Recently, construction companies have been diversifying apartment floor plans from small to large sizes, attracting attention in the market. From the builders' perspective, offering a variety of layouts helps secure a broader range of demand, thereby reducing sales risks. For buyers, it provides the advantage of selecting housing types that suit their family composition, financial situation, and subscription conditions, making it a win-win situation.
Until now, demand has been concentrated on small to medium-sized units, leading many construction companies to offer only single or two to three types of units under 85㎡ in exclusive area. As a result, they failed to reflect diverse residential trends and tended to be uniform.
However, recently, more builders are diversifying unit sizes to target buyers' needs. They supply both small to medium-sized units that prioritize affordability and liquidity, and large units with relatively spacious areas that allow for various designs.
The popularity of large apartments can be seen in subscription competition rates. Last year, the subscription competition rate for apartments in Seoul with an exclusive area over 85㎡ was 199.6 to 1, significantly higher than that of small to medium-sized units. Unlike small to medium units supplied only by point-based selection, large units have a higher proportion of lottery-based allocation. Additionally, the recent spread of COVID-19 has increased demand for more spacious living areas, contributing to the surge in competition rates.
Diversifying unit sizes also increases the likelihood of introducing specialized designs. For small to medium units, niche floor plans that have recently gained popularity can be incorporated, while for large units, rare types such as penthouses and terrace houses can be included. Moreover, changes in lifestyle allow residents to move to different unit types within the same complex without relocating to another apartment, which is another advantage.
An industry insider said, “The floor plan composition, which had been focused only on small to medium units, has diversified to include large units, expanding buyers' choices. Since the strengths of both small to medium and large units are being highlighted, subscription competition rates are rising even further.”
Amid growing attention to apartments composed of various unit sizes, GS Construction’s first Xi project in Gapyeong will be launched in January. It is called ‘Gapyeong Xi.’ The complex consists of units ranging from 59 to 199㎡, expected to satisfy all demands from buyers seeking small to medium and large apartments. Additionally, there are 8 penthouse units of 135㎡ and 2 penthouse units of 199㎡, attracting interest from buyers who require premium residential facilities.
Gapyeong Xi is located in Gapyeong-gun and consists of 6 buildings with 3 basement floors and up to 29 floors above ground, totaling 505 units with exclusive areas ranging from 59 to 199㎡. The breakdown by exclusive area is as follows: △59㎡ 191 units △76㎡ 94 units △84㎡ 178 units △124㎡ 32 units △135㎡ (penthouse) 8 units △199㎡ (penthouse) 2 units.
The Daegok 2 District in Gapyeong city is an urban development project covering 28,062㎡, including multi-family housing and parks. Notably, Gapyeong Xi is within walking distance of Gapyeong Station. Using the ITX-Cheongchun train, it takes about 38 minutes to Sangbong Station in Seoul and about 40 minutes to Cheongnyangni Station. Currently, Cheongnyangni Station, where six lines including Line 1, Bundang Line, and Gyeongui-Jungang Line intersect, is planned to be served by the metropolitan area express railway GTX B and C lines, the Myeonmok urban railway, and the Gangbuk transverse line, allowing residents to enjoy indirect benefits from these developments.
Near the complex is Gapyeong Terminal, and access to Seoul and the metropolitan area is convenient via Gapyeong Bridge, National Route 46, and National Route 75. Additionally, the second Gyeongchun Expressway, connecting Namyangju Geumnam Junction (JCT) and Chuncheon Seomyeon Dangnim-ri with a total length of 33.6 km, is also planned.
Within walking distance, there is a large sports park with a comprehensive stadium, indoor gymnasium, tennis courts, and a soccer park. People of all ages can enjoy various sports and exercises. Especially, the Han Seokbong Gymnasium, opened in 2016, features a 25-meter swimming pool with six lanes, indoor courts, a fitness center, and the largest indoor climbing wall in Korea.
Moreover, nearby are Gapyeong Elementary School, Gapyeong Middle School, Gapyeong High School, and Han Seokbong Library. Administrative institutions such as the Gapyeong Office of Education, Cultural and Arts Center, Fire Station, Police Station, Post Office, County Office, and Health Center are also close by. Convenience facilities like Hanaro Mart, hospitals, and clinics are well established.
Since Gapyeong Xi has over 500 units, a public daycare center will be established within the complex. GS Construction’s premium community facility ‘Club Xi’an’ will include a fitness center, GX room, and indoor golf practice range.
Famous metropolitan recreational spots such as the Bukhan River and Jarasum Island are nearby, and Nami Island, a leading domestic tourist destination visited by about 1.52 million people in 2019, is also close. Gapyeong Xi is surrounded by mountains at the back and has a river in front, offering views of the Bukhan River and Jarasum Island. Notably, Jarasum Island was selected this year by the Korea Tourism Organization as one of the ‘Top 100 Night Views and Summer Night Walk Courses.’
Real estate regulations are not strict. Gapyeong is a non-regulated area excluded from various real estate policies. Residents aged 19 or older living in Gapyeong, as well as residents of Gyeonggi Province, Seoul, and Incheon, can apply for subscription as first priority if they have been subscribed to a housing subscription savings account for more than 12 months and meet the deposit requirements for each housing type, regardless of household headship or home ownership. Additionally, Gapyeong is one of the few non-regulated areas in the metropolitan area, with no restrictions on re-winning and a relatively short resale restriction period of six months from the announcement of winners.
GS Construction plans to apply a fixed first contract deposit of 5 million KRW (except for the 199㎡ units) along with a 60% interest-free benefit on interim payments to reduce the initial financial burden on contract holders. The second contract deposit is due about a month later, with the remaining amount after subtracting the first deposit of 5 million KRW from 10% of the contract price. Notably, an ‘Ansim Jeonmae’ (Safe Resale) program will be introduced, allowing contract holders to resell their subscription rights before the first interim payment, significantly reducing their financial burden.
The model house will be located in the Gapyeong area, and move-in is scheduled for mid-2023.
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