Shanghai and Shenzhen – both super cities for properties. Home prices in these 2 top-tier cities have not waned despite China’s government tightening rules on the property market.
In April this year, home prices in Shanghai and Shenzhen continued to rise 2.3 and 3.1 per cent respectively. Though the numbers are slightly lower than March’s 3.7 and 3.6 per cent, in light of economic instability in other countries, this is a good sign. Even within China, where internal restructuring, higher global competition and weakening demand have began to put the brakes on their economy, the property sector continues to enjoy the momentum of growth.
Just over a year, home pieces in Shanghai have risen a whooping 62.4 per cent and that in Shenzhen have grown 28 per cent. Across 70 cities in China, home prices are now 6.2 per cent higher, a further increase from the 4.9 per cent in March. Besides buying in the mainland, Chinese investors are also buying up properties in various other international cities such as Vancouver, Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong; and countries such as New Zealand, Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand.
Even while property prices in first- and second-tier countries continue to accelerate, third-tier cities are also beginning to post positive growth after a period of declining interest and sales. Policy makers are however concerned about the excessive lending and rising debt levels and may be prompted to tighten lending rules and implement further measures.
