Beijing‘s real estate market is a hectic reality, especially for foreigners who arrive here without a clear idea of how different can it be from what they expect.
So we prepared a few tips to make your house-hunting adventure a bit less troublesome!
Here are 5 common mistakes you should try to avoid if you want your relocation to Beijing to be as smooth as possible:
#1 Expect an easy compromise – Simply, this is not going to happen.
Negotiating and bargaining (hard!) is a key step in this process: especially when it comes to the landlords!
Not only when the rent is concerned, but also when discussing all the other requirements that you and your family might have. You might ask the landlord for a new sofa, or to different wall paint, or a new washing machine.
In any case, always aim for the stars, fight hard for it and you will probably reach a (satisfactory) middle ground at the end.
#2 Sign the lease or decide on a property without seeing it in person. You might feel like looking at pictures can be sufficient but then you’d be taking a great risk, and you would clearly underestimate the amazing power of Photoshop.
So, with MAYBE the exception of serviced apartment or temporary arrangements for a short stay, it is always advisable to check the house in person, or at least send a VERY trusted friend to take a look!
#3 Take things for granted – In general, when it comes to China it always safe to not takes things for granted and this is even more true in the case of Chinese houses.
So flexibility is the answer!
If for most foreigners it is “normal” to expect an oven and a dishwasher in the kitchen and a hot-water washing machine, this is not always the case in China. Most Chinese houses aren’t provided of these machines, so pay attention when you go visit the properties.
In most cases, after some negotiations, you can get the landlord to provide them or to refund you for those purchases.
#4 Underestimate distances – Truth is, Beijing is a HUGE city and even if things on the map look close enough, they seldom are.
“One block away” in Beijing might mean 20 mins walk, and a couple kilometers by car could actually turn into a over 30mins ride during rush hour.
It is wise to check in person the distance to your workplace or to the closest subway station, especially if you aren’t familiar with the city yet.
#5 Not pay attention to the surroundings – Especially if you are very sensitive to noise it would be smart to check if there is a big construction site near your favorite house.
In Beijing skyscrapers and malls are popping up every day, and since Chinese working hours can be very long (sometimes even 24h/7) and that could really ruin your sleep.
Same for the neighboring houses: if you rent a flat in a brand new compound the neighboring apartments might still be in the process of being completed or decorated, and that can get very noisy!
