hi,guys
i have been in shanghai on and off and plan to stay for a while,does anybody have advice on how to get my own place? I am looking for a place wi 100 sq meters in a safe neigberhood, with convienent public transportation.
all words appreciated

well, really depends on how much money you have in your pocket... real estate agency would take care of the rest of it including helping you get a loan.

Is it true that a law has just been passed that means you have to own property for a minimum length of time before selling it? People say that will have a dramatic effect on house and rental values, because they are set to become much cheaper.

^you can of course sell anytime you want, but if you do it within 2 years of buying it a tax of 5.55% of the selling price becomes payable.

You can sell it as far as both of following conditions met:

1. The mortgage was fully repaid before transcation of sale occurred.

2. The construction was completed and is ready-to-occupy if you bought it pre-developement

Holding a real estate less than one year was subject to an additional 5% income tax. In order to obtain loan from bank, you need a valid visa(other than tourist one) and have proof of sufficient income in China...


As the lending requirements tightened, likely all-cash purchase is ideal option for foreign passport holders.

http://english.eastday.com/eastday/englishedition/specials/node20806/index.html

I found this site for English translated key news postings in regards to real estate. Sure reading the Chinese is much more thorough but it takes less time for me to absorb this. Hope it helps you out.

thanks for all of your words
although I have been in and out , I always stayed in hotels.
what' about area of location, any suggestions?