Popularity of Brand Apartments Is Greater in Provinces

- Various specialized designs and community facilities, still popular in the branded apartment sales market
- KCC Construction's brand power continuing the premium, 'Donghae Proud Sweethen' to be supplied in Donghae-si, Gangwon-do

Brand apartments have now established themselves as a guaranteed success in the real estate market. When buyers apply for or purchase apartments, whether a brand construction company is responsible for the construction ranks high among the various conditions considered.

Apartments constructed by brand construction companies come with various specialized designs and community facilities, ensuring product value and raising expectations that they can become flagship apartments leading local market prices. Therefore, even for apartments offered in the same area, the construction company involved significantly affects subscription results.

For example, an analysis of the top 50 nationwide apartments with over 100 units that completed sales last year, based on subscription competition rates from the Korea Real Estate Agency’s Subscription Home, revealed that more than 60% were brand apartments built by construction companies with high rankings in construction capability evaluations.

In particular, this preference for brand apartments is even more pronounced in provincial cities, attracting attention. This is attributed to the higher scarcity value of brand apartments in provinces compared to the metropolitan area.

According to the Korea Real Estate Agency’s Subscription Home, in January this year, GS Construction’s “Gangneung Xi Fine Venue” in Gangneung City attracted 7,620 subscription applications for 552 units, recording an all-time high average competition rate of 13.15 to 1 in Gangneung City and closing all types at the first priority subscription. This was a case that demonstrated the power of brand apartments even in Gangwon Province, once considered a graveyard for unsold units.

On the other hand, apartments by small and medium-sized construction companies in nearby areas showed relatively poor results. In September last year, Dongdo Construction’s “KTX Gangneung Station Dongdo Centrum” in Gangneung City failed to meet the first priority subscription for all 171 units and only closed at the second priority subscription, avoiding unsold units.

An industry insider explained, “Brand apartments continue to receive strong responses in the sales market because they offer convenient living through each construction company’s specialized designs and large-scale community facilities. Especially in small and medium-sized provincial cities where brand apartments are scarce, the preference for brand apartments is more pronounced as they offer product value not experienced in the area.”

As demand for brand apartments in small and medium-sized provincial cities continues, brand apartment supply is scheduled in Donghae City, Gangwon Province, attracting buyers’ attention. The main project is “Donghae Proud Sweethen,” supplied by Daehan Land Trust and KCC Construction in the Buksam District of Donghae City in May.

Donghae Proud Sweethen is planned to be built across five buildings, ranging from two basement floors to a maximum of 25 floors above ground, with a total of 431 units and exclusive areas ranging from 50 to 166 square meters throughout Donghae City.

Since the complex is constructed by KCC Construction, which has high brand preference and excellent product value, residents can enjoy various premiums. First, as we enter the post-COVID-19 era with increased time spent indoors, specialized designs tailored to consumers’ needs for space utilization are introduced. Each type features a 4-bay slab-type cross-ventilation structure and a tower-type specialized floor plan to enhance residential comfort, while alpha rooms, pantry spaces, and master bedroom dressing rooms expand storage space to maximize space utilization.

Additionally, cutting-edge residential systems never before experienced in Donghae City will be introduced. Residents can easily control the home network system via smartphone apps and IoT systems, and enjoy smart daily life conveniences such as automatic opening of the main entrance door through facial recognition and automatic elevator calls.

Moreover, as befitting a brand apartment, various community facilities such as a fitness club, a golf practice range equipped with the latest swing analysis system, GX rooms, daycare centers, senior citizen centers, and moms’ cafes will be established, further maximizing residents’ living convenience.

Meanwhile, the Buksam District, where the complex is located, is known for its excellent residential infrastructure within Donghae City, attracting significant interest. It is adjacent to the Donghae Expressway and National Route 7, providing convenient access to nearby cities in Gangwon Province, and boasts excellent transportation infrastructure with KTX Donghae Station within 2 km. Furthermore, it offers excellent proximity to surrounding industrial complexes for easy commuting. The area also features Donghae’s top Buksam prestigious school district within walking distance, attracting considerable demand from parents with children.

The complex’s outstanding location within the Buksam District is another highlight. Nearby schools include Buksam Elementary and Cheongun Elementary, as well as Gwanghui Middle, Gwanghui High, and Bukpyeong High, all known for their excellent academic reputation in Donghae City. The Donghae City Buksam Library and various academies are also close by, providing an excellent educational environment. Additionally, a 12,000-pyeong-scale Donghae Park (planned) will be developed right next to the complex, and some units will offer beautiful views of the Donghae Sea, allowing residents to experience an eco-friendly lifestyle in harmony with nature.

Meanwhile, since the complex is supplied in a non-regulated small and medium-sized city, it is expected to attract considerable attention as it is free from various subscription regulations. Buyers aged 19 or older residing in Donghae City and Gangwon Province who have held a subscription account for more than six months can apply for first priority subscriptions. Homeowners and household members can also apply for first priority subscriptions if they meet the eligibility conditions. Furthermore, there are no resale restrictions.

The model house for Donghae Proud Sweethen will be set up within Donghae City and is scheduled to open in May.