Core Viewpoint - The current real estate market is filled with uncertainty, leading potential homebuyers to feel confused. Industry experts suggest adhering to the seven-character mantra of "buy small, buy old, do not buy three" for making prudent property purchases in the next two years [1] Group 1: Buy Small - For young families with urgent housing needs, it is advisable to prioritize small apartments over larger ones. This is due to three reasons: first, small apartments have a lower total price, which reduces monthly payment pressure; second, expenses related to decoration and furniture are less, making daily cleaning easier; third, costs such as property fees, heating fees, and maintenance funds are lower, alleviating financial burdens [3] Group 2: Buy Old - The term "old" refers to purchasing completed properties or relatively new second-hand homes rather than old houses. The frequent occurrence of unfinished properties has led to significant financial losses for buyers, increasing calls to eliminate pre-sale properties. Buying completed or relatively new homes allows buyers to conduct on-site evaluations of the property, including layout, floor, and quality, thus effectively avoiding risks associated with unfinished buildings and quality issues of pre-sale properties [4] Group 3: Do Not Buy Three - The phrase "do not buy three" indicates avoiding the purchase of old, dilapidated small properties, properties in remote areas, and high-rise buildings [5] Subgroup: Avoid Old and Dilapidated Properties - Old and dilapidated properties are often characterized by outdated construction, with severely aging structural and utility systems. Additionally, these properties typically have poor price resilience, often leading to a situation where they are priced but not sold. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid purchasing old and dilapidated properties in city centers [6] Subgroup: Avoid Remote Area Properties - While properties in suburban areas may have lower total prices, they often lack essential amenities such as hospitals, schools, supermarkets, and public transportation, resulting in a poor living experience. Furthermore, suburban properties exhibit the weakest price resilience, making them the first to suffer in the event of a price decline. Caution is advised when considering properties in remote areas [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions when purchasing a home, particularly for first-time buyers, advocating for the strategy of "buying old, buying big, and avoiding three types of properties" to ensure stability and quality of life [1][31]. Group 1: Buy Old - Prioritize purchasing mature properties that are already occupied, as they tend to sell quickly and are less risky compared to new developments [3][5]. - The advantages of buying existing homes include reduced risk, as the property is already built and available for immediate inspection, eliminating concerns about construction delays or developer issues [5][7]. - Mature properties allow buyers to assess living conditions directly, including factors like lighting, ventilation, and neighborhood noise, which are often misrepresented in new developments [9][10]. Group 2: Buy Big - Buyers should consider purchasing larger homes within their financial means to avoid future inconveniences associated with smaller spaces [15][21]. - A larger home provides more organization and reduces clutter, leading to a more comfortable living environment [17][23]. - Buying a larger home upfront can save costs related to future property transactions, such as agent fees and taxes, and minimizes the stress of moving [21][24]. Group 3: Avoid Three Types of Properties - It is advisable to avoid purchasing very old homes due to potential issues with aging infrastructure, which can lead to frequent repairs and lower resale value [25][27]. - Non-core area high-rise buildings should be avoided as they often come with increased maintenance challenges and a declining living experience over time [27][29]. - Properties from small developers, particularly those sold as off-plan, carry higher risks of project delays or failures, which can severely impact buyers' financial stability [29][31].

