While the number of new housing units scheduled for move-in in the metropolitan area in the second half of 2026 has dropped sharply compared to the previous year, subscriptions in key areas like Banpo continue, drawing the attention of prospective buyers. With recent rising subscription prices, market polarization is intensifying, with price gaps between new and older buildings in the same neighborhood exceeding threefold. In this situation, simply extending the duration of your subscription account is no longer enough; converting your account type and verifying loan eligibility have become critical factors determining the success of your contract after winning a subscription. Based on the latest policies and market trends as of today, we provide you with an essential checklist.
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2026 H2 Housing Subscription Strategy: Account Conversion and Loan Regulation Checklist
1. Why Converting Your Account Is Urgent Until September 2027
If you hold an older housing subscription savings account or a general subscription savings account, now is the golden time to convert it. The grace period for converting existing accounts to the Comprehensive Housing Subscription Savings Account ends on September 30, 2027. Converting your account expands the range of eligible housing, allowing you to target subscriptions in preferred areas or types. Especially now, as the supply of new apartment units decreases and opportunities to switch are becoming scarce, broadening your account scope is more advantageous. If you have an old account that has been accumulating for more than five years, you should visit a financial institution promptly to proceed with the conversion.
You must convert your existing subscription account to a Comprehensive Housing Subscription Savings Account by September 30, 2027, to expand the range of eligible housing.
2. What Are the Chances of Winning a Subscription Despite Reduced Move-in Units?
According to real estate information firms, the total number of housing units scheduled for move-in nationwide is expected to remain at around 44,000 by year-end due to sluggish construction starts. However, since the supply of new apartments in the metropolitan area is limited, applying for subscriptions in areas with low supply increases the probability of winning. Conversely, areas with high new supply tend to have fierce competition. In regions like Incheon, rising new subscription prices and an increase in unsold units are occurring simultaneously, making it crucial to carefully compare locations and market prices. In popular areas like the Gangnam district, high subscription competition rates are still expected.
The decrease in move-in units signals reduced supply, so competition rates in areas with limited new apartment supply may be relatively lower.
3. Regulatory Easing Trends That Alleviate Loan Concerns
The concern of “I might win the subscription, but where will I get the money?” is the biggest burden for genuine homebuyers. Recently, financial authorities have hinted at flexibly adjusting loan systems to help first-time homebuyers secure their own homes. If regulations on interim and final payment loans are eased, the psychological burden regarding contract fulfillment after winning a subscription will be significantly reduced. However, since not all loans are applied equally, the limit amount may vary depending on your income and existing loan history. You should verify the exact loanable amount in advance by consulting with the Korea Finance Authority or your primary bank before applying for a subscription.
While loan regulations for genuine homebuyers are being eased, the exact loan limit varies based on your income and credit status, so prior consultation is essential.
4. Is This Shortcut a Trap or an Opportunity?
Cases of transferring move-in rights without selling the property or applying for subscriptions through irregular channels are being detected. The number of cases where contracts were canceled due to fraudulent subscriptions is increasing, and it is analyzed that a significant portion of cases referred to investigative agencies remain unresolved. This is because it is viewed not as a simple administrative error, but as a crime that disrupts the order of the real estate market. If you attempt to use an account in a friend’s name or false documents to increase your chances of winning, you must firmly refrain from doing so. Investigations may still occur after winning a subscription, and it can lead to contract cancellation and even criminal penalties, so caution is required.
5. Senior Towns: An Alternative If You Meet the Conditions
Not only for younger generations, but special housing forms for seniors aged 60 and above are also worth noting. Some senior towns were approved before the revision of the Act on Welfare of the Elderly and are supplied as subscription-type housing, allowing for ownership registration, transfer, inheritance, and gifting. These complexes can be applied for without using a subscription account, provided you meet the age condition of being 60 or older at the time of move-in. There are also senior towns with good access to Gangnam. If you are planning to spend your retirement near your children, consider comparing the price and services of such properties as an alternative to standard subscriptions.
Some senior towns can be applied for by those aged 60 or older without a subscription account, and some properties allow for ownership transfer (sale, inheritance, gifting).
Frequently Asked Questions
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