The bottom has fallen out of the Qingdao housing market and some speculate that the landing may be hard. I have lived in Qingdao for more than eight years and starting in 2006 watched housing prices go through the roof; it was an eerie reminder of what happened back home in California’s Silicon Valley. Some of my close friends who bought Qingdao property in 2009-2010 face some tough times ahead as property values drop due to a combination of governmental policy and global economics. The Qingdao residential property market reached its inflection point back in March 2011 and is currently marked by sluggish housing sales and declining property values.
Currently these cuts in property value range from 10 to 20 percent for second hand units in pre-existing developments and 30 to 50 percent for new and pre-sold units under development, respectively. The residential and commercial rental prices have remained stable.
Source: Qingdao Real Estate & Relocation (QDRE)
China’s Residential Real Estate Market is headed for disaster as the real estate bubble continues to grow. This is the largest real estate bubble in the history of the world.
The Chinese developers and property investors that took out huge loans as well as the middle class who continue to invest in China’s real estate bubble will end up paying for it.
As Chinese developers face growing debt, and real estate construction slows, some migrant workers were told not to come back after Chinese New Year.
Twenty to thirty percent of China’s economy (GDP) is based on real estate construction. Higher tax rates are inevitable to cover this loss of revenue. Has China’s debt crises begun?
How can a foreigner buy a property in Qingdao? Am NZ Citizen – Any tips or info will be much appreciated.
Same question for me, I’m French and maybe moving there in the end of the year. Did you get any info Lee? Thank you!
(1) You need to have lived in China for more than a year and hold a valid residents permit (Z Visa). (2) You will need to put at least 50% down on any purchase of any residential property. (3) you will NOT be able to secure any form of medium to long term loan.
The central government announced in January 2012 that 52 of 70 Chinese cities recorded month-on-month falls in new home prices, up slightly from 49 in November, a sign that efforts to curb speculation are working.
The government hiked interest rates and restricted bank lending to rein in surging inflation and cool real estate prices, reducing the credit available to buyers and hitting property developers hard.
During the first quarter of 2012 we have seen a slight decrease in both residential and commercial (office & retail) rental prices. This trend should continue throughout 2012 as more real estate becomes available.