South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The South Korea luxury residential real estate market is experiencing a significant shift, with its market size projected to grow substantially over the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by luxury real estate developments in major cities and increasing demand for apartments. However, the market is facing challenges due to rising interest rates and inflation, which have led to a decline in property prices, particularly in upscale areas like Gangnam. Despite these challenges, the market is expected to continue its expansion, although the transaction volume has decreased as buyers remain cautious amid higher borrowing costs.

Market Size of South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Industry

South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Market Size (2024) USD 43.56 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 70.18 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 10.00 %
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Analysis

The South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market size is estimated at USD 43.56 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 70.18 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 10% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

  • The South Korean luxury residential real estate market is currently pegged at a market value of USD 39.6 billion and USD 63.80 billion in 2028. It is anticipated to register a CAGR of more than 10% over the forecast period.
  • The market is driven by luxury real estate development in key cities. Furthermore, demand for apartments is driving the market.
  • Property in Gangnam, a trio of upscale neighborhoods in Seoul, South Korea's capital, is starting to sag as the year-long tightening cycle of the central bank pounds on the upscale real estate market. According to Korea Real Estate Board data, apartment prices dropped in all Gangnam districts for four weeks. It portends the first monthly drop since the Bank of Korea started hiking its key rate in August 2022. The attack on Gangnam indicates that the 51 million Koreans living in the upper strata are now feeling the effects of tighter policy. The vast majority of Seoul residences included in the Knight Frank Prime Global Cities Index are Gangnam apartments, which slowed down after increasing quickly since 2008.
  • Data from the Korea Real Estate Board showed that house prices in South Korea decreased by 1.98% in December 2022 compared to the previous month. It indicated the steepest loss since data release started in late 2003 and the seventh consecutive month of decline. According to a statement from the board, this represented a 4.68% fall for 2022 after a gain of 9.93% in 2021 and a loss of 1.37% in November. Globally, home values were falling precipitously due to central banks' rapid increases in interest rates to combat inflation. It cooled the economy and increased mortgage rates. According to the data, property prices nationwide fell by 4.89% during the past seven consecutive months, the largest decline for any seven months ever.
  • According to statistics released on Monday, the housing market in Seoul entered a phase of stasis as apartment prices, which make up the majority of residential units in the city, are falling. Also, fewer transactions are occurring due to rising loan interest rates. In Seoul, the number of apartment units traded at lower prices than before surpassed the number of flats traded at greater prices, said Zigbang, a local property technology company. According to separate statistics from the Korea Real Estate Board, apartment prices in Seoul decreased by 0.09% last week, the 12th consecutive week of declines. Even Seocho-gu, a highly sought-after residential neighborhood in southern Seoul, defied price drops since the third week of February 2022 and saw trading prices finally fall.
  • External factors like rising inflation and increased borrowing costs will keep the housing market and property prices down. However, this is unlikely to cause panic sales by homeowners or a harsh landing for the apartment market. According to analysts, the rising interest rate, which further slows demand for property purchases in Seoul, is one of the main factors holding down apartment prices. Due to the contraction in buying sentiment as the burden of interest rises, the transaction downturn in the apartment market is anticipated to last until the end of this year. Despite the units being offered for less, no housing transactions are happening. That is the amount that Seoul's apartment market shrunk.

South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Industry Segmentation

Real estate is deemed "luxury" when it includes a desirable location, a high asking price, a substantial size, priceless materials, professional design, upscale facilities, and a distinguished past. Luxury real estate often includes a valuation that falls among the top 10% of houses on the local market. The report covers a complete background analysis of the South Korean luxury residential real estate market. It includes the economic assessment and sector contribution to the economy, market overview, market size estimation for key segments, emerging market segments, market dynamics, geographical trends, and COVID-19 impact.

The South Korean luxury residential real estate market is segmented by type (apartments and condominiums, villas, and landed houses) and cities (Seoul, Busan, and other cities). 

The report offers the South Korean luxury residential real estate market size and forecasts in value (USD) for all the above segments.

By Type
Apartments and Condominiums
Villas and Landed Houses
By City
Seoul
Busan
Other Cities
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South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Size Summary

The South Korean luxury residential real estate market is experiencing a dynamic phase, characterized by significant growth and evolving market conditions. Currently valued at a substantial figure, the market is projected to expand further over the coming years, driven by luxury real estate developments in key urban areas. The demand for upscale apartments, particularly in prestigious neighborhoods like Gangnam, plays a crucial role in this growth. However, recent economic factors, including interest rate hikes and tightening monetary policies, have begun to impact the market, leading to a slowdown in property price increases and a decrease in transaction volumes. Despite these challenges, the market remains resilient, with no indications of panic sales or a severe downturn, as external pressures like inflation and borrowing costs continue to influence property values.

The luxury residential real estate sector in South Korea is marked by a blend of local and international players, with major companies such as Samsung C&T Corporation and Daewoo Engineering & Construction actively participating in the market. These key players are employing strategies like partnerships and acquisitions to strengthen their market position. The market's fragmentation is evident, with various districts in Seoul, such as Cheongdam-dong, housing affluent residents, including celebrities and business leaders. Recent developments, such as the transformation of Songdo International City into a "K-Contents City," highlight ongoing investments and projects aimed at enhancing the luxury real estate landscape. Despite the current market challenges, the sector's potential for growth and development remains significant, underscoring its importance in South Korea's economic framework.

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South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET INSIGHTS DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Current Market Scenario

    2. 1.2 Market Dynamics

      1. 1.2.1 Drivers

        1. 1.2.1.1 South Korea's status as a global business hub can attract expatriates and foreign executives seeking high-end accommodation options

        2. 1.2.1.2 Incorporating advanced technology and smart home features making luxury properties more appealing to tech-savvy buyers

      2. 1.2.2 Restraints

        1. 1.2.2.1 Lack of foreign investment

        2. 1.2.2.2 Stricter government regulation inhibiting the growth

      3. 1.2.3 Opportunities

        1. 1.2.3.1 Development of more sustainable and more eco-friendly homes

        2. 1.2.3.2 The introduction of smart of technology

    3. 1.3 Value Chain / Supply Chain Analysis

    4. 1.4 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      2. 1.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers

      3. 1.4.3 Threat of New Entrants

      4. 1.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

    5. 1.5 Industry Policies and Regulations

    6. 1.6 Technological Developments in the Sector

    7. 1.7 Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 By Type

      1. 2.1.1 Apartments and Condominiums

      2. 2.1.2 Villas and Landed Houses

    2. 2.2 By City

      1. 2.2.1 Seoul

      2. 2.2.2 Busan

      3. 2.2.3 Other Cities

South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Size FAQs

The South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market size is expected to reach USD 43.56 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 10% to reach USD 70.18 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market size is expected to reach USD 43.56 billion.

South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)