OfficeBusters Announces 'Pre-owned Office Furniture Index' for April 2026: Demand for Existing Office Optimization Supports the Market
OfficeBusters has released its 'Pre-owned Office Furniture Index' for April 2026. While vacancy rates in Tokyo's city center are falling and rents are rising, companies are choosing to optimize their existing offices rather than relocate, driving steady demand for desks and soundproof booths.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 25, 2026 at 17:30
- 🔍 Collected: May 25, 2026 at 09:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 25, 2026 at 09:02 (0 min after Collected)
## April 2026 Pre-owned Office Furniture Index Report
OfficeBusters Corporation has compiled the 'Pre-owned Office Furniture Index' for April 2026. In April, the vacancy rate in the five major wards of central Tokyo reached 2.20%, a decrease of 0.02 points from the previous month. Meanwhile, rents continue to rise, indicating that the supply-demand balance in the office market remains tight.
Currently, the active job opening ratio is 1.18, and the unemployment rate is 2.7%, reflecting a degree of caution in corporate investment decisions. Against this backdrop, rather than full-scale office relocation, practical demand driven by office renewal and layout changes is supporting the market. Specifically, there is significant demand for the replacement of furniture such as free-address desks, cabinets, and tables, as well as an expanding market for soundproof booths due to the rise in online meetings.
### Trends by Product Category
- Chairs: Sales volume remains consistent in bulk units, with a growing trend prioritizing functionality and comfort.
- Desks: Demand for work tables is continuing as part of the transition to free-address office layouts.
- Cabinets/Lockers: Replacement demand associated with office redesign is steady, with high activity for personal lockers.
- Tables: Inquiries remain high due to the need for redesigning meeting spaces.
### Outlook
In May, it is expected that consultations for office renewal started in April will transition into the phase of specific furniture procurement. Corporate office investment is expected to continue its shift from 'relocation' to 'reconfiguration' and 'additional enhancements.' As a leading indicator reflecting the practical investment behavior of companies, the pre-owned office furniture market is anticipated to increase its importance moving forward.
OfficeBusters Corporation has compiled the 'Pre-owned Office Furniture Index' for April 2026. In April, the vacancy rate in the five major wards of central Tokyo reached 2.20%, a decrease of 0.02 points from the previous month. Meanwhile, rents continue to rise, indicating that the supply-demand balance in the office market remains tight.
Currently, the active job opening ratio is 1.18, and the unemployment rate is 2.7%, reflecting a degree of caution in corporate investment decisions. Against this backdrop, rather than full-scale office relocation, practical demand driven by office renewal and layout changes is supporting the market. Specifically, there is significant demand for the replacement of furniture such as free-address desks, cabinets, and tables, as well as an expanding market for soundproof booths due to the rise in online meetings.
### Trends by Product Category
- Chairs: Sales volume remains consistent in bulk units, with a growing trend prioritizing functionality and comfort.
- Desks: Demand for work tables is continuing as part of the transition to free-address office layouts.
- Cabinets/Lockers: Replacement demand associated with office redesign is steady, with high activity for personal lockers.
- Tables: Inquiries remain high due to the need for redesigning meeting spaces.
### Outlook
In May, it is expected that consultations for office renewal started in April will transition into the phase of specific furniture procurement. Corporate office investment is expected to continue its shift from 'relocation' to 'reconfiguration' and 'additional enhancements.' As a leading indicator reflecting the practical investment behavior of companies, the pre-owned office furniture market is anticipated to increase its importance moving forward.
FAQ
Why is pre-owned office furniture an indicator of the market?
Because when companies renovate their offices, the replacement or addition of furniture occurs immediately, making practical investment willingness easy to manifest in data.
What is the biggest need in the current market?
Rather than large-scale relocation, it centers on layout changes that adapt to new ways of working within existing spaces, and environmental improvements for online meetings.
Why is the demand for soundproof booths increasing?
With the spread of hybrid work, there is a growing need for spaces within the office suitable for online meetings and concentrated work.