Daewon’s “Gimpo Cantavil Edition” Draws Attention as Seoul Apartment Pre-sale Prices Hit Record Highs

Seoul Apartment Pre-sale Prices Soar... Surpassing 50 Million Won per Pyeong, 1.5 Billion Won for Standard Units Becomes the Norm
Which New Apartments in Gyeonggi with Deregulation and Location Premiums Stand Out This Year?

Due to the impact of rising raw material prices, the average pre-sale price of apartments in Seoul has surpassed the 40 million won range and even reached the 50 million won mark per 3.3 square meters for the first time in a year. This has resulted in a severe price polarization, with the gap between pre-sale prices in Seoul and other regions widening to more than 2.5 times. As a result, this year is expected to see an increase in the number of "Seoul leavers"-buyers who find it difficult to afford soaring Seoul housing prices and are moving to deregulated areas in Gyeonggi Province such as Gimpo, where loan thresholds are lower and future value is higher.

According to the "Private Apartment Pre-sale Price Trends" released by the Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG) as of the end of November 2025, the average pre-sale price per square meter for newly launched private apartments in Seoul over the past year was 15,257,000 won, representing a 7.25% increase from the previous month.

When converted to the standard 3.3 square meters (per pyeong), this amounts to 50,436,000 won. This means that it took only a year and a half to surpass the 50 million won threshold after first breaking the 40 million won mark at 41 million won per pyeong in June 2024. The idea of a "national average apartment (exclusive area 84 square meters) costing 1.5 billion won" in major areas of Seoul, which was unimaginable just a few years ago, has now become the norm.

The reasons for this surge in pre-sale prices are complex. The recent high won-dollar exchange rate, which has remained in the upper 1,400 won range, has led to sharp increases in the prices of imported raw materials such as rebar, ready-mixed concrete, and aggregates. Additionally, rising interest rates have increased financial costs. Furthermore, stricter environmental and quality regulations-such as mandatory zero-energy building certification and post-construction noise verification-have also contributed to higher construction costs.

The increase in pre-sale prices is expected to intensify in 2026. According to the Housing Industry Research Institute, the apartment pre-sale price outlook index for January 2026 rose by 12.7 points from the previous month to 114.3, indicating that the upward trend in pre-sale prices is likely to continue this year.

The real issue is the polarization between Seoul and other regions. In fact, according to HUG data, the nationwide average pre-sale price per pyeong is only 20.01 million won, resulting in a gap of 2.5 times compared to Seoul. Even compared to Gyeonggi Province, which borders Seoul (average 23.78 million won per pyeong), the difference is more than twofold.

As a result, demand for "leaving Seoul" has surged in the capital region's pre-sale market, with real buyers flocking to deregulated areas in the western part of Gyeonggi Province that offer good accessibility to Seoul. These deregulated areas are attractive because they are free from restrictions such as resale and re-selection limits, and there are no reductions in loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, making it relatively easier to secure loan funds. In particular, Gimpo is drawing attention from real buyers in the capital region due to the deregulation premium, ongoing plans for the extension of Seoul Subway Line 5, and the planned GTX-D line, all of which are expected to provide transportation benefits.

In fact, last year, deregulated areas in Gyeonggi Province with excellent accessibility to Seoul saw unsold inventory quickly absorbed or recorded high subscription competition rates. For example, the "Pungmu Station Prugio The Mark" near Pungmu Station in Gimpo received 9,721 applications for 558 units, resulting in a high first-priority competition rate of 17.4 to 1. In Incheon Metropolitan City, the "Incheon Geomdan Hoban Summit Phase 3" in Geomdan New Town closed with an impressive 43.6 to 1 competition rate.

Inquiries about ongoing pre-sale complexes remain steady. For example, "Gimpo Cantavil Edition" (a total of 612 units), developed by Daewon Co., Ltd. in the Bukbyeon 2 District of Bukbyeon-dong, Gimpo City, is offering exclusive 84-square-meter units in the 600 million won range, making homeownership possible at a price lower than the average jeonse (long-term deposit lease) in Seoul. The complex is within walking distance of Geolpo Bukbyeon Station on the Gimpo Gold Line, and the planned Seoul Subway Line 5 Gamjeong Station (currently under consideration) is nearby. Once opened, this will significantly improve access to central Seoul areas such as Yeouido and Gwanghwamun.

The area also boasts excellent living infrastructure. Major schools such as Gimpo Elementary School, Gimpo Middle School, Gimpo Girls’ Middle School, and Gimpo High School are nearby, as is the Sayeok private education district. Additionally, Homeplus, Emart Traders, CGV, and Gimpo City Hall are all close, ensuring convenient living.

Other notable complexes in deregulated areas of the capital region this year include "Guri Station Hainity River Park," constructed by a consortium of DL E&C, GS E&C, and SK Ecoplant. Located in Sutaek-dong, Guri City, the complex comprises a total of 3,022 units and is scheduled for pre-sale in February.

In Osan City, GS E&C opened a model home for "North Osan Xi Riverble City" on January 16 and began pre-sales. The complex will consist of 1,275 units and is adjacent to the North Osan IC on the Second Capital Area Ring Expressway. In Uijeongbu-dong, Uijeongbu City, HDC Hyundai Development Company plans to launch pre-sales for "Uijeongbu Central City IPark" (413 apartment units and 80 officetel units).

Kwon Il, head of research at Real Estate Info, commented, "As Seoul pre-sale prices continue to skyrocket, the trend of real buyers moving en masse to key deregulated locations in Gyeonggi Province adjacent to Seoul will persist." He added, "Since there is a high likelihood of further increases in pre-sale prices this year, the most reliable strategy for real buyers is to secure a home in a deregulated area with good accessibility to Seoul."