Accommodation in China

As a foreigner in China, you may find it hard to rent an accommodation in the country due to cultural differences and language barriers. With time, patience and perseverance, you should be able to find a place to live. The simplest method is to visit real estate agencies accredited to rent accommodations to foreigners. You should easily find English speaking staff there. Note that finder’s fees apply if you rent your accommodation through a real estate agency servicing for the expatriate community.

Rent prices can be negotiated within reasonable limits. Large international real estate agencies like Century 21 are now established in China. Do not hesitate to contact them for more information about the real estate market. 

There are other ways to find accommodations in China: read classified ads in the press and use the Internet. Visit 5I5J at http://www.5i5j.com to find accommodations offers in major Chinese cities.

Demand for room or apartment to share in China is rapidly growing and several websites are exclusively dedicated to this type of housing like. Visit http://www.okroommate.com/ to find out rooms or roommates in China! 

Staying with a Chinese host family is strictly prohibited unless you get an authorization from the Chinese authorities.

New residential neighborhoods have recently been built with a significant international population. These new residences, of high standing, generally offer quality equipments and many facilities nearby (security, transport, leisure facilities etc.) 

You can also rent an apartment directly from the owner with no real estate agent in between, or through your expatriate “network”. 

Leases in China are generally two to three years in length. Shorter rental agreements are also possible. A deposit of one or two months' rent is generally required, as well as the payment of one to three months' rent in advance. 

Chinese houses and apartments are often spacious and generally fully equipped. It's up to you to verify the general state of your housing and to notify the possible damages left unlisted. Check all the appliances and make sure they are usable. Electricity, water, heating and telephone are to be separately paid by the tenant. 

Rental agreements are written in Mandarin. To avoid pitfalls and problems linked to your rental agreement, or to track down disputed clauses, try to find a Chinese speaker able to help and assist you with your administrative matters. This could be of great help and save you trouble!

 Useful links:

Century 21 – China

http://www.century21cn.com/

5i5j 

http://www.5i5j.com/

Rooms apartments and houses to share in China

http://www.okroommate.com/

Buying a property in China

Buying a property in China is possible for foreigners. Nevertheless, many restrictions apply. Chinese banks can now offer mortgages to foreigners but required personal contributions are most often prohibitive. If you intend to buy a property in the country, seek help from professionals to help and assist you with the numerous and often complex administrative procedures, notaries and banks matters. 

 Good to know:

Being a permanent resident in China, or being married to a Chinese national may ease the process of buying a property.

 Useful links:

How to find a proper house in China 

http://www.china.org.cn/

New rules for foreigners on buying a house in China

http://www.china.org.cn/

 

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