China’s property developers change tack as single women emerge as new buyers
- More mainland women are opting to purchase a home before marriage
- Home ownership seen as a factor helping to bolster sense of belonging and security in cities such as Beijing
In a departure from tradition, more Chinese women are opting to purchase homes while they are single, undertaking the biggest purchase of their lives without the financial support that comes with marriage.
Liu Ce head of research at Kaisa Group said the appearance of a home, including the inner decor and landscaping carry more weight for female buyers, while other factors such as the location and price matters less.
“Women are always a decisive force in our industry,” said Liu.
In recognition of the growing role of women as homebuyers, developers have placed more emphasis on the presentation of show houses, including elements such as interior finishing.
“In China parents like to buy a flat for their children, even as early as toddlers, for both investment purposes as well as a gift to their children,” said Guo Yi, chief analyst at Beijing-based property agency Heshuo.
She added that many parents also believe that home ownership could improve their offspring’s appeal in finding a marriage partner.