South Korea to survey and fix ‘marriage penalty’ in housing loans

The South Korean government announced a comprehensive investigation into cases where couples face disadvantages in housing‑loan eligibility and home‑purchase subsidies after registering their marriage. The probe will target the "marriage penalty" linked to the Didimdol loan, Bo­geumjari loan and other public housing programs, and will consider revising income thresholds that currently exclude many newlyweds.

Prime Minister Han Seong‑suk said the survey will inform concrete policy adjustments and a response will be provided soon. Data show that about 20% of couples delay marriage registration because combined income levels affect eligibility for low‑interest loans and preferential housing allocation. Stakeholders are calling for higher income limits and more flexible criteria to prevent the distortion of housing decisions.

The government plans to compile the findings and propose reforms to ensure that marital status no longer creates a barrier to home ownership for young couples.