Expansion of Residency Deferral in Land Transaction Permit Zones... Purchases Possible Until 2027 Even with Tenants

The burden on owners who wish to sell houses currently occupied by existing tenants within Land Transaction Permit Zones is expected to be eased. As the period for deferring the actual residency obligation is extended, the path for selling houses has widened, allowing buyers to sell even if there are tenants, provided the buyer meets the non-homeowner requirement.

Residency Deferral Period Extended Until 2027... Non-homeowner Requirement for Buyers is Essential

According to the content of a video from the YouTube channel 'Segeum Aneunhyeong', if a buyer purchases a house within a Land Transaction Permit Zone, they are obligated to move in directly within 4 months after receiving permission and reside there for at least 2 years. However, in cases where existing tenants are present, there have been many instances of difficulty in trading because moving in within this period is impossible.

According to a recently released press release (as of September 17, 2026), the deadline for applying for a residency deferral for leased houses is being extended from the existing 2026 to 2027. Accordingly, as of October 1, 2026, if there is an existing tenant, one can receive a deferral of the actual residency move-in timing until the tenant leaves, as long as the Land Transaction Permit is applied for by December 31, 2027.

However, the core condition to receive the deferral benefit is the buyer's 'maintenance of non-homeowner status.' The video emphasized that from May 12, 2026, until the day the Land Transaction Permit is applied for, both the buyer and all members of their household must continuously be non-homeowners. If they come to own a house during this period, they cannot receive the deferral benefit.

Move-in Deferral Possible Until the End of 2029 if Tenant Exercises Renewal Right

One of the characteristics of this amendment is that it additionally recognizes the tenant's right to request a contract renewal. Through this, the buyer's actual residency move-in timing can be further delayed. According to the video, if there is a tenant as of October 1, 2026, and this tenant exercises their renewal right before December 31, 2027, the move-in can be postponed until the end of that tenant's contract period (maximum 2 years).

Looking at specific examples, if there is no use of the renewal right, the tenant will vacate by September 30, 2028, at the latest, so the move-in can be deferred until then. If the tenant uses the renewal right and the contract is extended, it becomes theoretically possible to defer the move-in until as late as December 31, 2029. In this case, the buyer must move in from January 1, 2030, to fulfill the 2-year residency obligation.

Sellers Must Pay the Balance by the End of 2027 for Capital Gains Tax Benefits

This measure is expected to act favorably for sellers who want to sell houses. This is because even properties that were difficult to trade due to tenant issues will become possible to sell in the form of 'gap investment'—selling with a jeonse lease attached—through permit applications. Buyers can also gain the opportunity to purchase while reducing the financial burden, as long as they maintain the non-homeowner requirement even if they do not reside there immediately.

The video also mentioned the timing for sellers to avoid disadvantages under tax laws. To receive tax benefits such as capital gains tax, it is advantageous to pay the balance by the end of December 2027. While the principle that the balance must be paid or the ownership transfer registration must be completed within 4 months after receiving the Land Transaction Permit remains unchanged, it should be noted that only the 'move-in timing' of the residency obligation is being deferred.

The presenter explained that this amendment will be of great help to those wishing to sell houses, forecasting that "it will become easier for sellers to transfer properties and buyers will be able to live with a jeonse lease attached, making it an opportunity for both sides."