부부 합산 8500만원 넘어도 ‘이것’만 충족하면…보금자리론 ‘결혼 페널티’ 완화

South Korea will ease the income threshold for the housing assistance program known as "housing shortage penalty" starting October. The financial regulator announced this as part of its plan to stabilize the real estate market. The new rule allows couples to qualify for the program if one spouse earns up to 7 million won annually, even if their combined income surpasses 850 million won.

The Financial Committee unveiled these changes in a comprehensive financial strategy aimed at stabilizing the housing market. The housing shortage penalty, a term used to describe the eligibility requirements, was considered a significant barrier for young couples attempting to purchase homes. Previously, only couples whose combined annual income was below 850 million won could benefit from this program.

However, this often left single individuals without access to the scheme, even if their individual earnings met the criteria. President Yoon Suk-yeol highlighted this issue in an X post last month, proposing the modification of the income requirement for the housing shortage penalty. Effective from October, couples can now qualify for housing assistance if at least one spouse earns no more than 7 million won annually, regardless of their combined income.

For example, if one partner earns 6 million won and the other 8 million won, their combined income of 14 million won would no longer disqualify them from the program. The new rules will also apply to the "Youth Housing Support" products set to be released next year, which offer low-interest rates for first-time homebuyers purchasing apartments under 4 million won.

The income threshold for these products is set at 7 million won annually for individuals, with couples only needing one spouse to meet this requirement to qualify.