Tips and Tricks for Finding Housing in China

Published on October 1, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Finding housing in China can be quite challenging, especially for newcomers facing cultural and administrative differences. Between the specifics of the Chinese real estate market and the complexity of procedures, it’s crucial to be well-prepared to avoid common pitfalls.

This article offers essential practical tips to navigate this sometimes confusing landscape. Whether it’s choosing the right neighborhood, negotiating rent, or understanding the subtleties of rental contracts, these tips will help you make the best choices for settling down peacefully in this fascinating, multifaceted country.

Finding Housing in China: Keys to a Successful Search

Analysis of Housing Options in China

• Renting an apartment
  Renting an entire apartment offers greater independence and increased comfort, but it’s the most expensive option, especially in large cities where rent can reach 7,000 RMB/month (approximately €900) for a downtown apartment. Studios or smaller apartments typically cost between 1,500 and 3,000 RMB/month (€200 to €400) in the suburbs or in medium-sized cities.
• Living in a shared apartment
  Shared housing significantly reduces costs, with downtown rents around 7,000 RMB/month shared among several people. This solution facilitates social integration and sharing of common expenses but requires getting along well with roommates.
• University dormitory
  University dorms are the most economical option (€100 to €500/month, or 800 to 4,000 RMB), often located on campus with direct access to university facilities. Privacy is limited, but cultural immersion is strong and community life is intense.

Housing Type	Estimated Monthly Price (RMB)	Main Advantages	Main Disadvantages
Private Apartment	1,500–7,000	Autonomy, comfort	High price, complex procedures
Shared Housing	1,000–3,500 (per room)	Shared cost, social life	Reduced privacy
University Dormitory	800–4,000	Low price, student life, proximity	Basic comfort, little privacy

Main Neighborhoods in Major Cities

City	Key Neighborhoods	Advantages	Disadvantages
Beijing	Haidian (universities), Chaoyang	Close to universities, dynamic	High rent, pollution
Shanghai	Jing’an, Xuhui, Pudong	Modernity, transportation, expats	High cost of living
Guangzhou	Tianhe, Yuexiu	Accessibility, nightlife	Noisier, variable prices

Practical Tips for Housing Search

• Recommended online platforms
  • Ziroom, Lianjia, 58.com for apartments.
  • Student.com, Unilodgers for student housing.
  • Specialized WeChat groups for shared housing.
• Role of real estate agencies
  • Agencies facilitate search and negotiation but typically charge a commission (often one month’s rent).
  • Check the agency’s reputation to avoid fraud.
• Required documents
  • Valid passport and visa.
  • University admission letter (for dorms).
  • Proof of income or guarantor (for private apartments).
  • Security deposit (1 to 3 months’ rent).
  • Rental contract in Chinese (sometimes in English).

Cultural and Language Differences

Contracts are almost always written in Chinese. Viewings and negotiations are generally conducted in Mandarin; it’s advisable to be accompanied by a Chinese friend or bilingual agent. Personal relationships (guanxi) can facilitate access to better housing. Take photos during the inspection and carefully read (or have translated) the contract before signing.

Tips for Overcoming Cultural and Language Challenges

• Learn some basic Mandarin, especially housing vocabulary.
• Use instant translation apps.
• Rely on student associations or university international offices.
• Request translated contract templates from the embassy or university.

Tips for Negotiating Rent and Managing Legal Aspects

• Compare rents in the chosen neighborhood before any negotiation.
• Negotiate rent for long-term contracts or during off-peak season.
• Ensure the landlord has the legal right to rent the property (ask for the property title).
• Always request a receipt for each payment and keep a copy of the signed contract.
• Consider additional charges (water, electricity, internet) which are not always included in the advertised rent.

Important reminder: Always verify the legality of the contract and prioritize traceable payments to avoid scams.

Housing Budget in China: How Much to Plan For Your Accommodation?

Housing Budget in China: How Much to Plan For Your Accommodation?

City/Region	Monthly Rent (downtown, 60-80 m²)	Purchase per m² (downtown, estimate)
Beijing	7,000 – 8,000 RMB (approx. €900 – €1,000)	12,000 – 20,000 RMB (approx. €1,500 – €2,600)
Shanghai	8,000 RMB (approx. €1,050)	15,000 – 25,000 RMB (approx. €2,000 – €3,200)
Guangzhou	7,000 RMB (approx. €900)	10,000 – 18,000 RMB (approx. €1,300 – €2,300)
Hangzhou	5,000 RMB (approx. €650)	8,000 – 15,000 RMB (approx. €1,000 – €2,000)
Tianjin, Qingdao	3,000 RMB (approx. €400)	6,000 – 10,000 RMB (approx. €800 – €1,300)
Medium-sized cities	3,000 – 5,000 RMB (approx. €400 – €650)	6,000 – 12,000 RMB (approx. €800 – €1,500)

Downtown rents can range from €600 to €1,200 per month in the largest cities; in second-tier cities, expect between €300 and €600.

