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].