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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our South Korea Property Pack
Daegu is South Korea's fourth-largest city, and it offers apartment prices that are significantly more affordable than Seoul or Busan, making it a compelling option for foreign buyers in 2026.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market data, tax changes, and neighborhood trends specific to Daegu.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Daegu.
Insights
- Daegu apartment prices average around 3.5 to 3.8 million won per square meter in January 2026, which is roughly 70% cheaper than Seoul's average of 13.4 million won per square meter.
- The Suseong-gu district commands the highest prices in Daegu at around 9.9 million won per square meter, nearly 1.5 times higher than budget-friendly districts like Buk-gu or Seo-gu.
- Daegu has been called the "graveyard of unsold apartments" with around 8,800 unsold units as of late 2024, down from a peak of 14,000 units in February 2023, which gives buyers more negotiating power.
- Unlike Seoul, foreign buyers in Daegu do not need prior government approval to purchase residential property, as the city is outside the new permit zone that covers the Seoul Metropolitan Area.
- Total closing costs for apartment purchases in Daegu typically range from 3% to 6% of the purchase price, with acquisition tax being the single largest component at 1% to 3%.
- Monthly apartment management fees in Daegu average 2,000 to 3,200 won per square meter, which is lower than Seoul's average due to generally older building stock and fewer luxury amenities.
- The Bank of Korea's base rate of 2.50% in early 2026 means mortgage rates hover around 3.8% to 4.5%, making financing costs an important factor in your affordability calculations.
- Daegu's rental yields of 1.0% to 1.6% gross are higher than Seoul's, making the city a better option for investors seeking income-generating properties.
- Subway Line 2 and upcoming Line 4 extensions are key drivers of price appreciation in connected neighborhoods like Dalseo-gu and parts of Buk-gu.
- The government introduced a housing repurchase guarantee system in 2026 to help regional buyers worried about resale value, which may boost buyer confidence in Daegu.
How much do apartments really cost in Daegu in 2026?
What's the average and median apartment price in Daegu in 2026?
As of January 2026, the average apartment price in Daegu is approximately 230 million won ($156,000 USD or 135,000 EUR), while the median sits slightly lower at around 210 million won ($143,000 USD or 123,000 EUR).
In terms of price per square meter, Daegu apartments average around 3.8 million won per square meter ($2,585 USD or 2,220 EUR per m²), with the median closer to 3.5 million won per square meter ($2,380 USD or 2,045 EUR per m²), or about 325 USD per square foot.
The typical price range that covers most standard apartments in Daegu spans from 150 million won to 400 million won ($102,000 to $272,000 USD or 88,000 to 234,000 EUR), though premium districts like Suseong-gu can push well above this range while outer areas like Dalseong-gun often fall below it.
How much is a studio apartment in Daegu in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical studio apartment in Daegu costs between 70 million and 100 million won ($48,000 to $68,000 USD or 41,000 to 58,000 EUR), with the average around 88 million won ($60,000 USD or 51,500 EUR).
Entry-level to mid-range studio apartments in Daegu start at around 50 million won ($34,000 USD or 29,000 EUR) in outer districts like Dalseong-gun, while high-end or luxury studios in Suseong-gu or near Dongdaegu Station can reach 150 million won ($102,000 USD or 88,000 EUR) or more.
Studios in Daegu typically range from 20 to 30 square meters (215 to 323 square feet), which is consistent with Korean apartment standards and includes what Koreans call "officetels" as well as traditional small apartments.
How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Daegu in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical one-bedroom apartment in Daegu costs around 158 million won ($107,000 USD or 92,000 EUR), based on the city's median price per square meter applied to standard one-bedroom sizes.
Entry-level to mid-range one-bedroom apartments in Daegu range from 120 million to 180 million won ($82,000 to $122,000 USD or 70,000 to 105,000 EUR), while high-end one-bedrooms in premium locations like Suseong-gu's Beomeo-dong or Manchon-dong can reach 250 million won ($170,000 USD or 146,000 EUR).
