South Korea/Germany: Developer SK D&D and coliving platform Habyt have formed a strategic partnership after the signing of a MOU in Berlin.
The signing ceremony took place at the Waterfront, a hotel operated by Habyt in Berlin, where the company is headquartered.
The two companies decided to establish a strategic partnership and cooperate in jointly promoting and expanding the domestic and overseas corporate rental housing business through the MOU. They will utilise SK D&D’s domestic residential solution business capabilities and Habyt’s global network to actively cooperate in various areas of marketing, promotion, and ICT (information and communication technology) solutions.
SK D&D plans to expand the network of its Episode rental brand through Habyt’s online platform and “ramp up its status as a mega operator in the corporate rental housing market”. The company aims to collaborate with Habyt to showcase Episode’s residential spaces, a short-term rental product, on Habyt’s online platform and make them available on a global scale. Additionally, membership services, including discount benefits, will be extended to Episode residents who utilise Habyt’s residential spaces. Habyt is seeking to enter the Korean coliving market by working with SK D&D.
SK D&D’s CEO Do Hyun Derek Kim said: “This MOU will be an important breakthrough in expanding Episode’s network globally and further reinforcing its status as an industry leader. We will continue to try our best to provide Episode’s brand value to city residents not only in Korea but around the world.”
Habyt’s CEO and founder Luca Bovone added: “We are thrilled to spearhead our entry into the Korean market through this strategic partnership with SK D&D, Korea’s leading residential solution provider. The close alignment in our mission, vision and commitment to provide a better housing experience for all promises an exciting expansion of the global Habyt portfolio into the vibrant city of Seoul, which continues to grow as a highly sought after destination for international students, young professionals, and digital nomads.”
SK D&D’s Episode brand operates 3,700 units in six sites in Seongsu, Seocho, Gangnam, Sinchon, and Suyu. Episode’s seventh property, Episode Yongsan 241, is scheduled to open in May. Habyt operates around 30,000 units in more than 50 cities around the world.
