In the first half of 2026, the largest number of first-choice applicants in the national subscription market was for 84㎡ apartments.
According to an analysis by real estate research firm Real Today, 108,558 applicants registered for first-choice subscriptions for new apartments with a dedicated area of 84㎡ in the first half of this year. The data is based on subscription application dates and excludes public offerings.
A total of 30,342 units of 84㎡ apartments were supplied nationwide in the first half of the year. Following this, 10,1940 applicants registered for 5,723 units of 59㎡ apartments, while 43,561 applicants vied for 11,896 units exceeding 84㎡.
Among the top 10 complexes by area for first-choice applicants, 7 were for 59㎡ apartments and 2 for 84㎡ apartments. Notably, all 7 of the top complexes for 59㎡ were located in Seoul, attracting 55,441 first-choice applicants.
Compared to the first half of last year, the number of applicants for 59㎡ apartments surged from 37,092 to 101,940, a 2.7-fold increase. In contrast, applicants for 84㎡ apartments decreased from 144,917 to 108,558, and those for apartments larger than 84㎡ fell from 64,604 to 43,561.
Real Today attributes the continued popularity of the 'national standard size' to the demand from families of three to four members. The 84㎡ size is widely regarded as suitable for family living, and its active trading enhances liquidity.
Recently, the demand has also been supported by specialized designs that provide usable space comparable to larger units, including balcony extensions, dressing rooms, alpha rooms, and pantries.
As the burden of sales prices increases, buyers are likely to increasingly favor 84㎡ and practical small to medium-sized units, considering both usable space and future liquidity.
In this context, interest in new complexes focused on the national standard size is expected to continue. IPARK Hyundai Industrial Development plans to launch 'Chuncheon Riverview IPARK' this month in Dongmyeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. The complex will consist of 262 units across two buildings, with 59 and 84㎡ layouts, spanning from two basement levels to 27 stories.
Doosan Construction is set to offer 'Doosan We’ve the Zenith Daeyeon' in Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan. This complex will feature 258 units across two buildings, from five basement levels to 42 stories, with 176 units of 59 to 84㎡ available for general sale.
Lotte Construction will introduce 'Sangdong Station Lotte Castle Signature' in Sangdong, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. This project will consist of 1,859 units across seven buildings, ranging from eight basement levels to 49 stories, with sizes from 84 to 192㎡.
Hoban Construction will also launch 'Hoban Summit Pungmu III' in the B4 block of the Pungmu Station area in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province. This complex will comprise 660 units across eight buildings, with 59 and 84㎡ layouts, spanning from two basement levels to 29 stories.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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