President Lee Jae-myung stated on February 14 in a post on social media platform X that his administration's real estate policies aim to reclaim unfair privileges from speculation and investment. He emphasized protecting homeowners using properties for living while highlighting harm caused by multiple homeowners' speculative practices. The main opposition party criticized the remarks as intimidating the real estate market.
President Lee Jae-myung stated in a February 14, 2026, post on social media platform X that his administration's efforts to stabilize the real estate market are intended to reclaim 'unfair privileges' linked to investment and speculation, emphasizing that the government is not forcing homeowners to sell their houses.
"While we protect those who own homes for living purposes, those who hold multiple homes for investment or speculation purposes without living in them cause harm to homeless young people and ordinary citizens," Lee wrote. "It is fair that they bear responsibilities and burdens corresponding to that impact."
The remarks followed his February 13 post raising concerns over the practice of extending loans for multiple homeowners. In that message, Lee wrote that providing financial benefits for multiple home purchases aimed at investment or speculation seems problematic, adding, "Fairness is the driving force of growth in a democratic society. Like all areas of administration, finance must also be just and fair."
Cheong Wa Dae responded that Lee's comments underscore the need to review loan programs for multiple homeowners and that it will work with financial authorities to assess current loans and consider improvements.
The government imposes stricter mortgage limits on home purchases in the greater Seoul area to cool the overheated market, but faces criticism over fairness since some multiple owners can refinance existing loans, an option unavailable to new buyers under tightened rules.
In another post, Lee urged multiple homeowners to sell properties before the expiration of capital gains tax breaks on May 9, with a planned four- to six-month grace period. "If multiple home owners pass up this valuable opportunity of capital gains tax relief and choose to hold out successfully, it would mean the failure of the government's real estate policy aimed at curbing property speculation," he wrote.
He stressed that the housing market can stabilize through regulatory measures, taxation, and supply-and-demand management, warning of a potential 'lost 30 years' like Japan's if left unchecked. Lee has repeatedly pledged to stabilize the market, arguing that rising home prices burden young people and discourage marriage and childbirth. The main opposition accused the government of intimidating the market.
