind selling art reveals distinct generational characteristics.

Survey Overview: 'Reasons for Selling Art' Survey

[Survey Period] January 30, 2025 – May 23, 2026

[Survey Method] In-house questionnaire

[Number of Respondents] 279 people

[Target Group] Individuals with experience in art appraisal

[Age 40 and Under] Disposal of Unneeded Items and Moving as Main Triggers for Sales

When asked, 'What prompted you to consider selling your artwork?', the most common response among those aged 40 and under was 'no longer needed (35.1%)'.

Additionally, reasons such as:

Moving

As part of cleaning

were also frequently cited, indicating that sales are primarily driven by changes in living circumstances.

For those aged 40 and under, selling art appears less about asset management and more about 'reorganizing living space'.

[Age 50s] Increase in Organizing Artworks Inherited from Parents

Among those in their 50s, a notable number reported selling art as part of 'estate sorting (28.8%)'.

Possible background factors include:

Inheritance from parents

Clearing out the family home

Lack of storage space

Many individuals who inherit artworks find themselves unsure of their value or unable to manage them, leading them to consult professional services.

The 50s can thus be seen as the age when people begin organizing art pieces passed down from family, rather than their own possessions.

[Age 60 and Above] Increase in Sales for Pre-Estate Organization

Among those aged 60 and above, sales motivated by 'pre-estate organization (28.6%)' increased.

With retirement or lifestyle changes, more people are expressing desires such as:

Not wanting to burden their children

Avoiding disputes during inheritance

Organizing belongings while still healthy

This suggests a growing awareness of end-of-life preparation.

Recently, interest in end-of-life activities has risen, and art pieces are increasingly recognized as 'assets to be organized while still active'.

[Different Reasons by Age, Common Expectation of Expertise]

Next, the survey examined 'key factors in selecting a buyer'.

The results showed that across all age groups—40 and under (38.0%), 50s (41.1%), and 60+ (44.5%)—the most common reason was 'because they are a specialized professional'.

While reasons for selling varied by generation, when choosing a buyer, most respondents prioritized 'expertise in accurately evaluating artworks'.

Even though the reasons for selling—such as estate sorting or pre-estate organization—differ, many people seek trust in professional knowledge and appraisal ability when parting with valuable artworks.

[Summary] 50s Focus on Estate Sorting, 60s+ on Pre-Estate Organization

This survey revealed that for those aged 40 and under, 'no longer needed' is the top reason; for those in their 50s, 'estate sorting'; and for those aged 60 and above, 'pre-estate organization'. This highlights significant generational differences in the background of art sales.

In particular, among those in their 50s, organizing artworks inherited from parents is increasing, while for those aged 60 and above, organizing in anticipation of their own end-of-life is growing. Art sales are no longer merely about disposing of unwanted items but are increasingly seen as part of asset management at life milestones.

Going forward, as interest in inheritance and end-of-life preparation continues to grow, the demand for art sales is expected to become even more diverse.

Consult Baku, the Specialized Art Buyer

If you are considering selling your art, why not start with a free appraisal to confirm its current value?

Offering the Right Value at the Right Price

Do you have any of the following concerns about your artwork?

· Wanting to part with art due to moving

· Considering pre-estate organization to avoid burdening children

· Finding it troublesome to list on flea market apps or online auctions

· Inheriting art from parents but lacking storage space

· Unsure of the artwork’s value but hesitant to discard it

· Previously told it has no value at a recycling shop

· Had a negative experience with a similar service in the past

'I hesitate to just throw it away and want someone who can properly assess its value to buy it!'

We promise to resolve such concerns more carefully and swiftly than anyone else.

[Our Four Promises to Customers]

① Shortest Same-Day Visit – Rapid service available!

We provide on-site buying services nationwide.

We have stores in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, enabling particularly fast visits to the Kanto and Kansai regions.

If you contact us in the morning, we can visit, appraise, and complete the sale on the same day.

② Free Appraisal and Visits – Completely free on-site appraisal!

Even if you're far away and unsure what to do, please feel free to consult us.

Through phone, email, or LINE, we conduct careful interviews. If you provide artwork details or images, we can offer a preliminary price estimate.

If this preliminary offer aligns with your expectations, we will visit to inspect the actual item.

Since we cannot provide an accurate price without seeing the actual item, if the final offer doesn't meet your expectations, you may choose not to sell and keep the item.

③ Fair Pricing – Offering market-appropriate prices at the time

We always aim to offer the highest possible purchase price based on current market conditions at the time of appraisal.

Art market prices fluctuate daily.

Based on the market at the time of inquiry, we provide customers with appropriate and fair purchase prices.

We understand that organizing valuable artworks takes time, and we do not want customers to feel pressured into decisions by follow-up calls. Therefore, we refrain from contacting customers after providing a price offer.

There is absolutely no obligation to sell just because you invited us for an appraisal.

④ Cooling-Off Period Available – We comply with the 'Cooling-Off System'!

We comply with the 'Cooling-Off System'.

If you sell through our on-site visit, you may return the item within 8 days.

Of course, we fully commit to listening to your needs and ensuring your satisfaction before finalizing any transaction. However, after parting with the item, you might think, 'I wish I hadn't sold it after all.'

In such cases, please let us know—we will return the artwork within the cooling-off period, so please feel free to contact us with confidence.

*Note: The cooling-off system does not apply to purchases from other businesses, in-store purchases at our shop, mail-in purchases, or purchases after submitting an estimate. Details will be explained at the time of sale.

[Art, Antiques, and Paintings We Buy at Baku]

Paintings

Japanese paintings / Oil paintings / Ukiyo-e / Prints and woodblock prints / Mandalas, etc.

Contemporary Art

Paintings / 3D works, etc.

Hanging Scrolls

Buddhist painting scrolls / Calligraphy and paintings / Flower-and-bird painting scrolls