灵魂拷问：我为啥非得现在买房？租房不香吗？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant differences in quality and pricing between new and second-hand residential properties, highlighting that the improved quality of new homes is not reflected in their prices, leading to a shift in buyer preferences towards new properties over older ones [5][21]. Summary by Sections New Property Quality - New properties feature larger living spaces, with examples showing living and dining areas reaching up to 50 square meters and multiple bathrooms in smaller units [1][3][4]. - The design of new homes, such as open-plan layouts, allows for more functional use of space, making them more appealing compared to older properties [4][5]. Price Comparison - The price per square meter of new homes is often lower than that of second-hand homes when comparing actual usable space, leading to a perception that second-hand homes are overpriced [7][6]. - For instance, a new home priced at 3 million yuan for 143 square meters results in a unit price of approximately 21,000 yuan per square meter, while a second-hand home with significant shared space costs about 2,450 yuan per square meter [7][6]. Rental Yield Concerns - The rental yield in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai is low, averaging around 1.5%, making buying less attractive compared to renting [10][11]. - In contrast, cities like Tokyo and New York have rental yields around 6%, indicating a stark difference in investment returns [10]. Economic and Market Pressures - Economic uncertainty and job stability concerns are causing potential buyers to hesitate in committing to long-term mortgages, leading to a preference for renting over buying [15][14]. - The high interest rates set by the Federal Reserve are limiting the ability of local markets to lower rates, further complicating the housing market dynamics [16][17][19]. Future Outlook - The article suggests that until key economic indicators improve, such as rental yields approaching mortgage rates and a stabilization of income expectations, the housing market may continue to face downward pressure [22][23]. - The potential for future price increases in real estate is contingent upon observable changes in market conditions, which are currently lacking [22][24].