Survey of Prospective Homebuyers: 'Location' and 'Price' Non-Negotiable; Over 40% Curious About 'Estimated Renovation Costs' for Used Homes

■ Triggers for Buying a Home and Key Priorities

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments in life.

There isn't just one factor to consider, with price, location, and facilities all playing a role.

With the choice between new and used homes, what motivates those considering a purchase to take action, and what criteria do they prioritize when selecting a property?

Furthermore, how well do they understand the concept of used homes?

To explore these questions, we conducted a joint survey with Sumakana on 'home buying options,' targeting 50 men and women nationwide who indicated in a preliminary screening that they are 'considering purchasing a home.'

* When quoting this press release, please adhere to the following:

- State that the source is a 'Survey by NEXER Inc. and Sumakana'.

- Provide a link to Sumakana (https://www.sumakana.net/).

Overview of the 'Survey on Home Buying Options'

Survey method: Internet questionnaire

Survey period: April 3 to April 10, 2026

Target audience: Men and women nationwide who answered 'considering purchasing a home' in a preliminary survey

Valid responses: 50 samples

Questions asked:

Question 1: What triggered you to start considering buying a home?

Question 2: Please tell us the reason.

Question 3: What is the most important point you prioritize when buying a home?

Question 4: Please tell us the reason.

Question 5: Do you understand the benefits of used homes?

Question 6: What benefits of used homes are you aware of? (Multiple answers allowed)

Question 7: What kind of information or support would make you feel secure in considering a used home? (Multiple answers allowed)

* As a general rule, percentages are rounded to the nearest tenth, so totals may not exactly equal 100%.

■ 38.0% State the Trigger for Buying a Home is 'Thinking About Peace of Mind in Old Age'

First, we asked what triggered respondents to start considering buying a home.

The most common response was 'thinking about peace of mind in old age' at 38.0%.

This was followed by 'current home is too small/inconvenient' at 14.0% and 'marriage/childbirth' at 12.0%.

While forward-looking motives rank high across all generations, there is also a steady number of motives related to life events.

We also asked for specific reasons; here is a selection:

Those who answered 'Thinking about peace of mind in old age':

- Thinking about when I become an elderly person. (Male in his 30s)

- Because I would be in trouble in my old age. (Male in his 40s)

- My current residence is good for commuting, but the cost of living is high and I am anxious about living there in old age. (Female in her 50s)

Those who answered 'Current home is too small/inconvenient':

- Because I can't make two children's rooms. (Female in her 30s)

- I wanted more space. (Female in her 30s)

- Because there are few rental properties that allow pets, and the rent is high. (Female in her 50s)

Those who answered 'Marriage/childbirth':

- Because I want to live in a detached house eventually after getting married. (Female in her 30s)

- Because the family is growing. (Male in his 40s)

- At the timing of the family growing. (Male in his 50s)

Family changes such as marriage and children growing up act as triggers, while motives looking ahead to old age and the future are prominent among the middle-aged and older demographics.

Moreover, voices expressing anxiety about the future, such as 'I would be in trouble in my old age' and 'the cost of living is high and I am anxious about living there in old age,' are seen regardless of generation. Perhaps the common feeling across all motives is an anxiety that 'things cannot stay as they are.'

■ 32.0% Say the Most Important Priority in Home Buying is 'Location'

Next, we asked about the most important point to prioritize when buying a home.

The most common answer was 'location' at 32.0%.

This was followed by 'price' at 22.0% and 'facilities' at 12.0%.

More than half of the respondents chose either 'location' or 'price' as their top priority, showing that these two are the core axes of home selection.

We also asked for the respective reasons; here is a selection:

Those who answered 'Location':

- Want to be near a station. (Male in his 20s)

- Because no matter how good the house is, convenience and livability change greatly depending on the location. (Female in her 30s)

- Because a comfortable living environment is important. (Female in her 40s)

Those who answered 'Price':

- Because I can only buy a house I think is good within my budget. (Female in her 30s)

- I can't buy it depending on the amount. (Male in his 40s)

- Because I want to buy a good property as cheaply as possible. (Male in his 50s)

Those who answered 'Facilities':

- Latest facilities. (Male in his 30s)

- Because earthquake resistance is important. (Male in his 40s)

- Solid facilities are appealing. (Female in her 50s)

For those who chose 'location,' reasons emphasizing access to stations and ease of living are prominent.

For those who chose 'price,' it is evident that they are acutely aware of budget constraints.