Awareness Survey on Mortgages by Mogecheck: SNS usage for Info Collection Exceeds 50% Across Generations; 70% Expect Floating Rates to Rise Above 2%
MFS Inc. conducted a survey of 1,000 mortgage seekers and users. SNS has become the top information source for 51% of recent borrowers, and nearly 70% anticipate floating rates rising to 2% or more, indicating a shift in financial planning behavior.
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- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 00:30
MFS Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Akimichi Nakayamada), operator of the mortgage comparison and diagnostic service 'Mogecheck,' conducted a web-based survey of 1,000 mortgage seekers and users. The results are as follows.
### 1. Information Sources for Deciding on a Mortgage
For those who borrowed a mortgage within the past year, SNS was the top information source at 51%, rising from 48% in the previous survey (September 2025). Comparison services (45%) and AI (26%) also maintained high levels. Conversely, reliance on banks dropped to 34% (down from 44% among older borrowers), and family/acquaintances plummeted to 16% from 35%. This suggests that as the era of interest rates returns, there are fewer experienced people around to offer relevant advice.
### 2. Information Sources by Age Group (Recent Borrowers)
SNS usage is consistent across generations, at 58% for those aged 25-29 and 56% for those 50-54. A significant generational gap exists for banks: only 15% of those 25-29 use them as a source, compared to 56% of those 50-54. Younger generations are clearly favoring online information. AI (ChatGPT, etc.) usage peaked at 32% among the 40-44 age group, showing adoption among core home-buying demographics.
### 3. Forecast for the Upper Limit of Floating Rates
Among recent borrowers, the most common expectation for floating rates is '2-3%' (31%). A total of 68% expect rates to rise to '2% or more.' This indicates that many are borrowing with the expectation that rates could reach 3% following BoJ policy shifts.
### 4. Interest Rate Levels as Triggers for Early Repayment
For recent borrowers, '3%' was the most cited trigger for early repayment (36%). A total of 67% would consider early repayment if rates hit 2-3%. Among those who have never borrowed, there is a wider variance in expectations and repayment criteria.
### About Mogecheck
Mogecheck is a free online service that proposes optimal mortgages. Since August 2015, it has helped over 500,000 users by providing rankings based on interest rates or insurance coverage and personalized 'Mortgage Diagnostics' based on user profiles.
### About MFS Inc.
- CEO: Akimichi Nakayamada
- Location: FINOLAB, 2nd Floor, Otemachi Building, 1-6-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Capital: 63,110 thousand yen (as of December 31, 2025)
- Business: Operation of 'Mogecheck' and real estate investment service 'INVASE.'
### 1. Information Sources for Deciding on a Mortgage
For those who borrowed a mortgage within the past year, SNS was the top information source at 51%, rising from 48% in the previous survey (September 2025). Comparison services (45%) and AI (26%) also maintained high levels. Conversely, reliance on banks dropped to 34% (down from 44% among older borrowers), and family/acquaintances plummeted to 16% from 35%. This suggests that as the era of interest rates returns, there are fewer experienced people around to offer relevant advice.
### 2. Information Sources by Age Group (Recent Borrowers)
SNS usage is consistent across generations, at 58% for those aged 25-29 and 56% for those 50-54. A significant generational gap exists for banks: only 15% of those 25-29 use them as a source, compared to 56% of those 50-54. Younger generations are clearly favoring online information. AI (ChatGPT, etc.) usage peaked at 32% among the 40-44 age group, showing adoption among core home-buying demographics.
### 3. Forecast for the Upper Limit of Floating Rates
Among recent borrowers, the most common expectation for floating rates is '2-3%' (31%). A total of 68% expect rates to rise to '2% or more.' This indicates that many are borrowing with the expectation that rates could reach 3% following BoJ policy shifts.
### 4. Interest Rate Levels as Triggers for Early Repayment
For recent borrowers, '3%' was the most cited trigger for early repayment (36%). A total of 67% would consider early repayment if rates hit 2-3%. Among those who have never borrowed, there is a wider variance in expectations and repayment criteria.
### About Mogecheck
Mogecheck is a free online service that proposes optimal mortgages. Since August 2015, it has helped over 500,000 users by providing rankings based on interest rates or insurance coverage and personalized 'Mortgage Diagnostics' based on user profiles.
### About MFS Inc.
- CEO: Akimichi Nakayamada
- Location: FINOLAB, 2nd Floor, Otemachi Building, 1-6-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Capital: 63,110 thousand yen (as of December 31, 2025)
- Business: Operation of 'Mogecheck' and real estate investment service 'INVASE.'
FAQ
Why has SNS become the top source for mortgage information in Japan?
Especially among younger generations, SNS is perceived as more accessible and relatable than traditional bank counters. 58% of people aged 25-29 rely on it for real-world experiences and peer advice.
How is AI like ChatGPT being used in the mortgage selection process?
About 26% of recent borrowers use AI for interest rate simulations and as a consultant to understand complex loan terms. Usage is highest among the 40-44 age group at 32%.
What are the predicted actions if floating interest rates rise?
Nearly 70% expect rates to rise above 2%. The most common 'trigger' for early repayment is 3%, with 36% of respondents planning to pay down debt at that level.