- Core cost: new-build homes average about ¥25,000 / m².
- Purchase limit: one residential property only, for self-use.
- Deed tax update: 1.0% for properties of 140 m² or less (policy as of December 2024).
- Pro tip: use Beike (贝壳) or Lianjia (链家) for 3D virtual tours and reliable price history rather than older web portals.
What are the rules for foreign buyers in Nanjing?
Foreigners can legally buy property in Nanjing, subject to strict national guidelines. The central rule is the "self-use" policy.
- Residence requirement: while China traditionally required one year of residence and tax records before purchase, Nanjing substantially relaxed or simplified this in 2025 and 2026 to attract new residents.
- Property type: foreigners may buy residential property only. New developments must also hold a valid Pre-sale Permit (预售许可证), and you must confirm the project does not restrict foreign buyers.
How much does property cost? (2026)
Nanjing is far more accessible than China’s mega-cities, and after an earlier market correction the market showed signs of slow stabilisation in 2025–2026.
As of January 2026 the average price of a new home in Nanjing is about ¥25,000 / m², while the average second-hand price is about ¥22,600 / m². For reference, the national average for new homes is ¥17,114 / m².
| Area | Price (CNY / m²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core areas (Hexi 河西 / Jianye 建邺) | ¥23,000 – ¥35,000 | The city’s premium stock |
| Citywide historic average (Dec 2023) | ¥23,644 | Reference point |
| Outer suburbs | Below ¥12,000 | Cheapest stock |
Taxes and mortgages
Beyond the price itself, buyers must budget for several mandatory transaction costs. Major national stimulus measures in late 2024 and 2025 reduced the tax burden on buyers.
| Fee type | Cost (2025 / 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deed tax (≤ 140 m²) | 1.0% | Of the total property price (updated 1 December 2024) |
| Deed tax (> 140 m²) | 1.5% | First-home rate (foreigners are limited to one home) |
| VAT | 5.0% | Applies if the seller has held the property for less than 2 years |
| Agent fee | 1% – 2.5% | Highly negotiable; usually split between buyer and seller |
| Registration fee | ¥80 | Standard fee for a basic residential ownership certificate |
| Property management fee | ¥1.5 – ¥8.0 / m² / month | Varies by development; luxury projects charge more |
Worked cost example
A 90 m² apartment at the new-build average of ¥25,000 / m²:
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Total property price (90 m² × ¥25,000) | ¥2,250,000 |
| Deed tax (1.0% for ≤ 140 m²) | ¥22,500 |
| Agent fee (estimated at 1.5%) | ¥33,750 |
| Registration fee | ¥80 |
| Estimated total upfront cost | ¥2,306,330 |
For buyers needing finance, the average 20-year fixed mortgage rate was about 3.56% as of February 2026, following recent central bank LPR cuts.
Step-by-step: how to buy
- Open a bank account. Open an account at a local Chinese bank to transfer purchase funds. (1–2 days)
- Notarise your documents. Obtain notarised copies and Chinese translations of your passport and required legal documents. (1–2 weeks)
- Obtain purchase eligibility. Take your passport to the Nanjing Real Estate Market Trading Center (南京市房地产交易市场) to apply for the "购房资格" eligibility check. Even with restrictions relaxed, this official check is mandatory. (1–2 weeks)
- Choose the property and do due diligence. Before offering on a new development, confirm the developer holds a valid Pre-sale Permit and that the project does not restrict foreign buyers. Older "small-property-right" (小产权) homes generally lack such legal permits. (timing varies)
- Sign the contract and self-use undertaking. Complete the purchase contract and sign a legal commitment declaring this is your only property in China and is for self-occupation. (1 day)
- Pay the taxes. Pay the required taxes to the local tax authority, including deed tax calculated on floor area. (1–3 days)
- Register ownership. Register at the housing bureau and formally collect the property certificate. (2–4 weeks)
- Take possession. Do the final inspection, transfer property management and utility accounts, and collect the keys. (1 day)
Nanjing vs. Shanghai property market
| Metric | Nanjing (2026) | Shanghai (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Core-area average price | ≈ ¥23,000 – ¥35,000 / m² | ≈ ¥65,000 – ¥120,000+ / m² |
| Average mortgage rate | ≈ 3.56% | ≈ 3.5% – 3.7% |
| General cost of living | Baseline | ≈ 30.5% more expensive |
Nanjing’s "trade-in" (以旧换新) scheme
Nanjing pioneered a distinctive housing trade-in programme to support the local market. Under it, existing residents can sell their old home to a state-backed enterprise in order to buy a new one, often with transaction tax relief. If you already own property in Nanjing and want to upgrade, ask your target developer whether they participate in this municipal scheme.
Common mistakes
- Earning rent from it. It is illegal for a foreigner to let out a "self-use" property in China. Doing so breaches your ownership undertaking and can lead to fines, a forced sale, or obstacles to future property transactions.
- Ignoring the land lease. Do not assume you own the land outright. You are buying a 70-year land-use right, and future renewal policy is set by the state.
- Relying on outdated apps. Avoid legacy platforms such as 58.com or Anjuke. Locals almost exclusively use Beike (贝壳) or Lianjia (链家) for accurate pricing, 3D virtual tours and reliable historical price tracking.
- Assuming English support. Housing bureau hotlines do not offer dedicated English options. Bring a fluent Chinese speaker to every official appointment.
FAQ
Does buying property in China grant residence? No. Purchasing property does not directly grant Chinese residence or a visa, though owning property may help when applying for long-term status.
What is the deed tax on a second home in 2025? 2.0% for properties over 140 m². However, because foreigners are legally limited to one residential property, this rate generally does not apply to non-Chinese nationals.
Is Nanjing a good place for property investment? Foreigners cannot buy Chinese property purely for financial investment such as letting. But with prices stabilising around ¥25,000 / m² and mortgage rates near 3.56%, it remains a pragmatic option for long-term self-occupation.
Can foreigners get a mortgage in Nanjing? Yes, if they meet bank requirements such as proving stable income in China and holding a valid work permit. Non-Chinese buyers are typically asked for a higher down-payment ratio than local buyers.
What happens when the 70-year land-use right expires? Under the PRC Civil Code, residential construction land-use rights are automatically renewed on expiry. The state may charge a renewal fee, but the specific future charging standard has not been fully detailed by the central government.
Essential contacts
- Nanjing Real Estate Market Trading Center (南京市房地产交易市场) — for the mandatory 购房资格 eligibility check
- Nanjing government services hotline: 12345
- Recommended apps: Beike (贝壳) and Lianjia (链家) — verified listings, 3D tours and price history