Opportunity knocks: the rise of China’s rental housing market

China is home to more than 200 million people who rent their homes, adding up to a rental market with a value estimated to exceed one trillion yuan. Renters’ growing numbers and evolving tastes helping a new rental housing market to thrive.

JLL has released a whitepaper assessing the rise of China's rental housing market, with case studies of six major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Chengdu. 

Key takeaways

State of the market

China’s rental housing market is growing rapidly, supported by favourable demographics, rising barriers to home ownership, supportive policies, and an influx of capital. 

The path ahead

Rapid development has lifted China’s rental housing market from its “introductory phase” and through most of its “growth phase.” The market is now set to enter a “lift off phase.” 

Investment market performance

Rental housing in mature markets is an investment-grade asset that offers clear advantages to investors. China’s rental housing investment market is still developing, but expected to get a boost.