Sign a preliminary contract and pay a deposit, usually between 1% and 5%.

To purchase residential property in Shanghai, non-Chinese citizens must typically meet the following criteria:

Sales hit a five-year high in early 2026, driven by first-time buyers and relaxed purchase restrictions.

Apply for official security examination approval. This involves providing notarized Chinese translations of all foreign documents, including your passport and labor contract.

The administrative process is complex and requires meticulous documentation through the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Housing Management .