Recently, construction companies are increasingly operating cyber model homes instead of physical model homes. This practice is mainly adopted in high-priced complexes, particularly in the Gangnam District 3 (Gangnam, Seocho, Songpa) and Yongsan District. The construction industry has responded that it can reduce unnecessary business expenditures, but some demand groups have expressed discomfort about not being able to see the actual buildings.
According to the remodeling industry on the 28th, Lotte Construction opened the model home for Jamsil LEEL, which was rebuilt from the Jamsil Miseong and Crova Apartments, online as a cyber model instead of a physical one. Previously, the 'Hillstate e-Pyeonhansesang Munjeong', sold in November 2023, 'Raemian One Pentas', sold in July of last year, and 'Cheongdam LEEL', sold in September of the same year, also opted for cyber model homes without physical representations.
Raemian One Pellaran, which was sold in February this year, operated a physical model home for three days before subsequently operating only a cyber model home. 'Acro de Seocho', which is scheduled for sale in the second half of this year, is also considering releasing only a cyber model home.
Cyber model homes are a service that allows potential buyers to experience the internal structures of different types of complexes slated for sale in an online virtual reality (VR) environment. It emerged as a solution to alleviate inconvenient situations caused by overcrowding, where tens of thousands of people flocked to specific apartment model homes.
The cyber model home received attention during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when visiting physical model homes became challenging. Recently, it has garnered renewed interest due to cost-saving reasons. Operating a cyber model home can be done at one-tenth the cost of running a physical model home.
Model homes are installed to promote apartments to general sale customers, not to association members. The construction industry has noted that as the price cap system is applied in regions like Gangnam District 3 and Yongsan District, where neighboring complexes are forming high price ranges, there is significant general sale demand, making it unnecessary for the association to invest in physical model homes.
In cases of limited general sale units, there is also a preference for cyber model homes. 'Hillstate e-Pyeonhansesang Munjeong' has a total of 1,265 units, of which 299 units are for general sale.
A representative of a large construction company noted, "Physical model homes require space to be secured and entail installation and demolition costs nearby, and labor costs are much higher than those of operating a cyber model home. Depending on the size of the complex, the cost difference could exceed tenfold."
Another construction company representative stated, "Recently, young generations, who are the primary interest group in subscriptions, have also adapted well to cyber model homes, with some finding them more convenient than physical model homes. While physical model homes limit the number of units that can be designed by area and type, online offerings can detail and separate every area and type, which is also a strength."
However, demanders have expressed that since they are purchasing apartments worth tens of millions to billions of won, they believe they should see the actual units. Kwon (35), who visited a model home in a recent sale complex in Seoul, said, "I fully understand that cyber model homes are advantageous in terms of expense or convenience. However, just as some people prefer to try on clothes before buying, some want to see the apartment directly to feel assured, so it is disappointing when only cyber model homes are operated."