Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Overweight" rating for the real estate sector [4]. Core Insights - The report highlights that the rental yield in major cities has shifted from a negative outlook to a neutral stance due to the CPI turning positive and the continuous decline in risk-free rates. This indicates potential stabilization in asset prices in key cities [2]. - The rental yield in first-tier cities has increased from 1.6% in 2020 to 1.9% in 2025, although it remains below the mortgage loan rates and slightly above the risk-free rates. The "rental yield + CPI" metric is expected to improve as the CPI in some first-tier cities turns positive [4]. - Second-tier cities are showing signs of price stabilization, with the "rental yield + CPI" metric improving from 2.3% in 2023 to 2.6% in 2024 and maintaining that level in 2025. Cities like Hefei and Xi'an are expected to see further improvements in their rental yields [4]. Summary by Sections Rental Yield Analysis - The historical rental yield was 1.5%, but when adjusted for CPI, it is not considered low. The report emphasizes the need to differentiate between actual and nominal yields [4]. - The nominal rental yield is adjusted to account for potential inflation, making it a more comparable metric. The report suggests that the high inflation period has made the first-tier cities' rental yield of 1.5% equivalent to an international nominal yield of 3.5% [4]. Market Trends - The report notes that the rental yield plus CPI in first-tier cities is around 2.5%, which is now higher than the risk-free rate. This indicates a potential shift in market dynamics [5]. - The report also points out that the proportion of declining listing prices has increased, indicating a weakening in the second-hand housing market, with about 19% of listings showing price declines [4][18]. Future Outlook - The report anticipates that as the CPI continues to rise and the risk-free rate declines, asset prices in key cities may transition from a negative outlook to a neutral one. This is particularly relevant for second-tier cities, which are expected to have a stronger rental yield plus CPI metric [4].