Seoul apartment market's top 1% entry price hits 4.65 billion won, triple other regions

In the first half of 2026, the entry price for the top 1% of apartment transactions in Seoul reached approximately 4.65 billion won, according to an analysis of real estate transaction data. This figure represents a notable increase from the latter half of 2025, when the threshold stood at around 4.3 billion won.

Out of roughly 40,000 apartment transactions recorded in Seoul during this period, only the top 400 deals met the criteria for this elite market segment. The average transaction price for these high-value properties surpassed 6.3 billion won, underscoring the concentration of wealth in Seoul's luxury real estate sector.

The disparity between Seoul's ultra-luxury market and those in other major South Korean regions is stark. For instance, the entry price for the top 1% of apartment transactions in Gyeonggi province was 1.85 billion won, in Daegu it was 1.58 billion won, and in Busan it was 1.525 billion won. These figures are roughly one-third of Seoul's benchmark.

Analysts attribute Seoul's high-end market activity to factors such as premium properties along the Han River, redevelopment projects, and newly constructed luxury complexes. While the market has seen some stabilization after a period of adjustment, the significant price gap highlights the unique economic dynamics and housing supply conditions that shape the top tier of real estate in the capital.