Group 1: Policy Directions for Revitalizing Existing Properties - The real estate market in China is shifting from large-scale expansion to optimizing existing resources, with a focus on revitalizing existing properties to enhance market vitality and improve living standards[3] - Cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Foshan have introduced targeted policies since 2025 to accelerate the utilization of existing housing resources and improve efficiency[3] Group 2: Changing Property Use - Policies for changing the use of existing properties are categorized into temporary changes and permanent conversions, with temporary changes allowing flexible use for up to five years[4][5] - Hangzhou has established clear guidelines for temporary changes, allowing certain properties to be used for public services without additional land fees[6] Group 3: Conversion to Affordable Housing - Many cities support converting existing non-residential properties into affordable rental housing, with Guangzhou and Chengdu leading initiatives to repurpose commercial properties[9] - This conversion strategy aims to increase the supply of affordable housing while preventing redundant construction[9] Group 4: Supporting Functional Compatibility - Shanghai's policies encourage the integration of diverse functions within existing commercial buildings, allowing for the addition of services like healthcare and rental housing while maintaining the core commercial purpose[10] Group 5: Easing Self-Holding Restrictions - Recent policies in cities like Foshan and Guangzhou allow self-held residential properties to be sold, easing financial pressures on developers[11][12] - Developers can convert self-held commercial properties into sellable units under specific conditions, promoting better asset management[12] Group 6: Optimizing Management and Approval Processes - Cities are streamlining project approval processes and adjusting development timelines to alleviate financial burdens on developers, as seen in Chengdu and Foshan[14][15] - Simplified procedures for temporary use changes in Hangzhou aim to enhance efficiency in property utilization[15]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the structural contradiction between idle commercial properties and the demand for affordable housing, highlighting various policies implemented by cities to activate existing real estate resources and alleviate financial pressure on property developers while promoting the supply of affordable rental housing [1] Group 1: Policy Measures for Changing Property Use - Policies for changing the use of existing properties are categorized into temporary changes and reconstruction of existing buildings, with cities like Hangzhou and Guangzhou leading the way in establishing clear guidelines for temporary use changes [2] - Hangzhou has set a maximum initial application period of five years for temporary use changes, with extensions not exceeding two years, providing a structured approach for market participants [2] - Guangzhou's recent plan supports temporary conversion of existing buildings based on a positive list, indicating a trend towards more flexible property use [2] Group 2: Conversion to Affordable Rental Housing - Converting non-residential properties into affordable rental housing is another strategy being adopted by various cities, with policies initiated as early as 2021 to facilitate this transition [3] - Shenzhen has revised its guidelines to allow for the conversion of non-residential properties into affordable rental housing, aiming to include projects that are still under construction to reduce costs [3] - Shanghai's recent implementation encourages the classification of existing commercial buildings to accommodate various functions, including affordable housing, to meet regional needs [3][4] Group 3: Policy Relaxation and Approval Process Optimization - Many cities are optimizing policies related to self-owned properties to alleviate financial pressures on developers, allowing for the sale of previously restricted properties [5] - Cities like Foshan and Guangzhou have permitted the conversion of self-owned residential properties into marketable housing after paying land transfer fees, while also allowing adjustments to self-owned property ratios [6] - Efforts to streamline development processes and regulatory approvals are underway, with cities implementing measures to enhance project efficiency and reduce financial burdens on developers [7]