AlbaLink Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto Ward, Tokyo; President: Kenji Kawata) conducted a "Real Estate Purchase Awareness Survey" targeting 500 men and women nationwide and compiled the data into rankings.

Details are available on "Wakeari Bukken Kaitori Navi" (https://albalink.co.jp/realestate/awareness-of-realestate-purchasing-services/).

There are broadly two ways to sell real estate: "brokerage" and "purchase." However, it is likely that not many people fully understand the differences and characteristics of each.

Wakeari Bukken Kaitori Navi (https://albalink.co.jp/realestate/), operated by AlbaLink Co., Ltd. (https://albalink.co.jp/), conducted an online survey targeting 500 men and women nationwide regarding their "awareness of real estate purchasing."

[Survey Overview]

Target Audience: Men and women nationwide

Survey Period: July 1-2, 2026

Survey Organization: In-house survey

Survey Method: Voluntary response via internet

Valid Responses: 500 people (348 women / 152 men)

Respondent Age Groups: 20s 16.8% / 30s 30.2% / 40s 28.8% / 50s 18.0% / 60s and over 6.2%

[Survey Results Summary]

- Only 12.2% understand the mechanism of real estate purchasing. - 8.2% could name specific real estate purchasing companies. - The image associated with real estate purchasing is "lower purchase price." - If selling real estate, the ideal condition is "to sell at a satisfactory price."

<<Conditions for Use of Survey Results>>

1. Please cite "Wakeari Bukken Kaitori Navi" as the source of information.

2. When using on a website, please include the following link as the source.

URL:

https://albalink.co.jp/realestate/awareness-of-realestate-purchasing-services/

https://albalink.co.jp/realestate/empty-house-disposal/

https://albalink.co.jp/realestate/sell-vacant-house/

What's the Difference from "Brokerage"? Only 12.2% Understand the Mechanism of Real Estate Purchasing

When asked about their understanding of the term and mechanism of real estate purchasing, only about 10% of the 500 men and women nationwide answered "I know the mechanism and the difference from real estate brokerage (12.2%)."

On the other hand, the largest group was "I've heard the term but don't understand the mechanism (72.6%)." This indicates that an overwhelming majority have a vague awareness of the term but do not understand it.

8.2% Could Name Specific Real Estate Purchasing Companies

Only 8.2%, less than 10%, of respondents answered, "I can think of specific real estate purchasing company names."

Meanwhile, nearly half (48.4%) said, "I vaguely recognize them but don't know the company names." A considerable number (43.4%) also said, "I can't think of any at all," indicating low recognition of individual real estate purchasing companies.

The Image Associated with Real Estate Purchasing is "Lower Purchase Price"

The top image associated with real estate purchasing was "lower purchase price (28.8%)," followed by "quick sale and purchase (21.2%)." "Easier procedures (13.8%)" ranked third, and "a bit scary (12.2%)" was fourth.

Both positive and negative images were ranked.

Furthermore, many responses seemed to confuse real estate purchasing with real estate brokerage, such as "brokerage fees apply," indicating that the mechanism and characteristics of real estate purchasing are not sufficiently understood.

<1st Place: Lower Purchase Price>

- "I don't have a fraudulent impression, but I feel like they'll buy it at a price lower than the market value" (20s Male) - "It's great that the sale is quick and there are no brokerage fees, but the price seems to be quite low" (30s Female) - "My image is that real estate agents buy properties from people who are in a hurry to sell at a lower price than they could have gotten if they waited for a buyer" (40s Female)

Comments like "They buy quickly and easily, but it seems cheaper than brokerage" were prominent. While speed and ease are advantages, it is recognized that purchase prices tend to be lower than with brokerage.

In reality, real estate purchasing often involves the purchasing company undertaking demolition or renovation before resale, which can lead to lower appraisal values than market prices.

There was also a negative image of being "bought out at a low price by exploiting the urgent need to sell."

<2nd Place: Quick Sale and Purchase>

- "It doesn't seem like many people are involved, so it should take less time" (20s Female) - "Unlike brokerage, there's no need to find a buyer, and it's an image of quick cash conversion" (30s Male) - "The transaction is faster than with brokerage" (50s Female)

The primary advantage of real estate purchasing is the speed of sale.

Generally, real estate purchasing leads to faster transactions compared to brokerage. This is because the company directly purchases the property, eliminating the period of searching for general buyers. Therefore, sales can often be completed in a short period if the conditions are met.

This is an attractive feature for those who need to sell quickly.

<3rd Place: Easier Procedures>

- "The procedures seem easier and smoother" (20s Male) - "Since the company buys it, it feels easy and simple to sell" (30s Male) - "As professionals, they seem to handle things that amateurs don't understand" (50s Female)

With real estate purchasing, there is no need for viewings or price negotiations with potential buyers. Therefore, compared to brokerage, the burden of sales activities and procedures is lighter. Dealing with a real estate professional makes it easier to ask questions and provides a sense of security that things can be handled.

