Foreigners are restricted to owning one residential property in China, which must be for self-occupation only .
Buying property in Shanghai as a non-resident has become significantly easier due to major policy relaxations enacted in early 2026. While the market is showing signs of a "spring rally" with rising prices in core areas, it remains highly regulated, especially for foreign nationals. Eligibility & Restrictions for Expats
The administrative process is complex and requires meticulous documentation through the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Housing Management . buying property in shanghai
Secondary home prices in Shanghai rose approximately 0.4% month-on-month in March 2026, marking a period of stabilization after a prolonged slump.
Before signing a contract, submit a preliminary qualification review to a developer or agent. Foreigners are restricted to owning one residential property
Verify if the property has a valid permit to be sold to foreigners.
Apply for official security examination approval. This involves providing notarized Chinese translations of all foreign documents, including your passport and labor contract. Verify if the property has a valid permit
To purchase residential property in Shanghai, non-Chinese citizens must typically meet the following criteria: