1. Different from land ownership in the U.S., landholders in China do not actually own the land; rather, they hold the right to use the land. Granted land use rights are subject to specific, limited terms, commonly ranging from 30 to 70 years. There is no real estate tax in China.

2. Overseas Chinese can purchase properties in China. But it limits one property each person. If not purchased jointly, then husband and wife can each buy one. It does not matter residential, rental or commercial.

3. Foreigners are officially only allowed to buy a house when they have been working in China more than a year. I’ve heard though that depending on the district having a contract for a year can be sufficient.

4. As long as the Buyer keeps the document for his wiring money to China to purchase the property, the Buyer can wire the proceeds including the profit back to overseas after the Buyer sells the property in the future. No time limit.

5. It is subject to 20% capital gain if the Buyer sells the property within 5 years. After 5 years, 5% tax for capital gain.

6. Sales tax is 1.5% of the price for apartments (houses) where the square meter price is 17.500 Rmb or less. Luxury apartments (houses), with a square meter price over 17,500 Rmb will set you back an additional 1.5%

7. Officially Real Estate agents service fees are 1% of the purchase price paid by the buyer and the seller, respectively.

8. Nevada Real Estate Corp., Shanghai does the rental property management for overseas investors.

9. Overseas investors can get the mortgage as well (usually 30% down). It is recommended to obtain the U.S. currency loan because the China foreign exchange is expected to increase.