Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the persistent enthusiasm for home buying in China despite high property prices, highlighting the dilemma between paying in full or opting for long-term loans, with over 90% of families choosing the latter due to various reasons [1][3]. Group 1: Reasons for Choosing Loans - High property prices make full payment burdensome, leading families to prefer spreading payments over 30 years to ease financial pressure [3]. - Some individuals believe that investing the funds instead of making a full payment could yield higher returns, which they could use to pay off the mortgage, although this approach carries significant risks [5]. - Many view mortgage loans as a financial opportunity, even if they can afford to pay in full, believing that leveraging loans can enhance potential returns during property price increases [7]. Group 2: Advantages of Full Payment - Paying in full can lead to discounts from developers or sellers, such as a 10% reduction, which can save substantial amounts for future renovations [8]. - Full payment means no debt, providing a sense of financial freedom that those with mortgages do not experience [8]. - Although long-term loans may seem advantageous, the total interest paid over time can equal the price of another property, making full payment a cost-saving option [8]. Group 3: Market Considerations - The decision between full payment and loans hinges on the current property price cycle; leveraging loans can maximize returns in a rising market, while high leverage in a declining market can exacerbate losses [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the differences between buying a house outright ("full payment") and taking a 30-year mortgage, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each approach in the context of current high housing prices. Group 1: Advantages of Full Payment - Full payment allows homeowners to be debt-free, avoiding the monthly repayment pressure associated with mortgages, which can lead to anxiety in case of interest rate hikes or job loss [3][5] - Homeowners who pay in full can save a significant amount on interest payments over time, with calculations suggesting that the interest paid on a 30-year mortgage could equal the cost of another property [3][9] - Full payment buyers typically have more negotiation power, potentially securing discounts of 5%-10% on the purchase price due to quicker transactions and less concern for loan approval delays [5][9] Group 2: Advantages of Mortgage - Mortgages reduce the immediate financial burden by allowing buyers to pay only a 30% down payment, preserving cash for other investments or emergencies [7] - The remaining 70% of the purchase price can be invested elsewhere, provided that the investment returns exceed the mortgage interest rate [7][9] - However, the current investment environment is challenging, with few products consistently yielding over 3%, making full payment a more prudent choice for those with sufficient funds [9][11] Group 3: Recommendations - For families with adequate financial resources, full payment is recommended due to its benefits in negotiation, interest savings, and lack of repayment pressure [11] - The article emphasizes that in a declining investment market, the risks associated with mortgages may outweigh the benefits, making full payment a wiser decision [11]

Core Viewpoint - The debate between "paying in full for a house" versus "30-year mortgage" is influenced by current high housing prices, with over 95% of families needing to take out loans to purchase homes [1][3] Group 1: Full Payment for a House - Advantages of paying in full include no mortgage repayment pressure, leading to a debt-free status, and significant savings on interest payments [3] - Disadvantages include a substantial short-term financial burden and the depletion of savings, which may result in lost investment opportunities [3] Group 2: 30-Year Mortgage - Advantages of a 30-year mortgage include alleviating short-term financial pressure and allowing families to invest saved funds elsewhere, potentially using investment returns to cover mortgage payments [5] - Disadvantages include ongoing monthly mortgage repayment pressure, risk of financial crisis due to income loss, and the long-term commitment that may hinder career mobility and entrepreneurial opportunities [5][7] Group 3: Recommendations - If financial conditions allow, it is advisable to pay in full to avoid monthly payment pressures and interest costs [7] - For first-time buyers, a 30-year mortgage can be considered, provided that monthly payments do not exceed 30% of total household income to avoid financial strain [7] - Young individuals are encouraged to rent until their financial situation improves and housing market conditions stabilize before purchasing a home [7]