---
title: "Youth Housing Dream Account: Proposed KRW 70M Income Cap"
locale: en
category: policy_guide
category_name: "Policy Guide"
translation_status: reviewed
license: cc_by
author: "Injoys Editorial Team"
source_url: https://injoys.com/en/articles/youth-housing-dream-account-income-limit-eligibility
published_at: 2026-11-03T19:43:04+09:00
---

# Youth Housing Dream Account: Proposed KRW 70M Income Cap

> A proposal has been announced to expand eligibility for the Youth Housing Dream Subscription Savings Account to those with an annual income of at most KRW 70 million. This explains how to check whether the change has taken effect and the separate requirements for preferential interest rates, tax benefits, account conversion and linked loans.

## Key Points

- The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's October 2026 announcement outlines a plan to relax the income eligibility limit to at most KRW 70 million per year.
- The maximum annual interest rate of 4.5% applies only when requirements such as the account holding period and the period without homeownership are met.
- The income tax deduction and the exemption from tax on interest income have requirements separate from those for opening the account.
- When converting from a regular housing subscription savings account, your existing housing subscription history carries over, but the preferential interest rate does not apply to the transferred principal.
- Linked loans are subject to screening for a successful housing subscription application, income, assets and other factors, in addition to the account holding period and contribution history.

The Youth Housing Dream Subscription Account is a housing subscription savings account for young people who do not own a home. A plan has been announced to raise the income limit for opening an account to at most KRW 70 million a year. Before opening an account, check whether the relaxed criteria have taken effect.

The proposed changes are based on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's notice dated October 15, 2026.

## When does the KRW 70 million income limit take effect?

The official announcement reviewed describes a plan to relax the income criteria. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it would amend the relevant notice during October 2026. Its October 15 notice also states:

> The income limit for opening an account is scheduled to increase to at most KRW 70 million.

This wording appears in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's “Can I Open a Youth Housing Dream Subscription Account Too?”

This wording alone does not establish the actual effective date. The Housing and Urban Fund's product guide dated June 30, 2026, still lists the existing criteria. If your annual income is more than KRW 50 million, ask the bank when the new criteria begin to apply.

| Category | Income criteria for opening an account | Status of the materials reviewed |
|---|---|---|
| Existing product guide | Annual income of at most KRW 50 million | Product information as of June 30, 2026 |
| Announcement of relaxed criteria | Annual income of at most KRW 70 million | Described as scheduled to take effect in the October 15, 2026 notice |
| Actual eligibility review | Criteria in effect on the account opening date | Check the participating bank's latest product disclosure |

The document to check is the “Notice on Interest Rates and Operation of Comprehensive Housing Subscription Savings.” You can check the latest version in effect at the Korean Law Information Center. Also ask the bank whether your income documentation qualifies you to open an account.

## Eligibility and how income is verified

The basic eligibility requirements are to be aged 19 to 34 and not own a home. Income is verified through supporting documents. The homeownership requirement for opening the account applies to the account holder personally.

| Item to check | Basic requirements | Documents or verification to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Aged 19 to 34 | Identification |
| Military service | Verified service periods of up to 6 years are deducted from your age | Military service certificate or similar documents |
| Homeownership | No home owned in your name | The bank's homeownership verification process |
| Income | Verification of reported income, including employment, business, and other income | Income verification certificate or similar documents |
| Relaxed income criteria | Announced increase to annual income of at most KRW 70 million | Product disclosure reflecting the effective date |

Income is verified using tax filings from the previous year or the year before that. The applicable year depends on factors such as when income documents become available. Do not judge your eligibility based only on this year's salary.

New employees with a short employment history may use alternative supporting documents. Eligibility exceptions also exist for military personnel and others whose only income is tax-exempt. If this applies to you, check the required documents with the bank first.

## How does the maximum annual interest rate of 4.5% apply?

The maximum annual rate of 4.5% is a pre-tax rate available when conditions such as the required account holding period are met. The maximum difference from a regular account is 1.4 percentage points. The same rate does not apply to all deposits from the outset.

