Overview

• Seoul apartment prices climbed 0.26 percent last week, marking the fastest weekly gain since August 2024 and extending a 19-week upward trend.
• Presales of new Seoul apartments fell 28 percent year-on-year to 7,350 units, the smallest annual figure in four years and intensifying the supply squeeze.
• Financial authorities held a closed-door meeting Monday with major lenders to impose tighter loan practices in response to the overheated market.
• The incoming administration has pledged a supply-driven housing strategy focused on boosting reconstruction and redevelopment instead of imposing new homeowner taxes.
• Analysts warn that planned supplementary budget injections of at least 20 trillion won and potential rate cuts could further fuel demand and risk a repeat of the 2017–2021 price surge.