MOLIT Investigates 840 Suspected Illegal Real Estate Transactions by Foreign Nationals

[Financial News] The government will examine 840 suspected illegal real estate transactions involving foreign nationals, including the source of funds and whether overseas funds were brought into the country illegally. It will also check whether the individuals operated rental businesses without visas and complied with owner-occupancy requirements in land transaction permit zones.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) on the 23rd, the investigation covers 840 transactions by foreign nationals selected from reported residential, nonresidential and land transactions nationwide between June 2025 and July 2026. The targeted investigation, which began in August, will continue through December, with the results scheduled to be announced at the end of the year.
The investigation will use newly obtained data under the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Reporting of Real Estate Transactions, which was revised in February. The additional verification will cover proceeds from the sale of stocks, bonds and virtual assets, loans from overseas financial institutions, and the individuals' status of stay.
MOLIT has also established new criteria for identifying suspected illegal transactions. As a result, the number of transactions under investigation rose by 235, from 605 last year to 840 this year.
MOLIT is checking the source of the actual purchase funds, including money raised overseas, as well as whether foreign nationals engaged in illegal real estate activities, such as illegally bringing overseas funds into the country or operating rental businesses inconsistent with their status of stay.
MOLIT will work with local governments, including the Seoul Metropolitan Government, to check whether owner-occupancy requirements in land transaction permit zones have been met. If a violation is confirmed, the head of the city, county or district office where the property is located may issue an order to comply. Failure to follow the order can result in enforcement fines, and the permit may also be canceled if necessary, including in cases of repeated noncompliance.
Meanwhile, the targeted investigation into foreign nationals' real estate transactions was introduced in 2022 after unusual trends emerged, including the purchase of ultra-high-priced homes and bulk acquisitions of homes using overseas funds.
[email protected] Choi Ga-young Reporter