Im thinking about buying a place in shanghai, ive been here 2 years now, and since i might be extending my stay, ive been thinking it might be a good idea to buy my own place here.

I currently live in a spacey apartment by myself with my dog and im thinking if i was to buy a place, i really would like to get either a lane house or a apartment with a large outdoor balcony/terrace/area for my dog.

Im looking to spend under 5 Million RMB, pref closing to 4 mil. Am i dreaming to think i can buy a lane house with my budget?

I am open to location/district (within downtown area), and willing to put some time into renovation if need.

FFS, check out some real estate agents and if you see something you like bargain with the owner.

If a old apartment has a large garden, it can be very pricey.

An average one in Xuhui district can be RMB25K-40K per square meter. The best lane houses are located in Xuhui and Changning district. You may also find nice ones in Luwan, Jin'an.

Make sure you get a decent and honest broker helping you with the deal. Old apartment can be very tricky.

cidcid wrote:If a old apartment has a large garden, it can be very pricey.

An average one in Xuhui district can be RMB25K-40K per square meter. The best lane houses are located in Xuhui and Changning district. You may also find nice ones in Luwan, Jin'an.

Make sure you get a decent and honest broker helping you with the deal. Old apartment can be very tricky.

Sorry, if you can find a lane house to sell at less than 38/37 a square meter in Xuhui French concession that's a bargain.

25-35 is a gift. And I'd take it of anyones hands.

If it's no the whole house maybe you get lucky at around 35 but it will take a lot of patience.

For lower priced lane houses check Yuyuan Rd (nice lanes 1088, 1280, 1032) Wuyi Rd the whole street, and maybe parts of northern Jing'an.

Be sure to distinguish between JiuLi, and Xinli, (lane house types) and if you're not chinese find an agent experienced in old houses, there are many regulations and people who haven't dealt with old house sales will probably pump in to some obstacles that can't (really can't) be overcome as a foreigner.