Apartments directly connected to subway stations, known as 'zero-meter transit areas,' are increasingly being sold at higher prices compared to nearby properties. The connectivity and rarity of these complexes, which allow residents to access the subway without external travel, are emerging as new pricing factors.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's real transaction disclosure system, a 168.87-square-meter unit at Raemian One Bailey, directly connected to the Express Bus Terminal Station, sold for 12.2 billion won in June, setting a new record. In contrast, a nearby 178.94-square-meter unit at Acro River Park also set a record in the same month but sold for 9.8 billion won. While differences in the individual properties make direct comparisons challenging, the smaller Raemian One Bailey sold for over 2 billion won more.
Price disparities are also evident in the northern part of Seoul. A 84.99-square-meter unit at Cheongnyangni Lotte Castle SKY-L65, directly connected to Cheongnyangni Station, sold for 2.14 billion won in July, breaking a record. Meanwhile, a similar-sized unit at Cheongnyangni Harrington Place sold for 1.5 billion won in the same month, showing a difference of over 600 million won.
The price increase for directly connected complexes has outpaced the average for Seoul apartments. According to Real Estate Info, the average sale price of ten directly connected transit area apartments in Seoul rose by 45.2% from May 2023 to July 2025, significantly exceeding the 19.3% increase in the average price of apartments in Seoul during the same period.
Industry experts view this trend as a further segmentation of the existing 'transit area premium.' In the past, the walking distance to a station was a key factor in determining residential value, but now, how a complex connects to the station within the same ultra-transit area is becoming a differentiating factor.
The direct connection structure is also seen as a factor that increases rarity, as it is not easy to supply additional units in already developed urban areas. Securing land close to a station is not enough; negotiations with railway operators and the design of connecting passages are required, making it a condition not all ultra-transit area complexes can meet. Consequently, the direct connection status is becoming a key element in determining the marketability of individual complexes, even in areas with similar transportation accessibility.
An industry insider stated, "Complexes that connect directly to subway stations allow residents to move conveniently from their living spaces to the platform without being affected by the weather. The rarity of limited supply also enhances the value of these complexes."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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