Challenges facing housing affordability in Beijing in the twenty‐first century
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is analyse to what extent the high price had led to low levels of housing affordability in the period 2002‐2006 in Beijing. Due to the importance of housing for local residents and the crucial position that real estate market in the Chinese economy is currently in, research into the housing affordability issues is now essential. It is important to consider the social circumstances that are predominantly related to both the standard of living and the national economy in Beijing.Design/methodology/approach – The housing price to income ratio (PIR) method and Housing Affordability Index (HAI) model are used to measure housing affordability in Beijing. Then, the reasons for the high housing prices in Beijing are discussed and government homeownership‐oriented policies to help citizen on housing issues are examined. Finally, future proposals which can contribute to ease the housing affordability problem are recommended.Findings – The main findings in this research are that t...
Housing Choice in an Affluent Shanghai – Decision Process of Middle Class Shanghai Residents
While most papers on housing choice concentrate on relatively disadvantaged groups in the society con-strained by financial ability, this paper looks at the affluent population in Shanghai. In examining their own perception of the relative importance of difference factors affecting such choice by way of an Analytical Hi-erarchy Process, we are able to understand that currently, most affluent households still regard proximity to the city centre as an important factor when making housing choice. More importantly, there seems to be a marked difference in the ranking of these factors between the upper middle class and the average middle class in this city. Our analysis shows that the upper middle class households place more importance on the transportation network and neighbourhood infrastructure, while the average middle class have more concern on the housing attributes.
Government Intervention and Performance of the Housing Sector in Urban China
The housing system in urban China is now undergoing a process of transition. Housing policy is one of the most popular topics under public discussion. This paper gives a brief review of the recently implemented housing policies and provides some basic information about the current situation of the housing market and housing system reform in urban China. It appears that China is very successful in improving the housing conditions of urban residents. However, there are still a number of problems related to housing disposition and consumption. Based on accepted criteria, this paper makes an assessment of the performance of current housing policy, resulting in several suggestions.