Factors Influencing Prices

• Proximity to public transportation: An apartment near the subway or a major station is significantly more expensive.
• Access to international schools: School districts are highly sought after by expats, driving up prices.
• Business centers: Housing near CBDs (Central Business Districts) is among the most expensive.
• Neighborhood and residence standard: Presence of amenities (security, gym, pool) increases rent.
• Year of construction: Newer buildings are more expensive.

Additional Expenses to Consider

• Security deposit: Typically 1 to 3 months’ rent.
• Agency fees: 35 to 100% of one month’s rent depending on the agency and city.
• Monthly utilities:
  • Water: 30 – 60 RMB
  • Electricity: 100 – 300 RMB depending on season
  • Gas: 50 – 150 RMB
  • Internet: 100 RMB/month
  • Maintenance/residence: 2 – 5 RMB/m²/month
• Local taxes: For purchase, the real estate transaction tax varies between 1% and 3% of the purchase price, plus registration and notary fees.
• Other fees: Sometimes, elevator maintenance or parking fees to consider.

Tips for Negotiating and Saving on Housing

• Rent negotiation:
  • Try to negotiate downward, especially if signing for a year or more.
  • Ask to include maintenance and internet in the rent.
• Money-saving strategies:
  • Prefer neighborhoods slightly away from downtown but well-served by subway.
  • Consider shared housing, very common in large Chinese cities.
  • Choose housing in an older residence, often cheaper than new complexes.
  • For students, living in a university dorm or with a host family can significantly reduce housing costs.
• Beware of scams:
  • Always visit the property before paying a deposit.
  • Demand a written contract, ideally in both English and Chinese.
  • Verify that the landlord is the official owner of the property.

Planning a solid housing budget in China involves anticipating not only rent but also additional expenses and adapting your choice based on the city, neighborhood, and length of stay.

Expatriates’ Favorite Neighborhoods in China: Where to Settle Down?

City	Neighborhoods Popular Among Expatriates	Attractive Characteristics	Average Rent (Monthly)	Common Accommodation Types
Beijing	Sanlitun, Chaoyang Park, CBD, Shunyi	Proximity to embassies, business centers, international schools, numerous bars, restaurants, lively nightlife	8,000–30,000 RMB	Modern apartments, secure residences, family villas
Shanghai	Former French Concession, Jing’an, Xintiandi, Lujiazui	Central neighborhoods, Western architecture, rich cultural life, easy access to offices, international schools	10,000–35,000 RMB	High-end apartments, lofts, villas, serviced residences
Shenzhen	Futian, Nanshan (Shekou, OCT, Taoyuancun)	High-tech business centers, access to the sea, numerous green spaces, proximity to Hong Kong, international atmosphere	6,000–25,000 RMB	Modern residences, complexes with pools and gyms, family apartments
Guangzhou	Tianhe, Zhujiang New Town, Yuexiu	Business districts, shopping malls, parks, large foreign community, medical and educational infrastructure	7,000–22,000 RMB	Spacious apartments, international residences, houses in suburbs

Main Characteristics of Popular Neighborhoods:

• Proximity to business centers: Facilitates professional commutes, especially in CBD-type neighborhoods in Beijing, Lujiazui in Shanghai, Futian in Shenzhen, or Zhujiang New Town in Guangzhou.
• Quality of infrastructure and services: Presence of international schools, private hospitals, Western supermarkets, sports clubs, green spaces, efficient public transportation.
• Diversity of cultural and leisure activities: Museums, art galleries, cafes, bars, international restaurants, community events, active nightlife.

Commonly Available Accommodation Types:

• Modern apartments in secure residences, often with shared facilities (pool, gym, playground).
• Family villas in suburbs or international compounds (notably in Shunyi in Beijing or Shekou in Shenzhen).
• Lofts and downtown apartments, popular with young professionals.

Expatriate Testimonials:

“We chose the Taoyuancun neighborhood in Shenzhen to be steps away from our children’s international school and close to the mountains. Greenery is everywhere, density is lower. This gives us a sense of calm and a better quality of life.”

“After living in Shenyang, Beijing won me over with the diversity of its neighborhoods and the ease of integration thanks to the large expat community, numerous events, and cultural richness.”

“In Shanghai, life in the French Concession is very pleasant: there’s a European ambiance, bakeries, restaurants from around the world, and tree-lined streets. You quickly feel at home, even far from your home country.”

Advantages Often Cited by Expatriates:

• Support network among expatriates.
• Wide choice of international schools and activities for children.
• Ease of finding imported products.
• Easier integration in cosmopolitan neighborhoods, even though the language barrier remains a challenge in daily life.

Mentioned Disadvantages:

• High rents in the most sought-after neighborhoods.
• Air pollution (especially in Beijing).
• Fast-paced and sometimes stressful life in megacities.

“The key to successful integration is choosing a neighborhood suited to your lifestyle and expectations, and taking advantage of the many opportunities for meetings and activities offered by the expat community.”