Characteristics of Condominium Residents in the Center of Sendai and their Residential Preferences for City Center

Abstract

The development of condominiums has recently increased in the centers of Japan's major cities due to the decline in land prices and the sale of land assets by debt-ridden companies. Studies on the characteristics of condominium residents and their residential preferences are important for an understanding of recent changes in the urban residential structure. These studies should also contribute to urban housing policies. Regarding the city center of Sendai, which is the primary city of the Tohoku district, this article aims to clarify the effect of the growing supply of condominiums on the population recovery, the characteristics of condominium residents, the reasons for taking up their residence, and their attitude toward permanent residence. The following points have been identified as the result of analyses of questionnaire data.1) The development of new condominiums has been a major factor behind the population increase in the center of Sendai from the mid-1990s. Highly educated white-collar workers make up the largest percentage of new dwellers, but they are varied in household type.2) Except for households that move due to work, households that purchase a condominium either move within the city center, or from the suburbs to a more central location. The main reason for such choices is proximity to various activity opportunities such as work places, medical facilities and public facilities.3) The fact that the lifestyle of residents of city center condominiums is based on proximity to these opportunities in the city center is also evidenced by the strength of their attitude toward permanent residence. A large percentage of households consider the city centers to be ideal residential areas, and the majority of households that purchase a condominium plan to continue living in the city center.As described above, an increasing number of condominiums are being developed in central areas of Sendai City, resulting in a localized population increase. Furthermore, it has been shown that residents consisting mostly of highly educated white collar workers, who have a certain level of economic power and whose choices of lifestyle are largely based on proximity to the city center, are moving in city center condominiums in increasing numbers.