The following is based on the Housing and Urban Fund's product guide dated June 30, 2026.

| Savings period | Regular Comprehensive Housing Subscription Savings | Youth Housing Dream Subscription Account |
|---|---|---|
| At most 1 month | No interest | No interest |
| More than 1 month and less than 1 year | 2.3% a year | 2.3% a year |
| At least 1 year and less than 2 years | 2.8% a year | 2.8% a year |
| At least 2 years and at most 10 years | 3.1% a year | 4.5% a year |
| More than 10 years | 3.1% a year | 3.1% a year |

The preferential interest rate applies to deposited principal up to KRW 50 million. The applicable period is determined by how long you have not owned a home. Principal transferred from a regular account is excluded from the preferential rate.

If you close the account after being selected for a housing allocation, an exception allows the preferential rate to apply even after less than 2 years. Interest rates may change under government notices. Actual interest is calculated based on how long each deposit has been held.

## Comparing income deduction and tax exemption requirements

Even if you qualify to open an account, eligibility for tax benefits is assessed separately. An income deduction reduces the income used to calculate tax. A tax exemption means that qualifying interest is not taxed.

The information below is based on Shinhan Bank's product disclosure applicable in 2026.

| Category | Income deduction | Interest income tax exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Benefit | Deduction of 40% of annual contributions, with contributions capped at KRW 3 million | Tax exemption on total interest income up to KRW 5 million |
| Income requirements | Employees with total salary of at most KRW 70 million in the relevant tax period, excluding daily workers | Total salary of at most KRW 36 million or comprehensive income of at most KRW 26 million in the previous tax period, among other requirements |
| Homeownership and household requirements | Head of a household that owns no home, or the household head's spouse | Head of a household that owns no home at the time of account opening, or the household head's spouse |
| Additional checks | Submit a declaration of non-homeownership | In principle, maintain the account for at least 2 years; contributions eligible for tax exemption are capped at KRW 6 million a year |

If you have multiple types of income, also check the detailed exclusions from the tax exemption. Relaxing the income criteria for opening an account does not change the tax exemption criteria. You can also ask the bank whether your tax benefit application documents have been received.

## Income deduction calculation example

If you meet the deduction requirements and contribute KRW 3 million a year, your deduction is KRW 1.2 million. This is calculated as KRW 3 million × 40%. This amount is subtracted from your taxable income.

| Calculation item | Amount or rate |
|---|---|
| Annual contributions | KRW 3 million |
| Deduction rate | 40% |
| Income deduction | KRW 1.2 million |
| Actual tax reduction | Determined by your tax rate, other deductions, and other factors |

This does not mean you receive a refund of KRW 1.2 million. If your annual contributions are below the cap, the calculation uses the amount actually contributed. Even if contributions exceed KRW 3 million, the cap applies when calculating the deduction.

## Youth Housing Dream Didimdol Loan requirements

The linked loan provides home purchase financing for people selected for a housing allocation through this account. Opening an account alone does not guarantee loan approval. Income criteria and loan limits also differ for unmarried applicants and newlywed households.

| Category | Unmarried applicants | Newlywed households |
|---|---|---|
| Income criteria | Total annual income of at most KRW 70 million | Combined total annual income of at most KRW 100 million for the couple |
| Loan limit | Up to KRW 300 million | Up to KRW 400 million |
| Common assessment criteria | Selection for a housing allocation, non-homeownership, account history, assets, credit, and other factors | Selection for a housing allocation, non-homeownership, account history, assets, credit, and other factors |

The Seoul Metropolitan Government's Cheongnyeon Mongttang Jeongbotong program guide describes the following requirements.

- You must be selected using a Youth Housing Dream account held before the housing recruitment announcement date.
- You must be aged at most 39 when selected for a housing allocation.
- At least 1 year must have passed between the account opening or conversion date and the loan application date.
- Recognized contributions must total at least KRW 10 million as of the loan application date.
- All household members, including the household head, must not own a home.

Hana Bank's interest rate table dated April 18, 2025, lists annual rates of 2.40% to 4.15%. The annual rate of 2.40% applies to the 10-year term bracket for annual income of at most KRW 20 million. Adjustments based on region, interest rate type, and preferential conditions are separate.

