An official commentary from a private real estate market research firm questioned whether the government's three rounds of ultra-strong measures had any policy effect. It is quite unusual for a private firm to issue such strongly worded criticism of the government's policy.
On the 26th, Real Estate R114 released its weekly "nationwide apartment weekly market conditions" and offered an overall view. Real Estate R114 said, "In the one year since the launch of the Lee Jae-myung administration (June 2025–May 2026), Seoul apartment prices have cumulatively surged more than 15%, and nationwide the increase stands at around 9%." It added, "Considering that under the current administration three major rounds (the June 27 measures, the Oct. 15 measures, and the reinstatement of heavy capital-gains taxes on multiple-home owners, among others) of ultra-strong measures were implemented, it is doubtful whether there was truly any price suppression due to policy effects."
It also explained, "A closer look by subdividing into individual areas confirms that over the one year of the current administration, non-Gangnam districts such as Gwangjin, Dongjak, Jung, Gangdong, and Seongdong in Seoul jumped more than 20%, and in Gyeonggi Province, Seongnam, Gwangmyeong, Hanam, Anyang, Yongin, and Gwacheon saw apartment prices pop more than 10%." Looking at the one-year increase since the administration launched, Seongdong District was highest at 25.71%, followed by Gwangjin (23.19%), Dongjak (21.69%), Jung (21.32%), and Gangdong (20.86%).
Real Estate R114 also said, "It is time to watch whether the various steps the government is preparing—such as tax reform, supply expansion, institutional improvements, and financial regulations—might pivot starting next month with tax reform and a major forum."
In the survey released that day, nationwide apartment sale prices in the fourth week of June rose 0.13%. By region, Seoul rose 0.14% and Gyeonggi-Incheon rose 0.17%, with the greater Seoul area up 0.16%. Outside the capital region, the five major metropolitan cities recorded 0.02% and other provinces 0.04%.
Among the 17 provinces and cities nationwide, 12 rose and 5 fell, making the upward trend stand out. By area, ▲South Jeolla (0.23%) ▲Gyeonggi (0.20%) ▲Seoul (0.14%) ▲North Jeolla (0.11%) increased. Regions that fell were mostly other provinces, including Gangwon, North Gyeongsang, and Jeju.
The nationwide monthly change rate for May was 0.53%, widening from April (0.49%). On a monthly basis, ▲Gyeonggi (0.76%) ▲Seoul (0.65%) led nationwide prices.
Meanwhile, nationwide apartment jeonse prices in the fourth week of June rose 0.14%. Seoul rose 0.15% and Gyeonggi-Incheon climbed 0.18%, with the capital region up 0.17%. The five major metropolitan cities and other provinces rose 0.06% and 0.08%, respectively.