Is 'New Seismic Standards Mean Peace of Mind' a Mistake When Buying a Home in Mikawa? 3 Criteria for Evaluating Earthquake Resistance
When looking for pre-owned or newly built homes in the Aichi/Mikawa area, you may hear the explanation that "it is safe because it meets the new seismic standards." Of course, the year of construction is important information. However, when purchasing a home, it is important not to determine safety based solely on whether it meets the "new seismic standards."
Okazaki City accepts applications for seismic diagnosis of wooden houses at any time, and Anjo City has also newly established guidance for free seismic diagnosis starting in fiscal year 2026 for wooden houses built before May 2000.
Consider a home that fits your household budget, including not only the mortgage and price, but also the repair costs that may be necessary after purchase.
What are "New Seismic Standards"? First, check the year of construction
One of the benchmarks for when seismic standards changed significantly is June 1981. Houses built before that are generally called old seismic standard houses. If a property you are considering is a wooden house built under the old standards, it is not recommended to rush into an application without confirming whether a seismic diagnosis has been conducted.
On the other hand, just because it is a new seismic standard house built after 1981 does not mean that no further confirmation is needed. In wooden houses, the connection methods of columns and beams, the placement of walls, the weight of the roof, and the foundation also affect earthquake resistance.
Points to look at are "1981" and "2000"
Especially for wooden houses, whether it was built before or after 2000 is also a factor to check. In Anjo City's guidance, for new seismic standard wooden houses built before May 2000, they are offering free seismic diagnosis starting in fiscal year 2026 for those determined to require expert verification.
Time of confirmation
Things to do before purchasing
Before May 1981
Prioritize checking the status of seismic diagnosis and seismic retrofitting
June 1981 to May 2000
Even with new seismic standards, check the diagnosis, repair history, and structure
After June 2000
Do not stop at the construction year; also check for deterioration, the land, and the surrounding environment
Interior cleanliness and earthquake resistance are separate issues
Renovated properties are attractive. However, even if the wallpaper and kitchen are new, it does not necessarily mean there are no problems with the roof, exterior walls, underfloor, plumbing, or joints.
Before viewing or applying to purchase, please check with the brokerage company to see if the following documents are available.
• Results of seismic diagnosis
• Records of repairs to the roof, exterior walls, and foundation
• Timing and details of renovations
• Whether a building condition survey (inspection) has been conducted
If seismic retrofitting becomes necessary after purchase, the costs will be separate from your mortgage. Even if the house price is within your budget, your household finances may become strained when considering repair costs.
Check not only the building but also the land and surrounding environment
Susceptibility to earthquake shaking is not determined by the building alone. The ground, elevation differences from the road, retaining walls, surrounding block walls, and ease of evacuation are also related to the safety of your life.
Conditions for diagnostics and subsidies vary by municipality, such as Okazaki City and Anjo City. If there is a possibility of using such systems, it is safer to check the eligibility criteria, application timing, and budget limits before signing a property contract.
Things to do before purchasing
1. Check the year of construction and use 1981 and 2000 as criteria for judgment.
2. Check for the existence of seismic diagnostics, repair history, and building condition surveys.
3. Look at the land, surrounding elevation differences, block walls, and evacuation routes.
4. Set a budget that leaves room in your household finances even if seismic retrofitting or repairs become necessary.
Summary
• Do not assume peace of mind based solely on the term 'New Seismic Standards'.
• Check the construction year, seismic diagnostics, and repair history as a set.
• Look at the building, land, and household finances together.
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References
[1] Okazaki City 'Subsidizing Costs for Seismic Diagnosis and Seismic Retrofitting'
[2] Anjo City 'Regarding Seismic Retrofitting of Houses and Buildings'