金利上昇時代に私たちはどう住まいを手に入れるのか？

The world is changing at a dizzying pace, isn't it? In the housing industry, for example, we're seeing significant changes such as rising mortgage interest rates and the end of deflation leading into a full-fledged inflationary era. In this environment, deciding how to think about and acquire a home has become truly a perplexing time. Today, I'd like to discuss housing in the age of rising interest rates from six different perspectives. First, there's the concept of "custom-built homes." While this term is commonly used by house builders and construction companies, I believe it's become a kind of misconception, a kind of belief. It's the value system that says, "New construction is best," "Free design is ideal," and "Custom-built homes are the only correct answer." However, custom-built homes weren't common in the past. Most people lived in rented houses, moving to a new home for newlyweds after marriage, a larger rental house as their family grew, and then a home for the couple once their children left home—moving according to their lifestyle. Custom-built homes were special homes built by economically successful people. But somehow, it's become something everyone aspires to. However, just as the value of graves has shifted from "building a magnificent tombstone" to "closing down graves," I think it's worth pausing to consider whether custom-built homes are truly the absolute right answer. Secondly, it's not just interest rates that have changed, but the environment for acquiring a home itself. Land and construction costs have risen, and so have interest rates. In other words, the overall cost of acquisition has increased significantly. As a result, I feel that custom-built homes are once again becoming something close to an unattainable dream. Thirdly, it's about thinking about debt in an inflationary era. We tend to think of debt as bad, but borrowing at a fixed interest rate is also a form of risk hedging. Even if interest rates rise in the future, the repayment amount will remain fixed, and solar power generation is similar in that it's like fixing future electricity costs in advance. In inflation, the value of money relatively decreases. The 10 million yen borrowed today will also decrease in value in the future. Therefore, what's important is what you use the debt for. Converting it into something of value rather than simply holding cash will ultimately protect your assets. A mortgage is not a bad debt; it's a debt where how you use it is the key. The fourth point is the shift in thinking from "building a house" to "securing housing." I believe we are entering an era where the focus will change to how to secure housing that suits each stage of life: marriage, raising children, becoming a senior citizen, and living alone. It's crucial to change the question from "what kind of house to build" to "how to secure housing." When the question changes, the answer changes as well. Considering this, custom-built homes aren't the only option. Of course, for those who want to bring their vision to life, or who love their home above all else and want to invest in it, a custom-built home is a good choice. However, there's also the option of pre-designed homes. Like semi-custom clothing rather than fully custom-made, it's a way to add your own personal touch to a basic form. Another approach is to provide a large open space and then modify it through DIY or other means to suit your lifestyle. And what I particularly want to draw attention to going forward is pre-owned homes. Houses built after the 2000 revision of the Building Standards Act have a certain level of seismic resistance, and their number on the market will increase. Many of these homes can be easily lived in with just a little renovation. Renovating old houses is also appealing, but without a strong emotional attachment or a suitable location, it can sometimes cost more than building a new house. In that respect, houses built after 2000 can be a realistic option. And, speaking from the perspective of a construction company, I must say that new home construction is relatively easy to complete as a job. On the other hand, renovations and remodeling involve unexpected situations on-site and require careful consultation with the client. However, I believe that the companies truly needed going forward are those that can propose and supply homes tailored to each individual, including existing homes and renovations, not just new construction. Large house builders are moving towards higher price ranges, but that alone cannot support the housing needs of many people. That's why I feel that local construction companies need to play a role. In conclusion, please reconsider whether the values ​​of new construction, custom design, and bespoke homes are truly necessary for you. The way we think is shifting from "ownership" to "use." What's important is not owning a house itself, but how to live a fulfilling life. We've entered an era where we're not just d...