The advertised maximum of KRW 400 million refers to the limit for newlywed households. The actual approved amount is subject to limits based on collateral value, repayment capacity, and other factors. Check the interest rates and asset criteria in effect when you apply with the participating bank. (Verified figures: annual interest rate of 2.40% to 4.15%, as of April 18, 2025; net assets of at most KRW 511 million · Source: hanabank.com · Checked on 2026-11-03)

### What kind of home can you buy?

Homes eligible for the loan are also subject to price and floor area limits. The Cheongnyeon Mongttang Jeongbotong guide sets the maximum appraised value of the property used as collateral at KRW 600 million. In principle, the exclusive residential floor area must be at most 85㎡.

A limit of at most 100㎡ applies in towns and townships outside urban areas and outside the Seoul Capital Area. Even if you are buying in Seoul, you must separately meet the home price limit. After being selected for a housing allocation, check whether that home is eligible for the loan.

## How do housing subscription history and loan qualification records differ when converting an account?

The rules for carrying over housing subscription history differ from the account history requirements for the linked loan. You can convert a regular housing subscription account if you meet the eligibility requirements. Ask the bank to convert it before closing your existing account yourself.

| Purpose of the check | Treatment of history before conversion | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Housing subscription | Existing account holding period and recognized contribution history carry over | Recognized contribution count and amount |
| Preferential interest rate | Transferred principal is excluded from the preferential rate | New contributions after conversion |
| Account holding period for the linked loan | Calculated from the date of conversion to a Youth Housing Dream account | Whether 1 year has passed by the loan application date |
| Contribution record for the linked loan | Up to KRW 5 million of the existing regular Comprehensive Housing Subscription Savings balance is recognized | Amount recognized for loan assessment |

The linked loan's account history requirements are based on the Cheongnyeon Mongttang Jeongbotong guide. If the account was converted from Youth Preferential Comprehensive Housing Subscription Savings, the entire existing balance is recognized. Check this separately from conversion of a regular Comprehensive Housing Subscription Savings account.

Even if you have held your existing account for a long time, you must recheck the qualifying account holding period for the loan. Your account balance may also differ from the contributions recognized for the loan. Ask the bank for your housing subscription history and loan qualification records separately.

## Documents and steps for opening or converting an account

You can open a new account or convert a regular account at a participating bank. You will generally need identification and proof of income. Additional documents may be required depending on your military service and household relationships.

1. Check with the participating bank which income criteria apply on the account opening date.
2. Prepare identification and income documents, such as an income verification certificate for opening the account.
3. If you need military service deducted from your age, prepare a military service certificate or similar documents.
4. If you have an existing account, check whether it can be converted before closing it.
5. Check the income deduction and tax exemption applications separately.

The declaration of non-homeownership for the income deduction must be submitted by the end of February in the year after the applicable tax year. The tax exemption requires separate application documents. Asking for guidance on both account opening and tax benefit documents can help prevent omissions.

## Distinguishing this account from housing support announced alongside it

Youth rent support and support for rental deposit return guarantee fees are separate programs. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's announcement on October 12, 2026, also mentioned expanding these programs. Opening a housing subscription account does not automatically apply you for them.

| Program | Purpose of support | What to check separately |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Housing Dream Subscription Account | Housing subscription savings and preparation for a home purchase | Eligibility requirements, interest rates, and tax benefit conditions |
| Youth rent support | Reduce the burden of monthly rent | Application announcements and household income requirements |
| Support for rental deposit return guarantee fees | Reduce the burden of guarantee fees paid | Guarantee enrollment, income, and application requirements |
| Didimdol and Beotimmok loans | Support for home purchases and jeonse deposits | Revisions and effective dates for each product |

Do not apply the account's proposed relaxed annual income limit of KRW 70 million to other programs. For rent and guarantee fee support, check announcements from the responsible local government. For loans, refer to the Housing and Urban Fund's guide for the specific product.

## FAQ

### Can I sign up right away if my annual income is 70 million won?
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that it would expand eligibility to people with an annual income of at most 70 million won. The notice dated October 15, 2026 that we reviewed describes the change as scheduled to take effect. Check with a participating bank to confirm when the relaxed criteria will start to apply.

### Am I ineligible to sign up if I am older than 34?
If you can provide proof of military service, up to 6 years can be deducted from your age. You may meet the age requirement if your age after the deduction is at most 34. You must also meet the other eligibility requirements.

