[2026 Outlook] Thirty-Six Experts Name Gangnam as Top Candidate for Highest Housing Price Growth in 2026 [Real Estate AtoZ]

Thirteen Experts Say "Gangnam to Lead Price Growth"
Redevelopment Projects Enter Full Swing
Songpa and Seocho Follow Close Behind
"Full-Scale Redevelopment to Exert Upward Pressure"
Seongdong Tops Non-Gangnam Areas
Mixed-Use Developments in

Thirty-six experts identified Gangnam District in Seoul (13 respondents) as the area expected to see the highest increase in housing prices this year. They cited reasons such as "inelastic supply" and an "irreplaceable location." This year, the supply of new housing in Gangnam District is noticeably lower than in previous years, and large-scale redevelopment projects in areas like Apgujeong and Gaepo-dong are entering full swing, which is expected to drive an overall rise in prices.

Together with Gangnam District, Songpa District (8 respondents) and Seocho District (7 respondents), which are collectively known as the "Gangnam 3 Districts," are also expected to experience rising housing prices. Songpa District is characterized by a high proportion of apartment complexes and a concentration of large-scale developments, making it highly sensitive to market fluctuations. Experts analyzed that the full-scale redevelopment of symbolic, aging complexes such as the Olympic Athletes' Village and the Asian Athletes' Village will exert strong upward pressure on prices. In Seocho District, the continued move-in of large branded complexes such as Banpo Raemian Trini One and The H Bangbae is cited as a major reason for the increase, as the "new construction premium" is expected to strongly stimulate the surrounding market.

Outside of the Gangnam area, many experts highlighted Seongdong District (5 respondents) as having a high potential to rank first in price growth. Seongdong District has a relatively lower entry barrier compared to the Gangnam 3 Districts. In addition, the active mixed-use development of work and residential spaces in the Seongsu and Wangsimni areas is considered a key strength. Yongsan District (2 respondents) is seen as an area directly hit by a shortage of urban supply, and with large-scale development projects such as the Yongsan International Business District becoming more visible, there are predictions that it could record the highest rate of increase. The strong pent-up demand compared to limited supply is seen as creating significant downward rigidity in prices.

Other areas selected by multiple experts are characterized by strong demand related to policy themes and proximity between workplaces and residences. In Bundang District, Seongnam City (2 respondents), the market's main driving force is seen as the increasing visibility of redevelopment projects following the designation of the area as a leading site for the first-generation new city reconstruction. Suji District, Yongin City (2 respondents), is noted for its significant role as a hinterland for Gangnam and Pangyo, and the potential for a "balloon effect" due to last year's sharp price increases in Seoul was also cited as a reason.