Inherited Real Estate: Top Obstacle to Selling is 'Name Change Procedures such as Inheritance Registration'; About 40% Most Frequently Consult Real Estate Companies

Many People Hesitate When Deciding What to Do with Inherited Real Estate

Inheriting property from parents or relatives.

When you inherit a familiar family home or unused land, you must decide whether to live in it, sell it, or continue holding it. However, in reality, there are many considerations, such as procedures, costs, and discussions with family members.

So, what do people who have inherited real estate or may inherit it in the future want to do with the property?

Therefore, in collaboration with Rinkeiji Co., we conducted a survey on "selling inherited real estate" targeting 140 men and women nationwide who, in a preliminary survey, answered that they either have experience inheriting real estate or may inherit it in the future.

※When quoting the content of this press release, please comply with the following:

・Indicate the source as "Survey by NEXER Inc. and Rinkeiji Co."

・Include a link to Rinkeiji Co., Ltd. (https://www.rinkeiji.co.jp)

Survey Overview: "Questionnaire on Selling Inherited Real Estate"

Survey Method: Online questionnaire

Survey Period: June 1, 2026 – June 8, 2026

Respondents: Men and women nationwide who answered in a preliminary survey that they either have experience inheriting real estate or may inherit it in the future

Valid Responses: 140 samples

Survey Questions:

Question 1: If you have inherited (or will inherit) real estate, what would you like to do with it?

Question 2: If you feel "I don't know what to do" or "I'm hesitant about selling," please explain the main reasons.

Question 3: What difficulties or obstacles have you encountered (or do you anticipate) when proceeding with the sale of inherited (or to-be-inherited) real estate? (Multiple answers allowed)

Question 4: Who would you like to consult (or have you consulted) regarding the sale of inherited (or to-be-inherited) real estate? (Multiple answers allowed)

Question 5: If there were a service that could comprehensively support you from inheritance procedures to completion of real estate sale through a single window, would you want to use it?

Question 6: Please tell us what you expect or require from such a support service.

※Percentages are rounded to the second decimal place, so totals may not sum to 100%.

41.4% Responded They Want to "Live in the Property Themselves or with Family"

First, we asked what people would like to do with real estate they have inherited (or will inherit).

The most common response was "live in it myself or with family" at 41.4%.

Next was "sell it" at 32.9%, followed by "want to sell but hesitant" at 9.3%.

Other responses included "keep holding it as is" at 6.4%, "don't know what to do" at 5.0%, "lease it out for use" at 4.3%, and "other" at 0.7%.

While "living in it" and "selling" ranked highest, 14.3% combined responded they "want to sell but are hesitant" or "don't know what to do."

Therefore, we also asked those who feel "don't know what to do" or "hesitant about selling" about their main reasons; some responses are introduced below.

Main reasons for feeling "don't know what to do" or "hesitant about selling":

・It doesn't seem like land that can be sold, and there might be no demand. (Female, 30s)

・I don't understand the procedures well. (Male, 40s)

・I'm undecided between selling or living in it. (Male, 50s)

・My children might use it in the future. (Female, 50s)

・I want to sell because of fixed asset taxes, but it's hard to sell. (Male, 60s)

・There are memories, and items with sentimental value. (Male, 60s)

From these responses, it's clear that reasons for hesitating in deciding about inherited real estate are not singular.

Uncertainty about whether it can be sold, difficulty with procedures, financial burdens such as fixed asset taxes, and the possibility of family members using it in the future or emotional attachments all make decision-making difficult.

42.1% Cited "Name Change Procedures Such as Inheritance Registration" as a Selling Obstacle

Next, we asked about difficulties or obstacles encountered (or anticipated) when proceeding with the sale of inherited (or to-be-inherited) real estate.

The most common response was "name change procedures such as inheritance registration" at 42.1%.

Inheritance registration refers to the procedure of changing real estate registered under the deceased person's name to the inheritor's name.

Next were "burden of taxes and miscellaneous fees" at 33.6%, "building deterioration or need for repairs" at 30.7%, "adjusting opinions among siblings and relatives" at 27.1%, and "not knowing market prices or fair value" at 26.4%.

The top responses included diverse obstacles involving procedures, costs, building conditions, and family coordination.

Selling real estate does not end with finding a buyer.

There are many steps to take, such as name changes, tax verification, assessing building conditions, and reaching family consensus.

Therefore, even if people want to sell inherited real estate, many may feel "I don't know where to start."

40.0% Consulted or Want to Consult "Real Estate Companies" for Property Sale

Next, we asked who people would like to consult (or have consulted) regarding the sale of inherited (or to-be-inherited) real estate.

The most common response was "real estate companies" at 40.0%.

Next were "don't know who to consult" at 21.4%, and both "lawyers/judicial scriveners" and "family/relatives" at 19.3% each.

While real estate companies were the most frequently chosen consultation partner, "don't know who to consult" ranked second highest.

Selling inherited real estate involves multiple issues such as name changes, taxes, and family coordination.

Therefore, many people may struggle to decide whether to consult a real estate company, a judicial scrivener, or a lawyer, leading to uncertainty about the initial consultation partner.

76.5% Responded They Would "Like to Use" a Service That Integrates Support from Inheritance to Sale

Finally, we asked whether people would want to use a service that comprehensively supports them from inheritance procedures to completion of real estate sale through a single window.

As a result, 23.6% responded "definitely want to use," 52.9% "somewhat want to use," totaling 76.5% who answered they would like to use such a service. Meanwhile, 14.3% responded "not really want to use," and 9.3% "don't want to use at all."

Selling inherited real estate requires simultaneously addressing multiple issues such as name changes, taxes, sale price verification, and family coordination. Therefore, many people likely feel reassurance and convenience in a service that allows them to proceed through a single window without dividing consultation partners.

So, what do people expect from such services?

We asked about actual expectations and requirements; some responses are introduced below.

What do you expect or require from such a support service?

・Because there's a lot I don't understand myself. (Female, 20s)

・As little hassle as possible, and I want it to proceed smoothly. (Male, 30s)

・Staff with professional knowledge who can provide reassuring support. (Female, 40s)

・Clear explanations about taxes and costs, with transparency. (Male, 50s)

・Appropriate advice while respecting the intentions of all family members. (Female, 60s)

From these responses, it's clear that expertise, reassurance, transparency, and consideration for family dynamics are highly valued.