Japan real estate features most desired by buyers in 2025 according to AtHome

AtHome, a leading Japanese real estate property portal, announced on February 17th the results of its “Ask the Pros 2025 Ranking of Most Inquired About Features - Buyer Edition,” offering insight into the equipment and features most frequently requested by buyers of condominiums and single-family homes (SFH).

Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash

The ranking is based on an online survey conducted between January 14th and 21st, 2026, targeting AtHome subscribed advertising real estate firms nationwide.

Valid responses were received from 293 agencies in the condominium category and 444 agencies in the SFH category.

Respondents were agents who had handled clients considering property purchases between January and December 2025.

Percentages below reflect multiple responses allowed in the survey and therefore total greater than 100%.

Condominium Buyer Preferences

Among clients considering condominium purchases, the most frequently requested features were:

• Parking including nearby parking 52.6%

• Auto lock entry systems 35.2%

• Elevators 32.8%

• Delivery boxes 24.9%

• Reheating bath function 19.5%

• Monitor equipped intercoms 17.7%

• System kitchens 16.4%

• Surveillance cameras 16.0%

• Bicycle parking 14.0%

• High speed internet fiber optic etc. 13.0%

Real estate agencies pointed to parking availability as a recurring obstacle. Condominium parking facilities are often fully occupied, and even when spaces are available, mechanical parking systems may not accommodate larger vehicles. In some cases, buyers reportedly abandon purchases due to parking limitations.

Security related features ranked prominently, reflecting heightened buyer awareness. Agencies cited increasing inquiries regarding auto-lock systems and the number and placement of surveillance cameras within building premises.

Agents also reported shifting evaluation criteria among buyers. Many clients are placing greater emphasis on interior condition rather than building age, while questions concerning renovation history and long-term maintenance have increased.

Lifestyle considerations were likewise noted. Some buyers avoided west facing or southwest corner units due to concerns about summer heat. Meanwhile, mid to lower floor units typically between the second and fifth floors were described as attracting renewed interest, partly driven by concerns about elevator outages during disasters.

Single-Family Home Buyer Preferences

Among clients considering SFH purchases, the most frequently requested features were:

• Parking including nearby parking 52.9%

• Two or more toilets 21.4%

• Garden or yard 18.0%

• System kitchens 17.3%

• Washlet (Japanese bidet) toilets 14.9%

• Double glazed windows 14.4%

• Reheating bath function 14.4%

• Walk in closets 12.6%

• Monitor equipped intercoms 11.9%

• All electric homes 10.6%

Agencies emphasized that parking remains a decisive factor in SFH purchases. In comparable locations, buyers may exceed initial budget expectations to secure homes with dedicated parking, particularly as multi-vehicle households continue to be common.

The demand for multiple toilets (just toilet rooms, not full bathrooms) ranked second. Agencies highlighted both convenience and practicality, noting that toilet placement, especially on upper floors, is a critical consideration for households with elderly residents.

Gardens and yards ranked third, reflecting buyer interest in outdoor space a defining distinction from condominium living. Agencies associated this preference with gardening, leisure use, and lifestyle flexibility.

Agents also observed evolving household priorities. More buyers were said to prefer completing laundry indoors rather than using balconies or gardens, contributing to a perceived decline in the relative importance of sunlight compared with previous years.

Market conditions were cited as another influencing factor. Rising construction costs for custom built homes were said to be encouraging more buyers to consider existing properties. Agencies also reported growing concern regarding neighborhood associations and community relationships.

In some cases, buyers initially considering existing condominiums shifted to newly built SFHs, citing the absence of management fees and repair reserve fund obligations as perceived financial advantages.

Further Reading:

Ask the Pros 2025 Ranking of Most Inquired About Features - Buyer Edition (Japanese only)

pro-ranking02-202602.pdf

Download PDF • 4.17MB

Source:

R.E. Port News (Japanese only)