While preparation of necessary documents is required, the burden on the seller is relatively low, making it attractive to busy individuals or those who feel anxious about real estate transactions.

<4th Place: A Bit Scary>

- "It reminds me of dramas, so intuitively it's a negative image" (30s Female) - "If you don't think carefully when choosing a company, you might get scammed, which is scary" (40s Female) - "Real estate itself has a scary image. I own real estate, but I have a vague fear due to my lack of knowledge, such as 'Will they deal at a fair price?' or 'Will I be ripped off?'" (50s Female)

Many people expressed a vague sense of unease about the term "real estate purchasing."

Whether it's brokerage or purchasing, real estate transactions involve large sums of money and require specialized knowledge. It is presumed that people feel anxious because large amounts of money are involved in an area where they lack understanding. Several survey responses mentioned "images from dramas," suggesting that the image of unscrupulous real estate agents depicted in fiction remains strong.

However, in reality, real estate purchasing is not inherently a dangerous transaction, and many companies operate with integrity.

<5th Place: Real Estate is Purchased>

- "I only understand it literally as a company that appraises and buys real estate" (30s Female) - "I imagine they check the current market value and buy it, as the term suggests" (40s Female) - "I can only imagine that they buy the property the seller owns, as the term implies" (50s Female)

Many people only have an image based on the literal meaning of the words, such as "I only understand the meaning of the term" or "I imagine they appraise and buy it." Since they have never used or considered using such services, and do not understand the mechanism or companies involved in real estate purchasing, it is difficult for them to form a concrete image.

While the statement "they buy real estate" is not incorrect, it is clear that many people do not fully grasp the benefits and precautions associated with a real estate company directly purchasing a property.

<6th Place: Fees Apply>

- "Brokerage fees seem very high" (40s Female) - "The fees are high, and I imagine not much is left in hand" (50s Female)

Comments like "Brokerage fees seem high" were received, indicating that many people are confusing real estate purchasing with real estate brokerage. In typical real estate purchasing, since the real estate company is the direct buyer, brokerage fees do not apply.

However, even with purchasing, costs such as "stamp duty" and "fees for legal procedures" may still apply.

<7th Place: Properties with Issues are Also Purchased>

- "I have an image that they buy any real estate. Even if it's a bit old, if the land has value, they'll buy it" (20s Female) - "It seems like they'll quickly buy troublesome properties" (30s Female) - "I imagine they'll buy old houses as they are, even if they're damaged or have belongings left inside" (40s Male)

Since purchasing companies buy with the intention of renovation and resale, properties that might be avoided by general buyers may still be purchased. Some real estate purchasing companies advertise that they "purchase properties with issues such as old age or being a "wake ari" (problematic) property."

However, it is important to note that some purchasing companies can handle properties with issues, while others cannot.

If Selling Real Estate, the Ideal Condition is "to Sell at a Satisfactory Price"

When asked about the ideal way to sell real estate, such as a family home in the future, the overwhelming first choice was "to sell at a satisfactory price (47.8%)," receiving nearly half of the votes. "To sell quickly (23.4%)" ranked second, followed by "to sell as-is (12.8%)."

Real estate is a significant asset, so it is natural to want to sell it for as much as possible. However, many comments expressed a desire to "balance the desire to sell for a high price with the inconvenience of a prolonged sale."

It is understood that people want to reduce the burden and anxiety while prioritizing selling at a satisfactory price.

<1st Place: Sell at a Satisfactory Price>

- "I don't mind if it takes time, but I want a higher amount" (20s Female) - "It's my family home with memories, so I don't want to be bought out at a low price" (30s Female) - "My family home is in a good location, so brokerage would sell it for a higher price, which is ideal" (50s Male)

Price is the most important factor for many when selling real estate. Real estate is a high-value asset, and even a 1% difference can amount to a significant sum. Especially for family homes with memories or properties in good locations, being able to let go at a satisfactory price is crucial.

However, setting a high price as an absolute condition can lead to a long time to find a buyer. Therefore, "selling for as much as possible" is a condition that can be prioritized when there is sufficient time.

<2nd Place: Sell Quickly>

- "It's an old house that just incurs taxes, so I want to sell it quickly and be done with it" (30s Male) - "I want to complete the sales process as quickly as possible. To prevent the building from deteriorating while waiting" (30s Female) - "The house is far away, so considering the repeated trips, it's better to have it bought on the same day" (60s and over Male)

Reasons for wanting to sell quickly include "reducing the burden of property taxes and maintenance" and "selling before it gets too old."

Owning an empty house for a long time incurs maintenance costs, and managing or traveling to a property located far from one's residence adds to the burden. Furthermore, the longer the sale takes, the older the building becomes, potentially decreasing its asset value and making it harder to sell. Therefore, many people want to convert to cash quickly, even if it means accepting a lower price.

Several comments indicated a willingness to compromise on price, such as "I'll sell it cheap, but I want to sell it quickly."