One-bedroom apartments in Daegu typically measure between 35 and 50 square meters (377 to 538 square feet), which provides enough space for a separate bedroom, living area, kitchen, and bathroom in the compact Korean apartment style.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Daegu in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical two-bedroom apartment in Daegu costs around 228 million won ($155,000 USD or 133,000 EUR), which represents the most common apartment type for small families and couples in Korean cities.
Entry-level to mid-range two-bedroom apartments in Daegu range from 190 million to 280 million won ($129,000 to $190,000 USD or 111,000 to 164,000 EUR), while high-end two-bedrooms in Suseong-gu's school districts or new-build complexes can reach 400 million won ($272,000 USD or 234,000 EUR) or higher.
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges for apartments in our property pack covering the property market in Daegu.
How much is a three-bedroom apartment in Daegu in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical three-bedroom apartment in Daegu costs around 294 million won ($200,000 USD or 172,000 EUR), which represents the standard "family apartment" size that dominates Korean apartment complexes.
Entry-level to mid-range three-bedroom apartments in Daegu range from 260 million to 350 million won ($177,000 to $238,000 USD or 152,000 to 205,000 EUR), while high-end three-bedrooms in Suseong-gu's Beomeo-dong, Manchon-dong, or Jisan-dong education zones can reach 500 million to 600 million won ($340,000 to $408,000 USD or 292,000 to 351,000 EUR).
Three-bedroom apartments in Daegu typically measure between 80 and 105 square meters (861 to 1,130 square feet), with the most common size being 84 square meters, which is the standard "34 pyeong" apartment that Korean developers build in most complexes.
What's the price gap between new and resale apartments in Daegu in 2026?
As of January 2026, new-build apartments in Daegu typically carry a premium of 10% to 25% over comparable resale apartments, though Daegu's oversupply situation sometimes compresses this gap when developers offer discounts to clear unsold inventory.
New-build apartments in Daegu average around 4.2 to 4.8 million won per square meter ($2,860 to $3,265 USD or 2,455 to 2,810 EUR per m²), reflecting modern construction standards, updated seismic safety features, and better parking ratios.
Resale apartments in Daegu average around 3.3 to 3.8 million won per square meter ($2,245 to $2,585 USD or 1,930 to 2,220 EUR per m²), with older buildings from the 1990s and early 2000s often trading at the lower end of this range.
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Can I afford to buy in Daegu in 2026?
What's the typical total budget (all-in) to buy an apartment in Daegu in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical all-in budget to buy a standard 84 square meter family apartment in Daegu is approximately 305 million to 315 million won ($207,000 to $214,000 USD or 178,000 to 184,000 EUR), including purchase price and all closing costs.
Beyond the purchase price, the all-in budget in Daegu includes acquisition tax (the largest component at roughly 1% to 3% for most residential purchases), registration fees, legal documentation costs, brokerage commission (capped by national regulation), and potentially bank fees if you are financing the purchase.
We go deeper and try to understand what costs can be avoided or minimized (and how) in our Daegu property pack.
You can also read our dedicated blog article to understand what you can at different budget levels in Daegu.
What down payment is typical to buy in Daegu in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical down payment to buy an apartment in Daegu is around 30% to 40% of the purchase price, which translates to approximately 90 million to 120 million won ($61,000 to $82,000 USD or 53,000 to 70,000 EUR) for a 300 million won apartment.
Most Korean banks require a minimum down payment of 30% to 40% for residential mortgages, with loan-to-value (LTV) ratios capped at 60% to 70% depending on the buyer's profile, though Daegu is not subject to the stricter 40% LTV rules that apply to Seoul.
To secure favorable mortgage terms in Daegu, a down payment of 40% or more is recommended, especially for foreign buyers who typically face stricter screening and may find that a 50% to 60% down payment provides more financing options and better interest rates around 3.8% to 4.5%.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in South Korea.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in South Korea compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Which neighborhoods are cheapest or priciest in Daegu in 2026?
