Studio apartment rents near major universities in Seoul rose to an average of 625,000 won last month, up 7.7% from a year earlier, as jeonse listings dwindled after tighter real estate measures took effect in 2025. The shift is forcing more young Koreans to abandon housing near campuses and workplaces, move back in with parents, or relocate farther out to cheaper areas despite longer commutes. Around Seoul National University, monthly rents rose 26% year on year, while average maintenance fees climbed 10.9% to 84,000 won; for a unit with a 10 million won deposit, total monthly housing costs come to about 710,000 won. Market participants said tougher limits on jeonse loans and on landlords' borrowing to return deposits have accelerated a move from jeonse (Korea’s lump-sum deposit lease system) to monthly rentals. Data cited from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport showed officetel jeonse transactions across five Seoul districts with major university areas fell from 2,258 between August 2024 and August 2025 to 1,809 between August 2025 and August this year, a drop of about 20%. Experts say pressure could intensify after the Aug. 3 tax reform plan increased the burden on owners of multiple homes, potentially tightening rental supply further for the next two to three years.