王健林的预言或成真？今明两年，该尽快买房还是再等等？终于有了答案

Core Viewpoint - The current real estate market in China is undergoing significant adjustments, with varying conditions across different cities, leading to a complex decision-making process for potential homebuyers [1][2][12] Market Overview - In Q1 2025, the national sales area of commercial housing decreased by 8.3% year-on-year, and sales revenue fell by 10.2%. Compared to the peak in 2018, the transaction volume has shrunk by nearly 40%, indicating a deep adjustment period in the real estate market [1][4] - The inventory of commercial housing reached approximately 680 million square meters by the end of March 2025, with a depletion cycle of nearly 22 months, significantly exceeding the reasonable level of 12-18 months [4][5] Price Trends - The housing price differentiation across cities is notable, with three tiers identified: - First-tier cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai) have stabilized prices with slight increases in core areas, such as a 1.2% rise in Shanghai's core area in Q1 2025 [4] - Second-tier cities (e.g., Hangzhou, Nanjing) show a trend of stability with some declines, particularly in suburban areas [4] - Third-tier cities are experiencing continuous price declines, with some areas seeing drops exceeding 30% [4][5] Demographic Changes - China's population is undergoing significant changes, with a reported decline of approximately 950,000 in 2024. By 2035, over 20% of the population is expected to be over 65 years old, indicating a shift towards a deeply aging society [7] - The decrease in total population suggests a narrowing of housing demand, while the trend of population concentration in major cities continues, leading to market differentiation [7] Financial Environment - Since the second half of 2024, mortgage rates have been decreasing, with the average rate for first-time homebuyers dropping to around 3.8%, a historical low [7] - Various regions have relaxed purchasing restrictions, including lowering down payment ratios and easing purchase limits, which have somewhat boosted market confidence [7] Housing Affordability - The average housing price-to-income ratio across 50 major cities is now 8.6, down from 11.3 in 2018, indicating improved affordability. The ratios for first-tier cities stand at 12.5, while second-tier cities are at 8.2, and third-tier cities at 6.7 [7] Buyer Strategies - For first-time homebuyers with stable income, now may be a favorable time to enter the market, especially in first and second-tier cities where promotional efforts by developers are strong [9] - Existing homeowners looking to upgrade should consider a "sell first, buy later" strategy to maximize negotiation power in the current market [9] - Investors should be cautious, focusing on prime locations in first-tier and strong second-tier cities, as short-term appreciation is less likely [9][10] - Those unable to afford ideal housing or uncertain about their future location may choose to wait, but should be aware that prime resources in major cities may become scarcer [10] Key Considerations - Personal financial health is crucial, with a recommendation that monthly mortgage payments should not exceed 40% of household income [10] - Location selection is vital, as properties in quality areas tend to retain value better even during market downturns [10] - The quality of the property itself is increasingly important, with well-constructed and well-located properties showing resilience in value [10] - Awareness of urban development plans can significantly influence long-term property value, as infrastructure improvements can enhance desirability [11]