China is a country in the middle of a transition from a less developed country into a strong and highly developed country. Business opportunities attract many real estate investors trying to get a piece of this giant cake. There are however some obstacles preventing investors to enter the Chinese real estate market. The business environment is confusing at first and might be very different to the Western way of doing business. The Chinese real estate market is controlled by the government through restrictions making it complicated for foreigners to invest. This combined with the cultural differences that exists makes it difficult to succeed without any sort of guidance.
Policy and Regulations on China Real Estate Investment (based on chinavista.com)
Foreign investors may, in the form of joint venture, obtain the right to the use of state-owned land in Beijing with compensation by means of auction, bid or agreement.
1. Foreign investors may, in the form of joint venture, obtain the right to the use of state-owned land in Beijing with compensation by means of auction, bid or agreement. The allotted time for land-use right is from a minimum of 40 years to a maximum of 70 years, depending on the purpose of use.
2. Foreign investors are encouraged to develop and reconstruct the old residential districts in the city proper of Beijing. They may engage in the development and construction of high-grade residence, industrial buildings, and commercial, tourist and recreational facilities and may also conduct operations and other economic activities with the developed real estate.
3. Foreign investors can sell or rent the real estate they have developed to enterprises, organizations and individuals both inside and outside China. Foreign investors can sell or rent their buildings and the right to the use of land to banks or other financial institutions in and outside China.