Housing & Property in China

For a long time, the policy of the Chinese Government was to segregate foreigners in special housing units, but this is no longer the case today, and foreigners may now rent and live among the Chinese. The lowest apartment rents are found in the smaller Chinese cities, and can be as low as 100 US dollars a month for a nice flat.

Cheap apartments often will have a squat hole instead of a toilet, and even fancy ones in the more rural areas of China, where modern toilets have yet to penetrate widely. However, higher priced luxury property for foreigners can have a range of amenities such as central heat and air, garden tubs and even DSL internet. Most rental properties are completely furnished. Leases tend to be at least six months, and more often, a year.

Other options include sharing a flat with a local family. However a foreigner staying even for one night in someone else's home must be reported to the local PSB or Public Service Bureau. Those studying in China will normally stay in a dormitory. Housing for workers in China is often arranged by the employer, finding housing in China otherwise can be difficult for foreigners because of the language gap.