Korean real estate news-Exchange Rate Surge: How It Affects Korea’s Real Estate & Construction

The recent surge in exchange rates surpassing 1,460 KRW has caused widespread ripples across the Korean economy . Particularly, the construction and real estate sectors are facing compounded challenges, including rising construction costs, high-interest rates, and political uncertainty. This article delves into how the exchange rate hike is affecting these industries, examines key phenomena, and explores market forecasts. Key Insights on Exchange Rate Impacts on Construction and Real Estate The Impact of Rising Exchange Rates on the Construction Industry Increasing Construction Costs and Imported Material Prices Exchange rate surges lead to higher costs for imported raw materials, intensifying construction cost inflation. Construction Cost Index : Increased from a baseline of 100 in January 2020 to 130.32 in October 2024. Exchange Rate Movement : Jumped from 1,160 KRW in 2020 to 1,466 KRW in 2024. Seon-gu Park, Director of the Economic and Financial Research Division at the ...

Korean real estate news-2024 Real Estate Price Trends: Single-Family Homes and Land Values in South Korea

 

Investment strategies-Appraisal schedule-Seoul redevelopment map-Land value trends

Explore the latest trends in 2024 South Korean real estate, including the rise in standard single-family home prices by 1.96% and standard land values by 2.93%. Learn how these changes impact property taxes and discover strategies for property owners and investors to navigate this evolving landscape.

Regional Variations in Single-Family Home Price Growth

Price Increase by Region

  • Seoul: 2.86% increase, the highest nationwide

    • Yongsan-gu: 3.7% increase due to redevelopment potential (highest in Seoul)

    • Gangnam-gu, Seongdong-gu, Dongjak-gu, Mapo-gu: Over 3% increase

    • Guro-gu, Geumcheon-gu, Gwanak-gu: Modest increases between 1.86% and 1.99%

  • Gyeonggi Province: 2.44%; Incheon: 1.7%

  • Jeju: -0.49%, the only region with a decline

Seoul’s price growth has been driven by areas with strong development potential and advantageous location factors. Yongsan-gu, in particular, benefited from major projects like the Hanam New Town development and GTX-B railway line. Conversely, Jeju experienced a decline due to weak tourism recovery and population stagnation.

Standard Land Value Trends: Concentration in Metropolitan Areas

Regional Growth Rates

  • Seoul: 3.92%, the highest nationwide

  • Gyeonggi Province: 2.78%; Daejeon: 2.01%; Busan: 1.84%

  • Jeju: -0.26%, reflecting a downturn

Land value growth has varied based on factors such as development potential and infrastructure improvements. While Seoul recorded the highest growth due to its prime location, Jeju’s land values fell, reflecting economic challenges.

Impact of Price Increases on Property Taxes

Changes in Property Tax for Single-Family Homes

  • Northern Seoul: For single-family homes valued at 1 billion KRW, property taxes are expected to rise by around 100,000 KRW (2.67% to 5.04% increase).

    • Example: A single-family home in Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu (198㎡)

      • Appraised value: 1.087 billion KRW → Property tax: 2.19 million KRW → 2.27 million KRW (4.29% increase)

  • Southern Seoul: For homes valued above 2 billion KRW, taxes could increase by over 1 million KRW.

    • Example: A single-family home in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu (321㎡)

      • Appraised value: 3.289 billion KRW → Property tax: 18.06 million KRW → 19.32 million KRW (1.26 million KRW increase)

While the tax burden will rise, the impact is moderated by the government’s decision to maintain price reflection rates at 2020 levels, limiting drastic tax increases.

Strategies for Property Owners and Investors

Recommendations for Property Owners

  1. Review and Submit Feedback on Appraised Prices:

    • Until January 7, 2024, owners can submit objections to incorrect or excessive valuations.

  2. Explore Tax Reduction Strategies:

    • Single-home owners can take advantage of senior citizen tax credits and long-term ownership deductions.

    • Registering properties as rental homes may offer exemptions from comprehensive real estate taxes.

Tips for Investors

  • Caution in High-Growth Areas: Rising tax burdens may reduce short-term returns.

  • Opportunities in Declining Regions: Areas like Jeju, with falling appraised prices, could provide lower entry barriers and potential for long-term appreciation.

Real Estate Appraisal and Tax Interconnectivity

Appraised values play a pivotal role in determining the following taxes:

  • Capital Gains Tax: Based on the profit margin from property sales.

  • Inheritance and Gift Taxes: Calculated using appraised values as the baseline.

  • Acquisition and Registration Taxes: Applied during property transactions.

Owners of high-value properties (appraised over 900 million KRW) may experience a notable increase in comprehensive real estate tax liabilities, necessitating careful tax planning.

Key Upcoming Dates

  1. January 1, 2024: Effective date for appraised values.

  2. Until January 7, 2024: Public feedback period on appraised values.

  3. January 24, 2024: Final announcement of standard single-family home and land appraisals.

  4. March 2024: Appraised values for apartment complexes to be announced.

Conclusion: Managing Rising Appraisal Values

Standard single-family home and land appraisals serve as critical benchmarks for property valuation and taxation. Owners and investors should proactively assess the potential impact of rising appraisals and implement strategic measures to mitigate tax burdens.

For more detailed information, visit the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport’s official property appraisal system (www.realtyprice.kr).

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