How much does the price per m² for apartments vary by neighborhood in Daegu in 2026?
As of January 2026, apartment prices per square meter in Daegu vary dramatically from around 2.4 million won ($1,630 USD or 1,400 EUR) in budget outer areas to 9.9 million won ($6,735 USD or 5,790 EUR) in the premium Suseong-gu education zone.
The most affordable neighborhoods in Daegu include Pyeongni-dong and Naedang-dong in Seo-gu, as well as Hwawon-eup and Dasa-eup in Dalseong-gun, where prices typically range from 2.4 million to 3.3 million won per square meter ($1,630 to $2,245 USD or 1,400 to 1,930 EUR per m²).
The most expensive neighborhoods in Daegu are concentrated in Suseong-gu, including Beomeo-dong, Manchon-dong, Suseong-dong, and Jisan-dong, where prices range from 5.5 million to 9.9 million won per square meter ($3,740 to $6,735 USD or 3,215 to 5,790 EUR per m²) due to the concentration of elite schools and academies.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Daegu.
What neighborhoods are best for first-time buyers on a budget in Daegu in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods best suited for first-time buyers on a budget in Daegu are Pyeongni-dong in Seo-gu, Sangin-dong in Dalseo-gu, and Dasa-eup in Dalseong-gun, all offering prices well below the city average.
In these budget-friendly Daegu neighborhoods, typical apartment prices range from 150 million to 220 million won ($102,000 to $150,000 USD or 88,000 to 129,000 EUR) for a standard two to three-bedroom unit, compared to 350 million won or more in Suseong-gu.
These budget neighborhoods in Daegu offer solid public transportation access via bus networks and Subway Line 2 connections, established shopping and dining options, and proximity to major employment areas without the premium pricing of education-focused districts.
The main trade-off of buying in these budget-friendly Daegu neighborhoods is that schools are less prestigious than Suseong-gu's famous academies, public transit may require longer commutes to the city center, and building stock tends to be older with fewer modern amenities.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest-rising apartment prices in Daegu in 2026?
As of January 2026, the neighborhoods with the fastest-rising apartment prices in Daegu are Suseong-gu's Beomeo-dong and Manchon-dong education core, along with select pockets of Buk-gu near new subway infrastructure.
These fast-appreciating Daegu neighborhoods have shown year-over-year price increases of 3% to 7%, outperforming the citywide average which has been flat to slightly negative, as demand for school-zone apartments remains structurally strong regardless of broader market conditions.
The main driver behind the rapid price growth in these Daegu neighborhoods is education, as Korean families will pay significant premiums to access top-performing schools and the dense network of private academies (hagwons) that cluster in Suseong-gu.
You can also read our latest update about property price forecasts in Daegu.
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What extra costs will I pay on top of the apartment price in Daegu in 2026?
What are all the buyer closing costs when you buy an apartment in Daegu?
The estimated total buyer closing cost for a typical 300 million won apartment purchase in Daegu is approximately 10 million to 18 million won ($6,800 to $12,250 USD or 5,850 to 10,530 EUR), covering all mandatory fees and taxes.
The main categories of closing costs buyers must pay in Daegu include acquisition tax and related local surtaxes, registration and documentation fees, court registry fees, brokerage commission, and potentially legal or translation services for foreign buyers.
Acquisition tax is typically the largest closing cost expense for buyers in Daegu, ranging from roughly 1% to 3% of the purchase price for standard residential purchases, though multi-property owners or high-value properties face higher rates under Korea's progressive tax structure.
Brokerage commission is the most negotiable closing cost in Daegu, as the government caps maximum rates but agents often accept lower fees, especially in the current buyer's market with elevated unsold inventory.
On average, how much are buyer closing costs as a percentage of the purchase price for an apartment in Daegu?
The estimated typical percentage of the purchase price that buyers should budget for closing costs in Daegu is 3.5% to 5% for a straightforward single-home purchase, though this can vary based on individual circumstances.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range for closing costs in Daegu spans from about 3% for the simplest transactions with minimal acquisition tax to 6% or more if additional surtaxes apply or if you require extensive legal support as a foreign buyer.
