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[5] Subgroup: Avoid Old and Dilapidated Properties - Old and dilapidated properties are often characterized by outdated construction, with severely aging structural and utility systems.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 article emphasizes the importance of strategic home buying for first-time buyers in a fluctuating real estate market, advocating the principle of "buy old, buy big, and avoid three" to prevent post-purchase regret [1] Group 1: Buying Strategies - "Buy old" refers to purchasing existing homes, as many developers face financial difficulties leading to increased risks with pre-sold properties. Buying existing homes allows buyers to inspect the quality, layout, and surrounding environment firsthand [3] - The ideal choice is not necessarily old homes but rather those built 5 to 10 years ago, which often offer a balance of quality and cost-effectiveness [3] Group 2: Housing Quality - "Buy big" focuses on enhancing living quality through spacious homes, which provide a more comfortable living experience. Larger units can effectively separate quiet and active areas, ensuring privacy for family members [6] - However, buyers should consider their household size and financial capacity, ideally having three or more family members to justify a larger space while avoiding excessive debt [6] Group 3: Types of Properties to Avoid - The article identifies three types of properties to avoid: suburban homes, high-floor apartments, and "old, broken, small" units. - Suburban homes may offer lower prices and better greenery but often lack essential amenities, leading to inconvenience and weaker market resilience during downturns [8] - High-floor apartments pose challenges such as accessibility issues, elevator malfunctions, and fire safety concerns [8] - "Old, broken, small" units, once popular for their location and affordability, now show significant drawbacks, including outdated infrastructure, poor living conditions, and difficulty in resale [9]

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]