2026 年楼市生变！曹德旺发声：普通人买房慎之又慎

Core Viewpoint - The real estate market in China is undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from the era of guaranteed appreciation to a more cautious and rational investment approach, as highlighted by industry expert Cao Dewang [1][12]. Group 1: Market Trends - The national housing price adjustment has lasted over 40 months, with the number of second-hand homes listed exceeding 8.5 million, indicating a shift from real estate as a wealth generator to a burden for some families [1]. - By 2026, the real estate market is expected to undergo fundamental restructuring, with a warning from Cao Dewang that ordinary people should be cautious when purchasing homes to avoid potential wealth loss [1][4]. - The core contradiction in the housing market is highlighted by the demographic shift, with over 200 million people aged 65 and above and fewer than 10 million newborns, leading to a shrinking home-buying demographic [4][7]. Group 2: Regional Disparities - The past two decades saw a "same rise and fall" pattern in real estate across cities, but this will collapse by 2026, with population and industry becoming the key determinants of property value [4][5]. - Core cities like Shenzhen and Hangzhou continue to attract population inflows, with Shenzhen's net inflow nearing 500,000 in 2025, supporting price resilience in these areas [5]. - In contrast, third and fourth-tier cities are experiencing significant population outflows, with a net loss of 3.12 million in 2025, leading to prolonged inventory cycles and potential price declines of 10% in 2026 [5][6]. Group 3: Demand Structure Changes - The demand for housing is shifting qualitatively, with the proportion of improvement-driven demand rising from 35% in 2020 to an expected 60% in 2026, indicating a preference for larger, quality homes [6][7]. - Older homes in third and fourth-tier cities are becoming "abandoned assets" due to outdated designs and lack of investment value, with many properties remaining unsold even after significant price reductions [6][7]. - The changing demographics and housing preferences, particularly among younger generations who favor "light asset" lifestyles, are contributing to a decline in overall housing demand [7]. Group 4: Rising Holding Costs - The cost of holding properties is expected to rise significantly in 2026, with mortgage payments, property fees, and maintenance costs becoming burdensome for homeowners [8][9]. - For homeowners who purchased at high prices between 2020 and 2021, monthly mortgage payments could consume over 50% of household income, increasing the risk of default [8]. - The average annual operating costs for a 100 square meter property could reach tens of thousands of yuan, exacerbated by a soft rental market where rental income fails to cover expenses [9]. Group 5: Home Buying Guidance - Ordinary buyers are advised to focus on core areas and avoid risky investments, prioritizing properties in first and strong second-tier cities that meet basic living needs and have strong anti-depreciation potential [10][11]. - For those looking to upgrade, 2026 presents an opportunity to sell older properties and invest in quality developments that offer better living conditions and potential for value retention [11]. - Investors are urged to abandon speculative strategies and focus on core areas, with a shift in goals from appreciation to preservation of value, particularly avoiding investments in third and fourth-tier cities [11].