Key practical points:
• In China buildings are owned, but land is state-owned; what you buy is a 'land-use right' for a term (often 70 years for residential).
• Transfer of ownership must be officially registered to take effect.
• Foreigners are usually allowed to buy one residential unit for self-use, subject to city residence/work conditions.
• Some cities impose purchase restrictions on foreigners or require a set residence period.
• Mortgage and sale have set procedures and registration; a contract alone does not transfer title.
🏠 Property & rentals
Law on the Administration of Urban Real Estate · Yalla China
中华人民共和国城市房地产管理法 / Law on the Administration of Urban Real Estate
Enacted: 1994-07-05 ✅ Effective: 1995-01-01
📝 Overview
A law governing buying, selling and mortgaging urban real estate, land-use rights and property registration.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
Before buying property in China, understand two key things: you buy a land-use right for a fixed term, not perpetual ownership, and title passes only by official registration, not by the contract alone. Confirm your city allows foreigners to buy and that you meet the conditions. General orientation, not legal advice.
📎 Official source
npc.gov.cn / mohurd.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026