How did 6 million people in China buy homes that don’t exist?
Oct 10, 2023
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Fan Wang, a BBC reporter in Singapore, discusses societal pressures and challenges young people face to be home owners in China. Chen Yen, a journalist at BBC’s Chinese service in Hong Kong, explains the details of the housing market crisis. The podcast explores the implications of a collapse in China's property market and the risks faced by millions who paid for non-existent homes. It also delves into the growth and transformation of China's real estate industry and the role of China's pre-sell system in the crisis.
Millions of young people in China face societal pressure to be homeowners, exacerbating the unemployment issues faced by the younger generation.
The property market crisis in China, driven by pre-selling apartments before they are built, poses significant risks to the economy and global markets.
Deep dives
The Chinese property market crisis and its impact on young people
The podcast episode discusses the current property market crisis in China, focusing on the case of Evergrande and Country Garden, two major property developers facing massive debts. The crisis has led to millions of people in China paying for homes that were never built, exacerbating the unemployment issues faced by young people. The high property prices in big cities make it difficult for young individuals to afford homes, and the risks have increased as flats may not be delivered even after payment. This property crisis compounds the challenges faced by young Chinese, including finding stable jobs and partners, as societal expectations dictate the need for property ownership.
Introduction to the Chinese property market and its unique features
The podcast provides insights into the unique characteristics of the Chinese property market, which experienced significant growth since reforms were introduced in 1998. The pre-sell system allows developers to sell apartments before they are built, leveraging borrowed money and often leading to incomplete buildings and debts. The government, under Xi Jinping's leadership, initiated measures to curb risky practices in the industry, which contributed to the crisis. The property market's significant role in China's economy, accounting for about a third of GDP, adds to the magnitude of the issue.
Implications of the Chinese property crisis for China and the world
The podcast explores the potential consequences of the property crisis in China on a global scale. Reduced demand for raw materials, such as iron and copper, from China could impact countries supplying these commodities, particularly in South America and Africa. Additionally, the slowdown caused by the crisis may affect global brands and their suppliers due to decreased consumer spending in China. Moreover, concerns arise regarding the future commitment of China's Belt and Road Initiative, as financial troubles at home may affect infrastructure investments in developing countries. While unlikely to cause a global economic meltdown, the crisis warrants attention and monitoring.
China is in the middle of a housing market crisis. Two of its top property developers, Evergrande and Country Garden, are struggling to pay back debt or fulfil their promises to build properties they have already sold to millions of people.
Fan Wang, a BBC reporter in Singapore, tells us about societal pressures young people face to be home owners in China.
Chen Yen, a journalist at BBC’s Chinese service in Hong Kong, takes us through the details of the housing market.
And as China is the world's second-largest economy, what kind of damage could a collapse of its property market cause? Nick Marsh, our Asia Business Correspondent explains how concerned we should be.
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden and Julia Ross-Roy
Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks
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