Despite Layered Regulations in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, Yangpyeong Enjoys a 'Solo Boom'

- Apartment Transactions in Yangpyeong Reach 4,038 Units from January to June, Over 11 Times Increase Compared to Same Period Last Year
- All New Apartments Launched in Yangpyeong This Year Closed with High Competition Rates at First Priority

Since last year, as the government has been imposing various regulations mainly in the Seoul metropolitan area, the few remaining non-regulated areas in the metropolitan region have been enjoying a "solo boom."

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, there are currently only seven non-regulated areas in the metropolitan region: Yangpyeong, Yeoncheon, Pocheon, Dongducheon, Gapyeong, Yeoju, and Icheon. Unlike most metropolitan areas subject to loan and subscription regulations, these areas are relatively free from restrictions.

In the metropolitan non-regulated areas, the loan limits are LTV 70% and DTI 60%, which are higher than those in regulated areas (speculative overheated zones LTV·DTI 40%, adjusted target areas LTV·DTI 50%), resulting in less loan burden. Also, if the subscription savings account has been held for more than one year and the deposit amount by region and area is met, both the head of household and household members can apply for first-priority subscription regardless of home ownership, and resale of pre-sale rights is allowed six months after the winner announcement date.

For these reasons, apartment transaction volumes in metropolitan non-regulated areas have significantly increased this year, and the subscription results of newly supplied complexes have also been excellent.

In fact, an analysis of apartment transaction volumes by administrative district from the Korea Real Estate Board shows that from January to June this year, a total of 14,119 apartments were traded in the seven metropolitan non-regulated areas. This is more than 2.8 times the 5,120 transactions during the same period last year.

In particular, Yangpyeong, where improved accessibility to Seoul is expected due to transportation network expansion, has seen a remarkable increase in apartment transactions. Last year, from January to June, Yangpyeong-gun recorded only 360 apartment transactions, but this year it surged more than 11 times to 4,038 transactions. This is the highest apartment transaction volume among the seven non-regulated areas.

The subscription results of new apartments launched in Yangpyeong-gun are also outstanding. In March, ‘Yangpyeong Station Hanla Vivaldi’ recorded an average subscription competition rate of 13.5 to 1, with 14,040 applicants for 1,039 general sale units (phases 1 and 2), successfully closing all unit types in the first priority. Subsequently, ‘The Sharp Yangpyeong Riverforet’ by POSCO Construction also achieved a first-priority closing with an average competition rate of 28.7 to 1.

An industry insider said, “While most areas in the metropolitan region are designated as regulated zones, metropolitan non-regulated areas with excellent accessibility to Seoul and pleasant natural environments seem to be gaining popularity.” He added, “Especially, with the recent preliminary feasibility study approval of the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway, accessibility to Seoul is expected to improve significantly, focusing demand on Yangpyeong.”

Meanwhile, a new complex scheduled for sale in Yangpyeong this September is attracting attention.

SM Woobang Industry announced that it will launch ‘Yangpyeong Woobang IU Shell Eco River,’ a complex consisting of three buildings with 219 units ranging from two basement floors to 18 floors, in Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do next month. The complex is expected to receive strong demand as it offers pleasant living conditions, excellent accessibility to Seoul, and the premium of being in a non-regulated area.

‘Yangpyeong Woobang IU Shell Eco River’ also boasts a location where residents can enjoy the clean environment of the Namhan River right next door. Along the riverside is ‘Gangsan Sports Park,’ where residents can enjoy leisure, relaxation, and sports activities close to home. The park is well equipped with various sports facilities such as a park golf course, artificial turf soccer field, baseball field, tennis courts, as well as leisure facilities including a camping site, silver grass forest, and walking trails.

Transportation conditions are also excellent. Through Yanggeundaegyo Bridge located right in front of the complex, residents can quickly access Yangpyeong Station, which serves KTX and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. Using KTX from Yangpyeong Station, it takes about 20 minutes to Cheongnyangni Station and about 50 minutes to Seoul Station.

In particular, Yangpyeong-gun is currently undergoing construction of the ‘Metropolitan Area 2nd Ring Expressway Yangpyeong-Hwado (scheduled for 2022)’ and the ‘Yangpyeong-Icheon Expressway (scheduled to open in 2026),’ and the ‘Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway’ recently passed the preliminary feasibility study, so accessibility to Seoul is expected to improve further in the future.

‘Yangpyeong Woobang IU Shell Eco River,’ which is attracting attention not only from actual users but also investors, is scheduled for sale in September, and the model house will be located in Yangpyeong-gun.