Below you'll find insider tips on getting the best from Shanghai, from hints on finding a home to reviews of the hottest restaurants in town.
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Housing
Accommodation in Shanghai can be frustrating. The converted lane house you rent for RMB 24,000 a month may be close to the hub of the action, but it frequently loses hot water, while the... read more
Renting in Shanghai
Until the law changed in 2004, all local Shanghai residents received housing through their danwei, or work unit, and most Shanghainese still live in government-issued apartments.... read more
Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents in Shanghai take 30-100% of your first month's rent as commission. Make sure to negotiate with the agent beforehand. Only some realtors, like Space or Crispin Property... read more
The Lease
After the tenant and landlord sign the lease agreement, the landlord is required to register the lease with the local district authorities. This rarely happens, however, because landlords... read more
Main Accommodation Options
Common Accommodation Problems
Heating is a major issue for many foreigners. When the bone-chilling Shanghai winter sets in, many recent arrivals discover that the temperatures inside... read more
Other Rental Costs
Be prepared to pay first month's rent, along with a two-month security deposit, upon signing a lease agreement. Tenants also need to pay the agreed-upon real estate commission, unless the... read more
Buying Property
Buying property in Shanghai, like anywhere else in the world, is a serious, long-term commitment. As the city's economy continues to boom and new apartment complexes stand purchased but... read more
Mortgages
Many Chinese banks offer mortgages to foreign homeowners. Foreigners can borrow up to 70% of the value of a recently built property and around 50% of an older property. Requirements and... read more
Other Purchasing Costs
Property agents usually charge 1% of the cost of the property. Property taxes range from 3-5% depending on the type of property. Construction costs for fitting out a house (any... read more
