Dual-Base Living Survey: 'Refreshing in Nature' Ranked as #1 Trigger for Interest. What are the Ideal Conditions and Areas for a Second Base?

■ Survey on Interest in Dual-Base Living and Ideal Lifestyles

Against the backdrop of the spread of remote work and the diversification of working styles, the 'dual-base living' lifestyle is attracting attention. This style, where one has a second base of life in addition to their main residence and travels between the two locations, has become an attractive option for people who want to refresh in nature or enjoy both urban and regional advantages.

So, how many people are actually interested in dual-base living, and what kind of lifestyle do they idealize? NEXER Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Kotobuki Homes Co., Ltd., conducted a survey of 500 men and women nationwide regarding their 'interest in dual-base living and ideal lifestyles.'

■ 65.8% Responded They 'Know Dual-Base Living'
First, we asked to what extent they knew the term or concept of 'dual-base living.' The results were: 'Know in detail' (6.4%), 'Know somewhat' (34.0%), and 'Have heard the term' (25.4%). Combining these, 65.8% of the total have some recognition of dual-base living. On the other hand, 34.2% responded they 'don't know it at all.'

When asked if they were interested in dual-base living, 2.6% were 'very interested' and 16.6% were 'somewhat interested,' totaling about 20% interest. Conversely, 23.0% were 'not very interested' and 57.8% were 'not interested at all,' indicating that about 80% do not have an interest at this point. However, the figure of about 20% being interested is significant, and it will be interesting to see how this percentage fluctuates as remote work spreads further.

■ 61.5% Responded 'Wanting to Refresh in Nature/Feel the Extraordinary'
Next, we asked those interested in dual-base living about their reasons or triggers. The most common response was 'Wanting to refresh in nature/feel the extraordinary' at 61.5%, an overwhelming proportion. This was followed by 'Wanting a base for hobbies' (25.0%) and 'Wanting to enjoy both urban and regional advantages' (24.0%).

Specific reasons included:
- 'Visiting a friend in rural Yamaguchi reminded me of the greatness of nature.' (30s, Male)
- 'Seeing people on SNS going between nature and the city makes me think it's nice to enjoy both.' (30s, Female)
- 'Living away from my hometown makes me miss it. I long for rural life.' (30s, Female)
- 'Wanted time to spend freely away from home and family.' (40s, Female)
- 'Wanted to experience both urban convenience and rural ease.' (40s, Male)

The common sentiment is a desire to incorporate a new environment not found in current daily life.

■ 24.0% Prioritize 'Maintenance Costs, Ease of Management, and Cost-Performance'
Regarding what they seek most in a second home, 'Maintenance costs, ease of management, and cost-performance' was the top choice at 24.0%. This was followed by 'Natural materials/wood warmth, body-friendly materials' (20.8%) and 'Spaces for hobbies/outdoors' (18.8%).

Reasons for prioritizing cost-performance included:
- 'It's a hobby area, not essential, so I don't want to spend too much.' (20s, Male)
- 'Costs are important; you can't execute it without funds.' (30s, Female)
- 'Realistically impossible unless the cost is low.' (40s, Male)

Reasons for prioritizing natural materials included:
- 'I like relaxing spaces like sunbathing.' (30s, Female)
- 'Want to do a digital detox in nature.' (40s, Female)
- 'Houses in nature are calming.' (40s, Female)

Reasons for prioritizing hobby spaces included:
- 'Want a house centered on my hobby room.' (40s, Male)
- 'Want to immerse myself in my own world.' (40s, Female)
- 'Difficult to immerse in hobbies in busy urban life, so I wanted to secure time for it through dual-base living.' (40s, Male)

■ 40.6% Responded 'Nature-Rich Locations Like Mountains, Plateaus, and Forests' are Ideal
When asked about ideal areas, 'Mountains, plateaus, and forests' was the most popular at 40.6%. This was followed by 'Waterfronts like seas, lakes, and rivers' (30.2%), 'Hot spring/resort areas' (28.1%), and 'Rural/farming village areas' (26.0%). There is a high interest in places with rich natural environments for refreshing.

■ 41.7% Responded 'Urban Convenience (Current) x Nature/Tranquility (2nd Base)'
Regarding the contrast between their current home and the second base, 'Urban convenience (current) x Nature/Tranquility (2nd base)' was the top choice at 41.7%. This was followed by 'No particular preference, seeking the same comfort at both' (18.8%) and 'Convenience-focused (current) x Specialized space/hobby house (2nd base)' (15.6%).

Reasons for 'Urban convenience x Nature' included:
- 'Looks like a great way to refresh by changing the environment.' (30s, Female)
- 'Can balance the good points of city and countryside.' (30s, Male)
- 'Can utilize advantages of both urban convenience and rural tranquility.' (40s, Male)

Reasons for 'Same comfort at both' included:
- 'So I can live in either one comfortably.' (30s, Male)
- 'As long as it's comfortable, it's fine.' (40s, Male)
- 'Seek a livable environment at both bases.' (50s, Male)

Reasons for 'Convenience x Hobby house' included:
- 'Want a house packed with my hobbies.' (30s, Female)
- 'Want to spend time calmly away from daily life.' (40s, Female)
- 'Can immerse in my own world.' (40s, Male)

■ Summary
This survey revealed that about 20% of people have an interest in dual-base living, primarily seeking refreshment in nature. While cost-performance is a major realistic concern, there is a strong desire for 'comfortable spaces away from daily life' and 'houses that can be used as hobby bases.' This suggests that dual-base living is being recognized not just as a temporary stay but as a lifestyle to enjoy both convenience and emotional fulfillment.