- Regional Leading 'Daegangju Apartment' Continues Upward Trend Despite Nationwide Market Slump
- Recent Intensification of Preference for 'Smart One Home'
Recently, homebuyers have been actively seeking the region's representative "daejangju apartments."
The term "daejangju" refers to stocks that lead price increases and trading in the stock market. In real estate, it denotes apartments that possess the best location conditions, apartment brand, and large complex size in the area, making them the most expensive and influential on surrounding market prices.
These "daejangju apartments" are characterized by continuing price increases even during downturns. According to KB Real Estate, as of June this year, the nationwide sales price index was 89.3, marking a decline for seven consecutive months. It decreased by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points each month from 90.2 in November last year.
On the other hand, as of June this year, the "Leading Apartment 50 Index" stood at 94.7, rising for four consecutive months since March. The "Leading Apartment 50 Index" selects the top 50 most expensive apartment complexes nationwide and quantifies their index and rate of change, serving as an indicator to gauge the price trends of "daejangju apartments." Notably, it rose by 0.6 percentage points in the past month, showing a clear upward trend. Amid a nationwide market slump, the value of "daejangju apartments" is actually increasing.
Real estate experts say, "Daejangju apartments, which have overwhelming scale and symbolism among various advantages, generally receive higher residential value evaluations after occupancy than during the initial sale period." They added, "Especially with recent expectations of interest rate cuts, the preference for a 'smart single home' is intensifying. Daejangju apartments are the most representative examples of 'smart single homes,' so homebuyers are recommended to carefully find out which 'daejangju apartment' represents their area."
Amid the increasing prominence of "daejangju apartment" values during the real estate downturn, the next representative "daejangju apartment" of Gwangju Metropolitan City is attracting attention. Lotte Construction is introducing "Jungang Park Lotte Castle Signature" in the Geumho-dong area of Seo-gu, Gwangju, with some units currently available for first-come, first-served floor and unit designation contracts.
"Jungang Park Lotte Castle Signature" is evaluated as a worthy next "daejangju apartment" for Gwangju. First, its unique residential value as Gwangju's largest private park special project draws attention. The "Jungang Park 1 District," which houses this complex, is the largest among the nine private park special projects promoted by Gwangju Metropolitan City, covering 2,435,516㎡. It includes a large lake park, eight themed forests, and eleven village forests, promising a natural residential environment not found elsewhere. Additionally, the large brand, over 2,000 households in a large complex, and a composition mainly of medium to large-sized units stand out.
High residential convenience is also expected. The complex is near the Sangmu district, considered Gwangju's central commercial area, and adjacent to various commercial facilities such as Lotte Outlet and Lotte Mart. Also, elementary, middle, and high schools like Hwajeongnam Elementary, Hwage Elementary, and Pungam High School are within walking distance.
Transportation benefits are notable as well. Two stations on the first phase of Gwangju Subway Line 2 (scheduled for 2026) will be within walking distance of the complex, promising a station-area premium. Currently, fast vehicle movement is possible via the 2nd Ring Road and Sangmu-daero, and the distance to Seogwangju Station on the Gyeongjeon Line is also close.
World-class luxury finishing materials also attract attention. The kitchens are furnished with Arclinea, one of the world's top three kitchen furniture brands, the renowned German kitchen brand Nolte, and the high-end kitchen furniture brand Dada. Bathrooms feature brands with 150 years of history like KOHLER, the famous Italian brand Atlas Concorde, and Stile. Most of these are provided as standard options when balconies are extended.
Facilities for residents are abundant. A sky lounge will be created on the 28th floor to offer views of Jungang Park right in front of the complex, along with a luxury sauna. Various resident-exclusive community facilities are planned, including a senior club, study room, book caf?, guest rooms, fitness center, golf club, and daycare center.
Additionally, a total of 5,385 parking spaces have been provided to accommodate about two vehicles per household, with 1,960 parking spaces planned as expandable. Household storage in front of the entrance maximizes residential space efficiency.
These various advantages have led to a successful subscription. "Jungang Park Lotte Castle Signature" attracted over 7,000 subscription accounts, making it the most subscribed project in Gwangju this year. Analysts say the expectation that it will become Gwangju's next "daejangju apartment" translated into the subscription results.
A sales official said, "With Gwangju's highest-ever product quality and unique residential value, interest from homebuyers continues," adding, "Recently, with the 'smart single home' craze, inquiries about sales have surged even more," describing the on-site atmosphere.
Meanwhile, "Jungang Park Lotte Castle Signature," located in the Geumho-dong area of Seo-gu, Gwangju, consists of 39 buildings from three basement floors to 28 floors above ground, with a total of 2,772 units ranging from 84 to 233㎡, of which 2,364 units are for general sale. It is divided into three blocks: △1BL (929 units, 114?233㎡) △2-1BL (915 units, 121?166㎡) △2-2BL (928 units, 84?166㎡). The model house is located in the Sangmunuri-ro area of Seo-gu, Gwangju, with move-in scheduled for August 2027.
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