Apartment complexes in Seoul are seen from Mount Bulam on May 16, 2026. Photo by Hyojoon Jeon / UPI
May 20 (Asia Today) -- The number of first-time homebuyers in Seoul reached its highest level in four years and five months in April, as more mid-priced homes entered the market ahead of the end of a capital gains tax relief period for multiple-home owners.
According to the Supreme Court's real estate registry data system, 7,341 buyers applied for ownership transfer registration after purchasing their first condominium-style property in Seoul in April.
The figure was the highest since November 2021, when 7,886 first-time buyers were recorded during a housing market boom. The April number could rise further because ownership transfer registration can be filed within 60 days after final payment.
Market analysts said multiple-home owners appear to be selling properties other than their most valuable homes before the capital gains tax relief period ends. That has increased supply in outer Seoul districts and lower-priced housing markets, drawing more first-time buyers.