<3rd Place: Sell As-Is>

- "I want it taken as is, without the hassle of renovation or demolition" (40s Male) - "I want to sell it with the household goods left inside" (50s Female) - "The most convenient way would be to have it taken as a whole, without cleaning out belongings or renovating" (60s and over Male)

"As-is" refers to the state of "not demolishing," "not renovating," or "leaving household goods as they are."

For old houses, it is sometimes said that selling them as vacant land is easier, but demolishing a building takes time and money. Also, for houses with many belongings, organizing and disposing of them can be a significant task. Therefore, many people want to sell while reducing these burdens.

Selling as-is can reduce the labor and financial burden. However, since the buyer will bear the costs of demolition and clearing out belongings, the appraisal value tends to decrease.

<4th Place: Easy Procedures>

- "I want to sell without troublesome procedures" (20s Male) - "I want to sell smoothly with as little effort as possible" (30s Female) - "The disposal of household goods inside can be as easy as possible" (40s Male)

Real estate sales involve various procedures and tasks such as "preparing contract documents" and "organizing household goods." Since this takes time and effort, many people want to proceed without hassle.

For busy individuals or those who feel anxious about complex procedures, it is important that the procedures are clear and that they can proceed with support.

<5th Place: Entrust to a Reliable Company>

- "I don't want to sell for a high price. My family home has many memories, so the company's "thorough inspection of the building's condition and polite service" is important" (30s Female) - "I'll consult the real estate agent who helped me before. First-timers are scared" (40s Female) - "I want to consult with a trustworthy company" (60s and over Male)

Real estate is not only a valuable asset but also a repository of memories. Furthermore, since selling real estate is not a frequent experience, anxiety about the procedures tends to be high.

Therefore, many people want to entrust the process to a company that handles real estate and contracts carefully and provides attentive support. In a transaction with high anxiety, having a reliable party to consult with is a great support.

<6th Place: Sell to a Trustworthy Party>

- "Even if it takes some time, I want to sell carefully to someone I trust" (20s Female) - "At this point, I don't need immediate cash, so I can take my time and consider the person I'm selling to" (40s Male) - "It's important that the buyer will cherish and live in the house" (60s and over Female)

Some people prioritize the final recipient of the house. The survey suggests opinions such as "I don't want the building to be demolished" and "I want to prevent post-sale troubles."

Many people prioritize handing over to a satisfactory party, not just price or speed.

To ensure the property is purchased by a satisfactory party, some people even "first approach relatives or neighbors themselves."

<7th Place: Sell Discreetly>

- "I want to sell discreetly without the neighbors knowing" (30s Male) - "If I were to sell my family home, I would prefer to proceed quietly without the neighbors knowing" (40s Female) - "I want the appraisal done without the neighbors seeing" (50s Male)

Many people expressed a desire not to have their real estate sale known to neighbors. This is due to various circumstances surrounding real estate sales.

The desire to "proceed quietly without being known" suggests a feeling of "not wanting neighbors to ask questions about the sale." However, with real estate brokerage, there is a high possibility that the sale activities, such as advertising and viewings, will be noticed.

On the other hand, with real estate purchasing, it is often possible to sell without advertising.

Conclusion

Regarding real estate purchasing, many people have the image that "while the sale price tends to be lower, the sale is quick and the procedures are simple."

On the other hand, responses influenced by fiction, such as "scary due to images from dramas," and those confusing it with real estate brokerage, like "brokerage fees apply," were also observed. This indicates that the mechanism and characteristics of real estate purchasing are not fully understood.

Furthermore, when selling real estate, while "a satisfactory price" is the most important factor for many, a significant number also prioritize the speed of sale and the ease of the process.

Speed and ease are areas where purchasing excels. If speed and simplicity are prioritized over price, it may be worth considering purchasing in addition to brokerage.

We recommend consulting with multiple real estate companies to find a trustworthy company and agent.

*All compiled survey data can be viewed here: URL: https://albalink.co.jp/realestate/awareness-of-realestate-purchasing-services/

About Wakeari Bukken Kaitori Navi

Wakeari Bukken Kaitori Navi is an information media outlet for properties with issues, operated by AlbaLink Co., Ltd. It provides information on how to solve problems with properties that cannot be sold due to some "reason" and how to manage them. Articles are written by experts, with the concept of delivering reliable information in an easy-to-understand manner. Free consultations are available, and direct purchases through the site are also supported.

https://albalink.co.jp/realestate/

About AlbaLink Co., Ltd.

AlbaLink is a real estate company that engages in the purchase and resale of properties with issues, under the concept of "Connecting the future through business." They primarily handle properties with complex ownership structures, such as accident-affected properties, fractional ownership, vacant houses, and land with leasehold rights, offering solutions to everyone troubled by real estate problems.

[Company Profile]

Company Name: AlbaLink Co., Ltd.

Representative: President Kenji Kawata

Location: 3F, BESIDE KIBA, 2-17-16 Kiba, Koto Ward, Tokyo 135-0042

Established: January 2011

Capital: 48,490,000 yen

URL: https://albalink.co.jp/company/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey結果