Investment property: China

Updated 5 October 2026

China is the world's second economy, but its property market is more closed to foreigners than most.

A foreigner may buy only one apartment or house in China for their own use, and only after living in the country for a certain period on a work, study or other visa. Land in China belongs to the state, so a buyer gets the building and a land use right, not the land itself. Below: who can buy, how land rights work, the foreign exchange rules and how a deal proceeds.

Who can buy

• A foreigner living in China - working, studying or present on another ground - usually for at least a year. Exact period and document requirements depend on the city.
• Only one residential unit per person or family nationwide, not per city.
• Only for own use: buying to let is not allowed for foreign individuals.

Land rights

The buyer owns the apartment or house and holds a right to use the land beneath it. For housing this right is usually granted for 70 years with renewal possible, which matters for valuation and resale.

Foreign exchange rules

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange limits currency conversion for individuals, usually to about $50,000 a year per person. A large purchase is therefore paid in several transfers or from money earned in China. Since September 2025 a foreigner can settle the payment more easily: it can be made on a signed purchase contract, before the purchase registration is issued. The bank checks the origin of money especially carefully.

How a purchase works

1. Eligibility. We check the residence period and the city's requirements.
2. Shortlist and checks. We check the developer or seller, the land right and encumbrances.
3. Contract. We sign and register the purchase contract.
4. Payment. We make the foreign exchange payment within the limit and with source-of-funds checks.
5. Registration. We register ownership with the local real estate registration authority.

Taxes

On purchase a deed tax and registration fees apply, depending on the city and floor area. More on our China taxes page.

Resale and taking money out

On selling the apartment a foreigner can convert the yuan proceeds and transfer them abroad after taxes, showing the bank documents on the purchase, sale and tax payment. So keep all deal documents and payment orders from day one.

Why deals fall through

• the buyer has not lived in China long enough or lacks a suitable visa;
• the buyer already owns a home in China;
• the payment exceeds the foreign exchange limit without proof of source;
• the city's requirements changed by the deal date.

What we do

We check eligibility in the chosen city, select and check the property, structure the foreign exchange payments and handle registration. A manager will calculate the cost in the chat.

What we do

• Property shortlist for your investment goal
• Legal due diligence on the property
• End-to-end transaction support
• Ownership structuring (company, trust)
• Property management and letting

See also

Company formation · Business account · Personal account · Country taxes · All country programs

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