Core Insights - The article emphasizes a simplified decision-making framework for homebuyers in a volatile real estate market, encapsulated in the phrase "buy old, buy big, don't buy three" [1] Group 1: Risk Avoidance - "Don't buy three" serves as a warning against three high-risk property types, helping buyers avoid significant potential losses [1] - Properties with unclear ownership, such as small property rights and unregistered relocation housing, face legal and economic risks, including potential demolition [3] - High-risk investment properties include remote locations with inadequate facilities, old houses with high maintenance costs, and flawed units prone to issues like leaks and noise, which are more vulnerable to market fluctuations [5] Group 2: Embracing Certainty - "Buy old" suggests opting for existing or nearly new second-hand homes to avoid the risks associated with unfinished properties, ensuring immediate availability and reducing financial loss from developer failures [7] - The advantages of existing homes include clear visibility of surrounding amenities, which is crucial for families with children needing stable schooling options, as well as higher usable space in older communities compared to new developments [7] - Data indicates a significant increase in second-hand home transactions in the first half of 2024, particularly in first-tier cities, reflecting a growing demand for certainty among buyers [7] Group 3: Long-term Considerations - "Buy big" encourages selecting larger units within financial means, enhancing living comfort and long-term asset value [10] - Larger homes cater to evolving family structures, providing necessary space for children and elderly family members, thus reducing the need for frequent relocations [10] - From an investment perspective, larger units are typically scarcer and more resilient to market downturns, making them easier to sell in the second-hand market [10] Conclusion - The framework of "buy old, buy big, don't buy three" is not a universal truth but should be adapted to individual circumstances, with economic capacity and location value being critical factors in decision-making [12]