We actually cover all these costs and strategies to minimize them in our pack about the real estate market in Daegu.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in South Korea versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What are the ongoing monthly and yearly costs of an apartment in Daegu in 2026?
What are typical HOA fees in Daegu right now?
Monthly apartment management fees (called gwanlibi in Korean) in Daegu typically range from 170,000 to 270,000 won ($115 to $185 USD or 99 to 158 EUR) for a standard 84 square meter family apartment, based on a rate of 2,000 to 3,200 won per square meter.
Management fees in Daegu vary from around 120,000 won per month ($82 USD or 70 EUR) for basic older buildings with minimal amenities to 400,000 won or more ($272 USD or 234 EUR) for luxury complexes with security, fitness centers, and extensive landscaping.
What utilities should I budget monthly in Daegu right now?
The estimated total monthly utility cost for a typical apartment in Daegu is approximately 200,000 to 300,000 won ($136 to $204 USD or 117 to 175 EUR), covering electricity, gas, water, and garbage collection.
Monthly utility costs in Daegu can range from 120,000 won ($82 USD or 70 EUR) for a small studio with minimal heating use to 400,000 won or more ($272 USD or 234 EUR) for a large family apartment during winter months when ondol floor heating drives gas bills higher.
Utilities in Daegu typically include electricity (billed in tiers by usage), city gas for heating and cooking, water and sewage fees, and building-specific charges for common area electricity, with garbage collection fees usually embedded in management fees.
Electricity tends to be the most variable utility expense for apartment owners in Daegu, as Korea's tiered pricing system from KEPCO means heavy users pay significantly higher per-kilowatt rates, making air conditioning in summer a major cost driver.
How much is property tax on apartments in Daegu?
The estimated typical annual property tax for a standard apartment in Daegu is approximately 300,000 to 700,000 won ($205 to $475 USD or 175 to 410 EUR) for properties valued between 200 million and 400 million won.
Property tax in Daegu is calculated based on the government's officially assessed property value (typically lower than market price) and uses progressive rates ranging from 0.1% to 0.5% depending on property type and value bracket, with residential apartments generally taxed at the lower end.
The realistic range of annual property tax in Daegu spans from around 200,000 won ($136 USD or 117 EUR) for modest apartments to 1,000,000 won or more ($680 USD or 585 EUR) for high-value properties in Suseong-gu that may trigger additional comprehensive real estate holding tax at the national level.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Daegu.
What's the yearly building maintenance cost in Daegu?
The estimated typical yearly building maintenance cost for apartment owners in Daegu is approximately 2,000,000 to 3,200,000 won ($1,360 to $2,175 USD or 1,170 to 1,870 EUR), which represents the annual total of monthly management fees.
Yearly maintenance costs in Daegu range from 1,500,000 won ($1,020 USD or 877 EUR) for basic older buildings to 5,000,000 won or more ($3,400 USD or 2,925 EUR) for premium complexes with extensive amenities, security services, and professional property management.
Building maintenance costs in Daegu typically cover common area cleaning, elevator maintenance, building security, landscaping, garbage collection, basic repairs to shared facilities, and administrative services provided by the apartment management office.
In Korean apartments, building maintenance costs are included within the monthly management fees (gwanlibi) rather than charged separately, so your monthly management fee already covers your share of building upkeep and maintenance reserves.
How much does home insurance cost in Daegu?
The estimated typical annual home insurance cost for an apartment in Daegu is approximately 120,000 to 250,000 won ($82 to $170 USD or 70 to 146 EUR), covering basic fire, property damage, and liability protection.
Annual home insurance costs in Daegu can range from 80,000 won ($55 USD or 47 EUR) for minimal coverage to 400,000 won or more ($272 USD or 234 EUR) for comprehensive policies that include water damage, theft, earthquake coverage, and higher liability limits.
