Is it true that many of Beijing’s residential properties are struggling to increase or maintain occupancy levels?

There may have been some instability in figures but occupancy rates are certainly not one of them. Actually, occupancy rates seem to have remained stable with very minimal fluctuations over the past ... Read more »

When looking for properties in Beijing, is it best to work with a real estate agent?

Yes. Real estate companies possess more information on properties than tenants and developers. By working with an agency, clients gain access to this wealth of information and can use it to expand their search ... Read more »

What is the market like for serviced apartments now?

We are feeling the impact of the global economic crisis but conditions are better for us than for hotels. At least, the worst is over. Besides, we survived the 1997 credit crisis and SARS—we know how to survive hard economic ... Read more »

Is Beijing in the early stages of yet another real estate bubble? That’s what many property developers are wondering as Beijing’s housing prices continue to climb at a remarkable rate.

A recent article by China Daily cited property broker Homelink, which reported a 6.5 percent increase in ... Read more »

What is the market like for office spaces in Beijing?

The CBD has always been hot, for obvious reasons. But, this year, the CBD will see 4,000,000 sq. meters of new office space. The timing is unfortunate as demand is at its lowest. So offices spaces in the ... Read more »

It looks like Beijing may soon be giving Shanghai a run for its money in its goal to become China’s newest premier financial center. The South China Morning Post recently released a report on the Beijing municipal government’s announcement to offer multinational companies a combination of benefits in ... Read more »

What is the best way for an expat to finance a property in Beijing?

Now there are very few people who are willing to purchase a property because of the relatively poor state of the economy. However, for those that are willing, I highly recommend that the person pay for ... Read more »

The future is looking brighter than ever as China considers introducing subsidies for solar power production beginning the second half of 2009, according to the South China Morning Post. Doing so would encourage widespread adoption of photovoltaic technology, which has lagged in China due to its high cost. Currently, as ... Read more »

The newest center of apbcoffices in Ping An Plaza is marketed as a “premium boutique serviced office.” What does that mean?

To me, the word “boutique” conveys excitement. If you don’t have the excitement factor, then you cannot call yourself a “boutique.” While our competitors prefer the security of ... Read more »

Well, there’s good news and then there’s possibly better news. First, the good: According to official statistics from the Chinese government, China’s real estate sales rose by 8.2 percent in the first quarter of this year, a good sign the Chinese economy is still going strong ... Read more »

What are the limits for expats who are interesting in purchasing property here in Beijing?

Beijing expats and Taiwanese can purchase second-hand housing in China but are not allowed to buy public housing which is reserved for local Chinese. Foreigners must first process their “Examination and Approval Form for Foreigners ... Read more »

It’s always hard to be the bearer of bad news but for those of you who have relished going to your nearest B&Q for all your home design needs, you may need to start looking elsewhere. Kingfisher, a U.K-based home development retailer and owner of B&Q ... Read more »

What are the biggest mistakes people make when decorating their home?

I think the most common mistake people make is simply having too many creative ideas of what they want their home to look like. The result is often an eclectic mix of styles that looks too cluttered. The best ... Read more »

According to a recent report by Matt Brailsford and Joan Wang, Deputy Managing Director and Senior Manger of Savills Beijing, large rental adjustments for grade-A office spaces will occur as we move further into 2009. This will largely be due to a marked increase in the supply of office spaces ... Read more »

In terms of renting office space in Beijing, which areas do you think are the best?

According to my experiences, the Central Business District (CBD) and Lufthansa areas are the best places for business. At present, these two areas are the most popular among enterprises and are highly centralized places ... Read more »

When buying housing, which is better: a pre-furnished property or one that you custom build?

Like many, I prefer a place that I can furnish myself, but that depends on whether you have the energy for it. Furnishing a home takes a lot of time and patience, and the basic ... Read more »

We’ve heard time and time again that now is actually a good time to purchase property in Beijing—prices are low, options are varied and leasing options are more flexible. What more could you ask for? However, the situation is hardly unique to Beijing and despite the favorable terms ... Read more »

In City Weekend's previous Cover Story, we outlined the basic restrictions on foreigners buying property in Beijing. However, as Leanne So, Vice President of Bel-Property has corrected, these restrictions have since changed and have in fact, been lifted. According to Xinhua News Agency, in 2007, amidst growing concerns over ... Read more »

Change is in the air and this time, it may truly be for the better. Following several trial runs in select cities throughout China, the Chinese government finally decided to take its VAT reforms nationwide on January 1 in an effort to encourage greater investment in production and transform the ... Read more »

Which government measures to stimulate the economy have been the most successful thus far?

One of the most successful measures has certainly been the decrease in the amount of time an individual must wait before selling property from five to two years. In addition, individuals selling property are now exempt ... Read more »

Do you agree that now is a good time to rent?

Yes. Beijing’s rental market has definitely become more competitive, especially for apartments in the city. As for villas, while rates of rental have subsided, we are still experiencing a strong demand.

What about invest?

Normally, one sees an ... Read more »

In general, who do you think were the winners of 2008?

Well without a doubt, the biggest--and perhaps only--winners this year were tenants. At present and continuing into 2009, there are many more leasing options and many will find that they can obtain larger spaces for less money.

*Who were ... Read more »

The recent global economic downturn has many of us feeling a little wary, and with good reason. Fortunately, thus far, China, 2008's winner of the coveted “Country with the Most Money” award, has navigated through the sticky situation rather well—though not unscathed. Of the hardest hit have been ... Read more »