Core Insights - The real estate market is undergoing a significant adjustment in 2023, yet the demand from first-time homebuyers remains strong due to fundamental needs such as settling down, marriage, and children's education [1] Group 1: Home Buying Strategies - The article emphasizes the importance of location, community environment, floor level, and layout design in selecting a home [1] - A seasoned industry expert provides a "seven-character mantra" for first-time homebuyers: "Buy middle, buy edge, do not buy three" [1] - "Buy middle" refers to choosing mid-level floors in a building, which balances comfort and convenience, avoiding the noise and dust of lower floors and the inconvenience of high floors [1] - "Buy edge" suggests opting for corner units over middle units, as corner units typically offer better privacy and larger living space [3] - "Do not buy three" advises against purchasing three types of properties: old downtown apartments, remote suburban homes, and high-risk pre-sale properties [3] Group 2: Risks of Certain Property Types - Old downtown apartments, often sought after for potential redevelopment, are becoming less attractive due to diminishing demolition opportunities and poor living conditions [5] - Suburban homes, while cheaper, face issues such as inadequate amenities and transportation, making them vulnerable to market fluctuations [7] - The risks associated with purchasing pre-sale properties are increasing, as developers face financial pressures that could lead to project failures and significant losses for buyers [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article presents a practical guideline for homebuyers in the current real estate market, encapsulated in the phrase "Buy New, Buy Middle, Don't Buy Three," which aims to help navigate the complexities of property selection [1]. Group 1: "Buy New" - "Buy New" emphasizes purchasing newly built properties rather than second-hand ones, as new homes are showing more price stability compared to second-hand homes, which are experiencing greater price declines [2][4]. - The quality of new homes has significantly improved, with better planning, construction quality, and smart features, making them more appealing than older properties [3]. - Government policies are favoring new home purchases, with over 80 cities offering incentives such as lower down payments and tax reductions, making new homes more financially attractive [4]. Group 2: "Buy Middle" - "Buy Middle" focuses on investing in cities with growth potential, particularly first and strong second-tier cities, which are seeing price increases due to population influx [6][7]. - The article highlights the importance of location, recommending central or mature sub-central areas over outskirts, as properties in well-developed areas tend to retain value better [8]. Group 3: "Don't Buy Three" - "Don't Buy Three" warns against three types of properties: those with unclear ownership, lacking essential amenities, and those with limited appreciation potential [11][12]. - Properties with high prices, high debt, and high risk are also discouraged, as they can lead to financial strain and reduced quality of life [13]. - The article stresses the importance of avoiding properties that are far from work or essential services, as they can incur high time costs and diminish living convenience [15]. Group 4: Implementation Steps - The article suggests five actionable steps for homebuyers to apply the "Buy New, Buy Middle, Don't Buy Three" principles, including assessing personal financial situations, understanding regional development plans, and ensuring property legalities are clear [17][18][19][20][21].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of buying a home that provides a sense of security and happiness, advocating for purchasing existing or slightly used properties rather than new developments that may carry risks [1] Group 1: Buying Strategy - The article suggests the strategy of "buy old, buy big, and avoid three types" to navigate the housing market effectively [3] - It highlights the advantages of purchasing existing homes or newer second-hand properties, which offer more reliability compared to off-plan properties [3][6] - The article warns against the risks of buying off-plan properties, which may lead to delays and uncertainties in possession [9][12] Group 2: Property Types to Avoid - It identifies three types of properties to avoid: old and dilapidated homes, apartments, and illegal constructions [24] - Old properties, particularly those over twenty years old, are prone to maintenance issues and may lack modern amenities, making them difficult to sell later [26] - Apartments are criticized for high communal costs and poor living conditions, while illegal constructions pose legal risks of demolition [28][30] Group 3: Long-term Considerations - The article stresses the importance of choosing larger homes to accommodate future family needs, thus avoiding the hassle of moving again [15][23] - It notes that larger homes tend to retain value better in fluctuating markets, making them a safer investment [20] - The article concludes by encouraging buyers to focus on the essence of properties rather than being swayed by flashy marketing [33]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions when purchasing a home, as it is often a lifelong commitment involving significant financial investment [1] - It introduces three practical principles for selecting a property: buy edge units, buy east-facing units, and avoid the third floor [3] Group 2 - Buying edge units is recommended due to their advantages such as reduced noise from neighbors and better ventilation, despite common perceptions that they are less desirable [5][6] - East-facing units are highlighted for their favorable sunlight exposure, providing a comfortable living environment, especially in colder regions [8][10] - The article advises against purchasing units on the third floor due to potential inconveniences such as lack of elevator access and drainage issues, suggesting higher floors as better alternatives [12][14]