📜 Civil Code (general rules) · Awareness case
Real Estate Fraud Against Foreigners in China and Legal Protection · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: قانون العقارات / Urban Real Estate Administration Law + Civil Code
China's Civil Code criminalizes real estate fraud and allows victims legal remedies for compensation, but prior verification of property ownership through the Property Registration Center remains a legal necessity.
Illustrative, general educational examples — not real specific facts and not legal advice; for awareness only. For an actual situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
Common forms of real estate fraud targeting foreigners: (1) sale of a property by someone who does not own it; (2) multiple rentals of the same property; (3) fake real estate agents. Legal protection: (a) Before purchase: verify ownership records at the local Real Estate Registration Center; (b) After fraud: file a criminal report with police (Criminal Law Article 266 fraud: imprisonment up to 15 years for large amounts) + civil lawsuit; (c) Necessary documentation: keep all correspondence, receipts, and contracts. Recovery in fraud cases: a contract signed under fraudulent pretenses is voidable under the Civil Code Articles 148-150.
🎓 The lesson / takeaway
Verify property ownership before paying any deposit. Conduct your real estate transactions through licensed agents and engage a lawyer for purchase contracts.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026