Property · Our pick in Shanghai
Buying in Shanghai: the back story
The back story
About Buying in Shanghai: the back story
Shanghai’s homes range from garden villas and lane houses in the former French Concession to towers on the Pudong riverfront. Foreign buyers face specific rules, set by the city, and the market is dominated by large international consultancies and domestic agency chains rather than small prime estate agents.
Who can buy
According to the Shanghai Municipal Government, a foreigner can buy a home with Chinese permanent residency, or after working in Shanghai for at least one year with a labour contract and a year of social insurance or income-tax records. Expats may buy only one residential property, for their own use, and may own no other property in China.
Where people live
Popular areas include the leafy streets of the former French Concession, Jing’an near West Nanjing Road and the Lujiazui riverfront in Pudong.
Visitors on visa-free entry cannot buy a home in Shanghai.
Working with an agent
International consultancies such as Savills and Knight Frank have residential teams in Shanghai. Documents in foreign languages must be translated into Chinese and notarised; take advice from a qualified lawyer.
Our advice: read our guide to buying property in Shanghai, and check the current rules before you start.
Why it's on our list
- Who can buy
- Where people live
- Working with an agent
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Buying in Shanghai: the back story before you go.