深度专题 | 地产“落”，消费“升”（申万宏观·赵伟团队）

Core Viewpoint - The article argues that contrary to common belief, consumer spending in China may not continue to suffer due to the downturn in the real estate market. Instead, international experience suggests that consumer sentiment tends to improve during the latter stages of real estate adjustments, indicating that China may be at a turning point for consumer spending [1][9]. Group 1: International Experience and Economic Effects - International experience shows that consumer sentiment typically exhibits a "U-shaped" pattern around real estate turning points, with consumer spending improving before income does [2][10]. - The impact of real estate market changes on the economy can be categorized into three effects: "income effect," "wealth effect," and "crowding-out effect." The "income effect" influences total demand and employment, affecting consumer income and spending. The "wealth effect" refers to increased consumer spending due to rising property values, while the "crowding-out effect" indicates reduced spending by potential homebuyers due to high property prices [2][11]. - In the first five years of the "post-real estate era," the "income effect" dominates, leading to lower consumer spending. After the peak of the real estate cycle, consumer disposable income growth typically declines for about ten years, with average growth rates dropping from 8%-10% to 3%-4% [2][11]. Group 2: Consumer Sentiment Improvement - In the 5-10 years following the peak of the real estate market, the "crowding-out effect" weakens, allowing consumer sentiment to improve before income does. This shift is particularly evident among potential homebuyers aged 25-40, who are key contributors to social consumption [3][16]. - Evidence suggests that China may currently be at the starting point of a "U-shaped" reversal in consumer sentiment, with significant changes in the impact of real estate on the economy and policy environment since 2021 [4][40]. Group 3: Economic Indicators and Trends - The year 2015 marked a critical turning point in the impact of real estate on the macroeconomy, with the "income effect" and "wealth effect" dominating until then. Post-2015, the "crowding-out effect" became more pronounced, leading to a decline in consumer sentiment as housing costs rose [4][41]. - By 2026, a new cycle of improved consumer sentiment may begin as the "crowding-out effect" diminishes, with indicators such as the housing price-to-income ratio returning to pre-2015 levels, suggesting a stabilization of the three economic effects [5][83]. Group 4: Policy Support and Consumer Behavior - The Chinese government has been actively implementing policies to boost domestic demand and consumer spending, including optimizing personal consumption loan subsidies and increasing fiscal support for consumption [6][155]. - The shift in population and industry towards non-first-tier cities is also expected to alleviate the pressure on consumer sentiment caused by high housing prices, further supporting consumer spending [5][94].