Home insurance is not legally mandatory for apartment owners in Daegu, but most buyers purchase basic fire and liability coverage as a prudent precaution, and mortgage lenders typically require insurance as a condition of financing.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Daegu, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Korea Real Estate Board (REB) | Government-affiliated institution running Korea's official housing statistics. | We used this to validate that transaction prices come from Korea's national reporting system. We rely on RTMS-backed data rather than listing prices. |
| MOLIT Real Estate Transaction System | Ministry of Land's official portal for property transaction disclosure. | We used this as the reference point for transaction-based pricing in Korea. We frame all price estimates as what buyers actually paid. |
| Local Tax Act (Korea) | Official Korean government legal text for acquisition and property taxes. | We used this to anchor tax rate structures and categories. We translated legal rates into practical budget ranges for buyers. |
| InvestKorea | Government-run investment agency summarizing rules for foreign investors. | We used this to confirm which taxes apply to real estate purchases. We kept foreign buyer explanations aligned with official guidance. |
| Seoul Metropolitan Government | Official city-government explanation of nationally-regulated brokerage caps. | We used this to estimate legal agent commission limits. We applied the same cap logic to Daegu since regulations are national. |
| Bank of Korea | Central bank's official page for Korea's policy interest rate. | We used this to ground the early 2026 financing environment. We explained how base rates affect mortgage affordability. |
| Reuters | Top-tier global newswire with January 2026 coverage of BOK decisions. | We used this to contextualize current financing conditions. We cite it as a time-stamped January 2026 reference. |
| KEPCO | Korea's national electric utility with official residential tariff tables. | We used this to justify tiered electricity billing structure. We converted tariffs into practical monthly utility budgets. |
| MK News (Real Estate R114) | Major national newspaper citing recognized housing data provider statistics. | We used this to anchor Daegu-specific price-per-pyeong levels. We converted to per-square-meter and applied to apartment sizes. |
| ChosunBiz (Unsold Inventory) | Major Korean business outlet commonly used for market monitoring. | We used this to explain Daegu's unsold inventory situation. We justified why Daegu offers more negotiating power than Seoul. |
| Asia Business Daily | Korean outlet citing Ministry announcements, dated January 2026. | We used this to flag potential 2026 acquisition tax changes. We kept tax guidance current while noting policy movement. |
| Hitoshige | Detailed district-by-district Daegu housing price analysis from late 2025. | We used this to map neighborhood price variations. We cited Suseong-gu at 9.9 million won per square meter. |
| Global Property Guide | International property research firm with South Korea market analysis. | We used this to validate regional price trends and Daegu's performance. We cross-checked national market context. |
| Bamboo Routes | Specialized South Korea property analysis for foreign investors. | We used this for foreign buyer perspectives and budget-tier breakdowns. We validated neighborhood investment profiles. |
| Numbeo | Crowdsourced cost-of-living database with Daegu-specific entries. | We used this to reality-check utility and living cost estimates. We validated monthly expense ranges against local data. |
| ChosunBiz (Management Fees) | Clear methodology showing apartment management fees in won per square meter. | We used this to establish management fee scale in Korean apartments. We adjusted expectations for Daegu versus Seoul. |
| Global Property Guide (Taxes) | Comprehensive overview of Korean property tax structure for investors. | We used this to validate property tax rate ranges. We cross-checked capital gains and holding tax structures. |
| Seoul Economic Daily | Major Korean business newspaper covering regional housing market trends. | We used this to understand Daegu's "graveyard of unsold homes" situation. We explained why regional prices remain negotiable. |
| Asia Economy (2026 Policy) | Coverage of government's 2026 housing repurchase guarantee program. | We used this to explain new buyer protection measures for regional areas. We noted how this may affect buyer confidence. |
| Financial Services Commission | Korea's top financial regulator with official mortgage policy announcements. | We used this to verify LTV ratio rules and lending restrictions. We clarified how Daegu differs from Seoul regulations. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of South Korea. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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