Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Seoul Apartment Prices Surge for 52 Weeks
Apartment prices in Seoul have been going up every week for a whole year.
This makes it really hard for people like Bohyun Lee, who has moved seven times in 16 years, to buy a home.
The prices have tripled since the mid-2010s, and the government has made it harder to get loans.
This is making young adults in Seoul very frustrated because they can't afford to buy homes, which affects their life decisions like getting married.
The government is trying to cool down the market, but it's not working very well.
They are also planning to build more homes, but it might take a while.
Meanwhile, people are stuck in a tough situation where they can't buy or sell homes easily.
Apartment prices in Seoul have risen for 52 consecutive weeks, with a 9% increase in 2025.
Government interventions, including tighter lending rules, have made it harder for potential buyers to afford homes.
Young adults in Seoul are struggling to buy homes, affecting major life decisions like marriage and family planning.
The government is planning to accelerate housing supply, aiming to build 1.35 million homes nationwide by 2030.
High demand, limited supply, and government policies have contributed to the relentless rise in apartment prices.
- Who
- Residents of Seoul, particularly young adults and professionals
- What
- Apartment prices in Seoul have risen for 52 consecutive weeks
- When
- The price increase has been ongoing for a year, with a 9% rise in 2025
- Where
- Seoul, South Korea
- Why
- High demand, limited supply, and government interventions have contributed to the price surge
- Population
- 9.3 million
- Price Increase
- 9% in 2025
- Loan Cap
- 600 million won for homes up to 1.5 billion won
- Loan-to-Value Ratio
- 40% in regulated districts, 70% for first-time buyers
- Household Debt
- Nearing 90% of GDP
- Housing Supply Plan
- 1.35 million homes nationwide by 2030
- Fast-Track Construction
- 60,000 homes by 2027