The State Council Information Office held a press conference on “High-Quality Completion of the 14th Five-Year Plan,” where the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development introduced achievements in high-quality development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

Continuously Increasing Policy Support for Home Purchases

Policies are tailored to each city’s specific conditions, granting local governments greater autonomy in real estate market regulation. Adjustments and optimizations are made according to local circumstances to support reasonable housing consumption and meet diverse housing needs through market mechanisms. Policy support for home purchases has been strengthened through measures such as reducing down payment ratios and interest rates for housing provident fund and commercial bank loans, providing tax refunds for residents selling old homes to buy new ones, lowering deed tax rates, and eliminating standards for ordinary and non-ordinary residences. Local governments have also introduced subsidies and other preferential policies to reduce home purchase costs. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, approximately 5 billion square meters of new commercial residential properties were sold nationwide. Meanwhile, the secondary housing market continues to expand, with 15 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities now seeing higher transaction volumes for pre-owned homes than for new ones.

Focusing on Protecting Homebuyers’ Rights and Interests

Efforts to ensure housing delivery have been intensified, with a strong push to complete unfinished projects. National, provincial, and municipal task forces have been established to coordinate efforts, clarifying responsibilities for local governments, real estate enterprises, and financial institutions. Guidance is provided for case-by-case resolutions based on market and legal principles. Eligible development projects are included in “white lists” through urban real estate financing coordination mechanisms, ensuring access to funding for normal construction and timely delivery. For insolvent projects, bankruptcy restructuring or liquidation is accelerated, with judicial processes prioritizing homebuyers’ rights. Companies violating laws or harming public interests face strict penalties to prevent evasion of responsibilities. To date, over 7.5 million sold but undelivered homes have been completed, effectively safeguarding buyers’ rights.

Reforming and Improving Real Estate Development, Financing, and Sales Systems

In development, project companies exercise independent legal rights, while parent companies fulfill investor responsibilities. Before project delivery, investors are prohibited from improperly diverting sales or financing funds or withdrawing capital prematurely. For financing, effective methods from delivery assurance efforts are promoted: one bank or consortium serves as the lead bank for a project, with all development, construction, and sales funds deposited there, and the lead bank ensures reasonable financing needs. Urban real estate financing coordination mechanisms establish project “white lists” by city, with approved loans exceeding 7 trillion yuan nationwide, supporting commercial housing project delivery. In sales, efforts advance orderly toward ready-for-occupancy sales to eliminate delivery risks, while presales continue with regulated fund supervision to protect buyers.

Precisely Implementing Urban Renewal Projects

On one hand, urgent renewal projects addressing public interests are prioritized to eliminate safety hazards and improve living conditions, making urban life more convenient, comfortable, and pleasant. Efforts focus on addressing民生短板, with 2,387 urban village renovation projects providing over 2.3 million relocation homes; 175,000 urban dilapidated housing units initiated for renewal; and 240,000 old urban residential communities renovated, benefiting 110 million residents. Emphasis on “underlying infrastructure” has led to 840,000 kilometers of underground pipeline upgrades and accelerated construction of utility tunnels, enhancing urban safety and resilience.

On the other hand, “Four Goods” initiatives—good houses, good neighborhoods, good communities, and good districts—are promoted with practical measures to create livable, resilient, and smart cities. Digital, networked, and intelligent urban infrastructure is developed, alongside efforts to build quality housing, renovate old communities, and establish complete communities. Over 6,500 old blocks and 700 old industrial areas have been revitalized, providing better living spaces, new consumption environments, and more entrepreneurial opportunities.

Residential Project Standards Officially Implemented on May 1 This Year

The Residential Project Standards, implemented on May 1 this year, include 14 enhancements. These include increasing minimum floor height from 2.8 meters to 3 meters, requiring elevators in buildings with four or more floors, and reducing floor sound transmission by 10 decibels.

Promoting R&D of New Building Materials for “Good Houses”

Research and development of new building materials for “good houses” are encouraged, such as green materials that eliminate waiting periods for odor dissipation after construction or renovation. Green building materials, smart security, and whole-house intelligence are being integrated through internet, sensors, and other technologies to enhance housing quality.

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State Council Information Office

The State Council Information Office is the primary information and publicity agency of China’s central government, established in 1991. It serves as the official channel for government announcements, policy interpretations, and media relations, while also promoting China’s national image domestically and internationally.

Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development

The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD) is a cabinet-level department of the People’s Republic of China responsible for national construction policies, urban and rural planning, and managing the real estate and construction industries. It was established in 2008, succeeding the former Ministry of Construction, to better address the challenges of rapid urbanization and the development gap between urban and rural areas. Its work is central to major national initiatives, including the construction of public housing and the management of urban infrastructure.

14th Five-Year Plan

The “14th Five-Year Plan” is not a physical place or cultural site, but rather a strategic blueprint for China’s national development from 2021 to 2025. It outlines key economic and social goals, focusing on technological self-reliance, green development, and improving social welfare. Historically, it continues China’s tradition of five-year plans that began in the 1950s to guide the country’s modernization and growth.

urban village renovation projects

Urban village renovation projects are initiatives to modernize historic informal settlements within rapidly developing Chinese cities, often dating from the pre-reform era. These projects typically involve upgrading infrastructure and housing while controversially displacing long-term communities and eroding local cultural heritage. The process represents a central tension in China’s urbanization, balancing development goals against the preservation of social and historical fabric.

urban dilapidated housing

Urban dilapidated housing refers to residential buildings in cities that have fallen into severe disrepair, often due to age, neglect, or economic decline in the area. Historically, such housing can emerge from industrial downturns, population shifts, or discriminatory policies that led to disinvestment. These areas represent significant challenges for urban renewal, public health, and social equity.

old urban residential communities

Old urban residential communities are historic neighborhoods found in many cities, often characterized by traditional architecture and dense, walkable layouts. Many were built during early industrialization or specific historical periods, serving as the core residential areas for generations of city dwellers. Today, they are valued for their cultural heritage and sense of community, though they often face challenges related to modernization and preservation.

underground pipeline

An underground pipeline is an engineered conduit system used to transport liquids, gases, or sometimes solids over long distances. Historically, ancient civilizations used rudimentary pipes made from clay or wood, but modern steel and plastic pipelines became widespread in the 20th century to support the industrial transport of resources like water, oil, and natural gas. These systems are critical infrastructure, often running unseen beneath cities and landscapes to efficiently and safely move essential commodities.

utility tunnels

Utility tunnels are underground passageways that house essential utilities like electrical cables, water pipes, and telecommunications lines. They originated in the 19th century to reduce street-level clutter and make maintenance easier, with early examples found in cities like London and Paris. Today, they are a hallmark of modern urban infrastructure, ensuring efficient utility management and protecting services from weather and tampering.