24% of Custom Homes Triggered by 'Child's Growth/Schooling'. Top Expectation is 'A Home for Long-term Comfort'.
NEXER and Ichikawa Kenchikuten conducted a survey on 121 individuals with custom home building experience. 'Child's growth/schooling' was the top trigger at 24.0%, and over 51% chose custom homes for the freedom of layout design.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 18, 2026 at 15:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 18, 2026 at 15:41 (9 min after Collected)
■ Survey of 121 People: "Triggers and Reasons for Choosing Custom Homes"
A house is often called the biggest purchase in life. Among various options, custom-built homes are chosen by many as they allow families to reflect their lifestyle and ideals into a unique residence.
When do people actually decide to build a custom home? What expectations and anxieties lie behind this choice? NEXER, in collaboration with Ichikawa Kenchikuten (Sanjo City, Niigata), conducted a survey among 121 men and women nationwide who have built custom homes.
### Survey Overview
- Period: May 7 - May 14, 2026
- Respondents: 121 nationwide individuals with custom home building experience
### 24.0% Triggered by 'Child's Growth/Schooling'
The most common trigger was "Child's growth/schooling (room needed)" at 24.0%. This was followed by "Birth of a child" (16.5%) and "Marriage/New life with a partner" (11.6%). Changes in family structure and life stages are major factors.
Voices from respondents:
- "Wanted to start a new life after marriage." (20s, Female)
- "Planned to have more children; a condo was too small." (30s, Female)
- "Concerned about the elementary school district." (30s, Male)
- "Remote work." (40s, Male)
- "Wanted to leave assets for my child." (40s, Male)
These comments highlight concerns like needing more rooms, school districts, and future asset value. Remote work also appeared as a factor, showing how the role of housing is expanding.
### 51.2% Chose Custom Homes for 'Freedom of Layout and Interior'
When asked why they chose custom homes over pre-built houses or condos, 51.2% cited "Freedom to design the layout and interior." Other reasons included "Matching family lifestyle" and "Building a long-lasting home" (both 32.2%).
The survey concludes that the ability to think freely about layouts to match their specific lives is the most significant charm and deciding factor for custom-built homes.
A house is often called the biggest purchase in life. Among various options, custom-built homes are chosen by many as they allow families to reflect their lifestyle and ideals into a unique residence.
When do people actually decide to build a custom home? What expectations and anxieties lie behind this choice? NEXER, in collaboration with Ichikawa Kenchikuten (Sanjo City, Niigata), conducted a survey among 121 men and women nationwide who have built custom homes.
### Survey Overview
- Period: May 7 - May 14, 2026
- Respondents: 121 nationwide individuals with custom home building experience
### 24.0% Triggered by 'Child's Growth/Schooling'
The most common trigger was "Child's growth/schooling (room needed)" at 24.0%. This was followed by "Birth of a child" (16.5%) and "Marriage/New life with a partner" (11.6%). Changes in family structure and life stages are major factors.
Voices from respondents:
- "Wanted to start a new life after marriage." (20s, Female)
- "Planned to have more children; a condo was too small." (30s, Female)
- "Concerned about the elementary school district." (30s, Male)
- "Remote work." (40s, Male)
- "Wanted to leave assets for my child." (40s, Male)
These comments highlight concerns like needing more rooms, school districts, and future asset value. Remote work also appeared as a factor, showing how the role of housing is expanding.
### 51.2% Chose Custom Homes for 'Freedom of Layout and Interior'
When asked why they chose custom homes over pre-built houses or condos, 51.2% cited "Freedom to design the layout and interior." Other reasons included "Matching family lifestyle" and "Building a long-lasting home" (both 32.2%).
The survey concludes that the ability to think freely about layouts to match their specific lives is the most significant charm and deciding factor for custom-built homes.
FAQ
What are the main attributes of people building custom homes?
The core group consists of people in their 20s to 40s from the parenting generation, often facing life events like childbirth or school entry.
Why is a custom home chosen over a condominium?
Strong desire to avoid space limitations of condos and freely design a layout that best fits their specific needs.
Where does Ichikawa Kenchikuten operate?
They provide custom home and renovation services primarily in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture.