Can a US citizen buy real estate in China?
I'd love to pick up some cheap Chinese property...if I knew for sure the government wouldn't come and snatch it away! :)
Best Answer
321 points
charlo answered 9 months ago …
it is extremely difficult for foreigners to buy real estate in china.
in addition the vexing legislation changes that happen without a moments notice, it depends on which city/province you're thinking to buy. some areas you aren't allowed except for a long term lease i.e. 70 years where you need to sell it back. beijing recently changed legislation where foreigners are allowed to buy one house but under the circumstance that they have lived in the city for over a year and are there for work or school reasons. you need to provide documentation that you will be the one living there and not renting it out for investment purposes.
if i were you i wouldn't look at china for real estate given the amount of red tape in that. currently given how deflated real estate prices are in asia, you have great alternatives. hong kong is great given the financial rule of law and ease of investment process. korea is at a great bargain due to the won depreciating around 45% in addition to the domestic slump of around 30%, essentially giving you a 70% discount. however, korea does have some restrictions for foreigners in terms of buying real estate, but you can buy them for investment purposes.
