The first tax you meet when buying a home in Korea is acquisition tax — and it ranges from 1% to 12% depending on how many homes you'll own and where. On a ₩900M home that's the difference between ₩9M and ₩108M. Worth calculating before you sign.
Acquisition tax is due within 60 days of acquisition (usually the balance payment date). A scrivener typically handles it with registration, but know the amount in advance so your funding plan holds.
Housing acquisition tax rates (2026)
Rates depend on the number of homes you'll own after the purchase and whether the area is regulated.
| Homes owned | Non-regulated / regulated area |
| 1 home | 1–3% (by price) / same |
| 2 homes | 1–3% / 8% |
| 3 homes | 8% / 12% |
| 4+ homes or corporate | 12% / 12% |
| Officetels, commercial (non-housing) | 4% (about 4.6% with surtaxes) |
Note it's the count after the purchase, and it includes every home in your household.
The single-home bracket is progressive
| Up to ₩600M | 1% |
| ₩600M – ₩900M | (price ÷ 300M × 2 − 3)% → between 1% and 3% |
| Over ₩900M | 3% |
A ₩700M home works out to about 1.67%, or roughly ₩11.7M. The middle band is a gentle slope, not a cliff — ₩601M doesn't suddenly jump.
It isn't only acquisition tax — the surtaxes
| Acquisition tax | The main tax (1–12%) |
| Local education tax | Linked to the rate (roughly 0.1–0.4%) |
| Special rural development tax | Applies above 85㎡; exempt at 85㎡ or under |
Homes of 85㎡ or less are exempt from the rural development surtax — which is why the same price can carry different tax at 84㎡ versus above 85㎡. It's one quiet reason the 84㎡ "national size" stays popular.
First-home buyer relief
| Maximum relief | ₩2M |
| Price limit | ₩1.2B or less |
| Eligibility | Households where no member has ever owned a home |
| Basis / deadline | Local Tax Special Restriction Act (through Dec 31, 2028) |
| Population-decline areas | Up to 100% relief where conditions are met |
Buying a ₩900M home as a first-time buyer means roughly ₩18M in acquisition tax less ₩2M relief, plus surtaxes — budget around ₩20M.
Temporary two homes — the upgrade rule
- Becoming a two-home owner through a move or marriage can still qualify for 1–3% rates if you dispose of the old home in time (commonly within three years).
- Miss the deadline and the difference is clawed back — the gap between 8% and 1–3% is substantial.
- Declare the temporary two-home status when filing.
Counting homes — the confusing parts
| Residential officetel | May count toward home number (taxed at 4% itself) |
| Pre-sale rights | Counted, depending on acquisition date |
| Inherited home | Special rules may exclude it for a period |
| Homes under ₩100M published price | May be excluded from the surcharge |
This is where disputes arise. When unsure, ask Wetax or your district tax office before signing — misfiling brings penalties.
Pre-contract checklist
- Count household homes after purchase
- Check whether the area is regulated
- Check whether the unit exceeds 85㎡
- Check first-home relief eligibility
- If upgrading, confirm the disposal deadline
- Budget the amount — it's due within 60 days, separate from the purchase price
FAQ
When is it due?
Within 60 days of acquisition. In practice it's paid alongside the balance since registration requires it.
Is a gifted property taxed differently?
Yes, gift acquisitions use separate rates, and high-value gifts in regulated areas can be surcharged.
Do new-build purchases pay it?
Yes — at occupancy (balance payment), not at contract.
Is it deductible later?
Yes, as an allowable expense for capital gains tax. Keep the receipt.
Acquisition tax isn't "a percentage of the price" — it's your home count times your area. Check the table before you sign.
This is general 2026 information, not tax advice. Rates and relief change and home counting depends on your circumstances — confirm with Wetax, your local government or a tax professional.
