KB Kookmin Bank halves mortgage loan limit to 300 million won

KB Kookmin Bank announced that, starting 10 October, its maximum mortgage loan amount for most home purchases will be reduced from 600 million won to 300 million won nationwide, including non‑regulated areas. The cut applies to houses priced up to 15 billion won, while loans for higher‑priced homes retain the previous cap. The bank also suspended new mortgage‑insurance enrollments and limited loan‑agency channels as part of a broader effort to curb household debt.

The move follows tightening of household‑loan quantity targets by Korean regulators and reflects concerns about rising house prices and “debt‑to‑invest” behaviour. KB Kookmin Bank officials said the housing market shows signs of revival and the bank is acting to “ensure stable management of household credit and protect real‑demand borrowers.” Other major banks are reviewing similar tightening measures, signalling a sector‑wide shift in mortgage lending policy.