国泰海通｜地产：通胀好转，资产价格预期受益——住宅收益率跟踪研究（1月2026年）

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recovery of asset prices in key cities due to the positive shift in CPI and the continuous decline in risk-free interest rates, indicating a transition from a "negative outlook" to a "neutral" stance for certain assets in major cities [1]. Summary by Sections Rental Yield and CPI - The past residential rental yield was 1.5%, which, when considering CPI, is not low. The market needs to differentiate between actual and nominal yields. Historically adjusted nominal rental yields are effective indicators. The traditional calculation of rental yield using "nominal rent / nominal house price" has comparability issues. The adjusted nominal yield, which includes potential inflation, is a more reasonable metric. Under high inflation, the nominal rental yield of 1.5% in first-tier cities is equivalent to an international nominal yield of 3.5% [2]. Rental Yield Trends in Major Cities - In first-tier cities, the rental yield has increased from 1.6% in 2020 to 1.9% in 2025. However, due to previous deflation, the "rental yield + CPI" has decreased from 4.5% in 2019 to 2.0% in 2025, which is below mortgage rates but slightly above risk-free rates. With CPI turning positive in some first-tier cities by Q4 2025, asset prices are expected to shift from a "negative outlook" to "neutral" [3]. Second-Tier Cities Potential - The "rental yield + CPI" in second-tier cities shows potential for recovery, with data indicating a rise from 2.3% in 2023 to 2.6% in 2024 and maintaining that level in 2025. This is an improvement compared to the current 1.8% yield on ten-year government bonds. Cities like Hefei and Xi'an are projected to see increases in their rental yield + CPI to 2.6% and 3.0%, respectively, by 2025 [4]. Market Confidence and Pricing Trends - There is an improvement in home-buying confidence, with 16% of residents expressing stronger intent to purchase homes, a 1.2 percentage point increase from the previous month. However, the proportion of declining listing prices has risen to 19%, indicating a weakening in the second-hand housing market. The article suggests monitoring CPI trends and regulatory guidance on price expectations [5].