Prayers, lucky charms help Shenzhen home lottery entrants win a chance to buy dream flat
The treasure hunt among buyers is a result of the government’s stringent property curbs, including direct price controls
A property buying fever has gripped Shenzhen, as all new flats launched through the city’s first public lottery scheme were snapped up within four hours of going on sale on Wednesday.
The lucky few, who managed to get their hands on the 167 units at Shenzhen China Merchants Real Estate’s luxury residential project, Shuangxi Garden Phase Three, were ecstatic.
“I am so lucky to be the first one to pick up a flat that I like before all others,” said Wu, who only gave his surname, who chose a 205 square metre flat that cost about 17 million yuan (US$2.64 million).
“I had this winning feeling,” said Tina Li, who gave a high-five to her husband and hugged her mother. “We really like the neighbourhood as we have been checking flats in the area for more than half a year. I am so happy that I could get one that meets all my requirements and at such a cheap price.”
Li said she would be paying just over 30 million yuan after discount for her 280 sq m flat, which was well within her budget.