### Will I receive an annual interest rate of 4.5% as soon as I sign up?
You generally need to meet conditions such as holding the account for at least 2 years. The preferential interest rate applies based on how long you have not owned a home and the principal limit. Separate exceptions apply if you close the account after being selected for a housing allocation.

### If I deposit 3 million won, will I get 1.2 million won back?
The 1.2 million won is an income deduction. It is the amount subtracted from the income used to calculate your tax. The actual reduction in tax depends on your individual tax rate, other deductions, and other factors.

### If the income criteria for signing up are relaxed, will the tax exemption also be expanded?
Separate requirements apply to opening the account and receiving the tax exemption. The tax exemption has requirements concerning income and membership in a household that does not own a home, among others. Check with the bank separately from your eligibility to open the account.

### If I convert a regular housing subscription savings account, will my existing contribution history be lost?
Your existing account holding period and recognized contribution history can be carried over. However, the preferential interest rate does not apply to the principal transferred during conversion. Check with the bank to confirm what will be recognized before the conversion is processed.

### If I have held my existing account for more than 1 year, can I get a linked loan immediately after conversion?
The housing subscription history of a regular account and the account holding period required for a linked loan are treated separately. The linked loan guidance requires at least 1 year from the date of conversion to a Youth Housing Dream account. Check the period as of the loan application date.

### Can everyone borrow up to 400 million won through the Youth Housing Dream Didimdol Loan?
The stated maximum limits are 300 million won for unmarried borrowers and 400 million won for newlywed households. The actual loan amount depends on the assessment of collateral value, repayment capacity, and other factors.

### Can I apply for a housing subscription savings account and rent support at the same time?
Housing subscription savings accounts and Youth Monthly Rent Support are separate programs. You need to check the eligibility requirements and application procedures for each. Opening an account alone does not constitute an application for rent support.

## Sources

- [Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Announcement of Eased Income Requirements for Opening a Youth Housing Dream Subscription Savings Account, October 12, 2026](https://www.molit.go.kr/USR/NEWS/m_71/dtl.jsp?id=95092491)
- [Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, I Can Open a Youth Housing Dream Subscription Savings Account Too?, October 15, 2026](https://www.korea.kr/multi/visualNewsView.do?newsId=148973534&pWise=main&pWiseMain=L3)
- [National Housing and Urban Fund, Youth Housing Dream Subscription Savings Account Product Guide, product information as of June 30, 2026](https://nhuf.molit.go.kr/FP/FP07/FP0701/FP07010301.jsp)
- [Korean Law Information Center, Notice on Interest Rates and Operation of Comprehensive Housing Subscription Savings Accounts, version effective January 1, 2026](https://www.law.go.kr/admRulLsInfoP.do?admRulSeq=2100000270814&chrClsCd=010202)
- [Hana Bank, Youth Housing Dream Subscription Savings Account Product Description, as of January 1, 2026](https://image.kebhana.com/cont/download/documents/manual/0100152000201_20260101_m.pdf)
- [Shinhan Bank, Youth Housing Dream Subscription Savings Account Product Description, applicable in 2026](https://img.shinhan.com/sbank2016/seol/20180730902100000022LC000030.PDF?1767367201182=)
- [Hana Bank, National Housing and Urban Fund Loan Product Guide and Youth Housing Dream Loan Interest Rate Table](https://www.hanabank.com/cont/mall/mall08/mall0802/mall080203/1420296_115198.jsp)
- [Seoul Youth Information Portal, Youth Housing Dream Didimdol Loan Requirements and Application Guide](https://youth.seoul.go.kr/infoData/youthPlcyInfo/view.do?key=2309160001&plcyBizId=20250514005400110811)

## Images

![A young man in glasses and a burgundy sweater takes a phone call beside a small studio apartment kitchen.](https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzczMjgsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--e9b6c762a8dc83971caaf062c085ed7b315b49d6/ai-443d876a.webp)
![A young couple tours an unfurnished apartment as a real estate agent gestures toward another room.](https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzczMzQsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--c75929fda8889f3c74918f09729ce36d48b97674/ai-9397386d.webp)