Beijing July second‑hand home sales rise 8.5% as low‑price “old‑small” units dominate

In July, Beijing’s second‑hand housing market recorded 13,875 net‑signed contracts, an 8.53% year‑on‑year increase and the highest volume in nearly five years. About 80% of these transactions involved low‑price “old‑broken‑small” (老破小) apartments priced below 5 million yuan, favored for their affordability and proximity to schools. Analysts attribute the surge to strong underlying demand, especially from families seeking housing to secure school enrollment, and to the lingering effects of policy measures introduced in June that lowered down‑payment ratios and loan rates.

Another report notes that July’s net‑signed volume reached roughly 14,000 units, a 9.8% YoY rise, though it fell 15.5% from the previous month. Cumulative sales from January to July hit 107,000 units, up 6% and setting a near‑five‑year high. Prices remained broadly stable, with modest regional variations. The market’s resilience is linked to continued demand for low‑price small units, a gradual easing of new listings, and the earlier policy stimulus that lowered purchase thresholds. Supply pressures have eased as the number of new listings declined, helping narrow the bargaining gap between sellers and buyers.