Stricter Apartment Regulations, Including Lending Restrictions and Owner-Occupancy Requirements,
Drive End-Users Toward Officetels
'Giselle Lifegraphy Seocho' Gains Attention for Its Competitive Edge in Transportation, Culture, Education, and Lifestyle Infrastructure
Since the announcement of the October 15 real estate measures, a clear divergence has emerged in transaction trends between apartments and officetels in Seoul's housing market. As strict regulations have been concentrated on apartments, demand is shifting toward officetels, which are relatively less affected by these policies.
According to Zigbang, the number of officetel sales transactions in Seoul rose by about 32%, from 1,001 cases in the 46 days prior to the policy to 1,322 cases after its implementation. In contrast, apartment transactions in Seoul plummeted by approximately 62% during the same period, from 14,038 to 5,367 cases. The apartment market appears to have been directly impacted by the simultaneous application of stricter lending regulations, the expansion of land transaction permit zones, and the designation of additional regulated areas.
By region, the increase in officetel transactions was particularly notable in Dongjak-gu (+233%), Seodaemun-gu (+120%), and Nowon-gu and Seongbuk-gu (+100%). In terms of actual transaction volume, major business and downtown districts such as Gangnam-gu (128 cases), Yeongdeungpo-gu (122 cases), Mapo-gu (119 cases), and Songpa-gu (117 cases) led the way. This trend reflects ongoing transactions in areas where both demand for proximity to workplaces and rental demand are strong.
By floor area, the market continued to favor small and medium-sized units. Transactions were concentrated in the segments below 40 square meters and between 40 and 60 square meters, while larger units over 85 square meters maintained previous levels without significant increase. Analysts note that, given the demand for both residential use and rental income, the preference for small and medium-sized officetels has remained largely unchanged.
A real estate industry official commented, "The increase in officetel transactions is a signal that reflects both a short-term response and the potential for structural changes in the market," adding, "It will be important to monitor both the regulatory stance and demand trends going forward."
Amid these market dynamics, 'Giselle Lifegraphy Seocho', located in the prime area of Seocho-dong, is attracting attention from buyers. With a focus on units ranging from 56 to 69 square meters, the development aligns with the current demand for small and medium-sized officetels, and its layouts are designed with real residential use in mind-a key strength.
'Giselle Lifegraphy Seocho' consists of 399 units across 6 basement levels and 22 above-ground floors. The main layout features two bedrooms and two bathrooms within 56 to 69 square meters, with specialized designs for dressing rooms and storage, catering efficiently to the living patterns of one- to three-person households. Some units include complimentary balconies, increasing usable space, while all units feature premium finishes and complimentary interior upgrades for a high-quality residential environment.
The design of shared spaces also stands out. Amenities such as an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, golf practice range, and rooftop garden enhance the completeness of the development as an urban residential product. On the first floor, a lobby and public open space replace commercial facilities, contributing to a sense of openness and comfort throughout the complex. Sculptures placed throughout the lobby further elevate the ambiance of the space.
The location's competitiveness is also clear. Situated within walking distance of the triple subway stations-Gyodae Station, Seocho Station, and Nambu Terminal Station on Lines 2 and 3-the development offers excellent access to major business districts in Gangnam and Seocho. It is also adjacent to cultural and medical infrastructure such as the Seoul Arts Center, National Library of Korea, and Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, providing strong advantages in terms of everyday convenience.
In addition, large-scale development projects such as the Seoripul Mixed-Use Development and the creation of the AI Future Convergence Innovation Special Zone around Yangjae, Umyeon, and Gaepo are underway nearby. If the influx of business and research professionals and the expansion of living infrastructure progress simultaneously, analysts predict that the residential demand base could expand further in the mid- to long-term.
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