- Stricter Apartment Regulations Shift Investors’ Attention to Officetels, Which Are Exempt from Restrictions
- Seoul Officetel Transactions Surpass 7,500, Marking a 19.2% Increase Year-on-Year
Recently, people in their 20s and 30s are redefining what it means to "own a home." In the past, the goal was to buy an apartment, but now the focus has shifted to finding "a space I can afford, a home I can live in right now." As a result, officetels have emerged as a realistic option.
Officetels were previously regarded mainly as products for investment or rental income. However, there has been a noticeable increase in demand for actual residence in recent years. While it is true that the demand for monthly rentals has risen, leading to higher yields, the more significant change is that more people are actually living in these spaces. Especially among one- to two-person households and newlyweds, there is a growing perception that "this is enough."
Apartments are often too large, frequently located on the outskirts, and come with high price tags. In contrast, officetels are commonly built closer to city centers and feature compact layouts with only the necessary functions, making them popular. Their convenient locations allow for easy commuting and access to transportation and daily amenities, which are key advantages of officetels.
Recently supplied officetels are becoming more upscale, with interior designs and finishes comparable to apartments. They now offer larger exclusive spaces and improved features for actual residence, such as separate kitchens and bathrooms. As more consumers in their 20s and 30s prioritize "quality of life," officetels are evolving from simple rental properties to spaces that meet the conditions of "my own place."
An industry insider commented, "The 2030 generation is not just looking to buy a house, but seeking a foundation that will provide stability to their life rhythm. In this sense, officetels are seen as a balanced option in terms of practicality, location, price, and space configuration."
Amid this trend, Hyundai Engineering & Construction's officetel project "Hillstate JangAn Central," constructed in Dongdaemun District, Seoul, is currently offering some units for sale on a first-come, first-served basis, drawing significant attention from potential buyers.
"Hillstate JangAn Central," located in Jangandong, Dongdaemun District, Seoul, is a residential officetel complex with six basement levels and 20 above-ground floors, offering a total of 369 units with exclusive areas ranging from 38 to 78 square meters. The officetel units are situated on the 3rd to 20th floors, while neighborhood living facilities occupy the first basement to the second floor above ground.
The remaining units available for first-come, first-served sale at "Hillstate JangAn Central" are 59 and 78 square meters, and can be owned with an investment of around 100 million won. With lower acquisition and property taxes, the complex is attracting interest both from those looking to live there and from investors.
The complex is noted for its excellent transportation environment, product competitiveness, various development benefits, and abundant living infrastructure.
The complex offers outstanding accessibility to business districts. Janghanpyeong Station on Subway Line 5 is about 1 kilometer away, providing access to major business districts in Seoul such as Yeouido, City Hall, and Gangnam within approximately 30 minutes. In addition, the area is well-connected by major roads such as the Naebu Expressway and Dongbu Expressway, making commuting by car convenient as well.
The transportation environment is expected to improve further in the future. The Myeonmok Line light rail, which will connect Cheongnyangni Station through Jangandong to Sinnae Station, is scheduled for completion in 2030. The undergrounding project for the Dongbu Expressway has also begun, with opening planned for 2029.
The product competitiveness is also a highlight. The complex is equipped with the "HI-oT" system, which allows residents to monitor and control lighting, heating, and elevator calls via smartphone. Various smart systems have been implemented, including energy-saving, safety, and air purification systems. Community facilities such as a fitness center, an imagination library, and a clubhouse are also available.
The surrounding area offers abundant living infrastructure. Located in the heart of Jangandong's main commercial district, residents have easy access to amenities such as Lotte Department Store Cheongnyangni Branch, Samyuk Seoul Hospital, and Homeplus Dongdaemun Branch. In addition, the main building of Seegene Medical Foundation, which relocated in September, is within walking distance, significantly enhancing the area's medical infrastructure. These locational advantages are leading to increased residential demand and raising the value of the complex as an investment.
Leisure and green spaces are also excellent. About a five-minute walk from the complex is a sports park along Jungnangcheon Stream, offering facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, foot volleyball court, and basketball court. In addition, various green spaces such as Jangpyeong Neighborhood Park, JangAn Neighborhood Park, Dapsimni Park, and the Baebongsan Trail are nearby, allowing residents to enjoy a pleasant leisure lifestyle even in the city.
Meanwhile, detailed information about additional sales at "Hillstate JangAn Central" can be found on the official website or through phone consultations.
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