Shanghai Eases Home-Buying Rules, Sparking Hope China Will Do More

Shanghai has loosened home-buying rules in the latest bid by China to stabilize its prolonged property slump. Residents — including those from outside the city — can now purchase unlimited homes in the outer suburbs, while non-residents who’ve paid pensions for three years will be allowed to buy new homes in urban areas, not just existing residences.

The measures may look modest, but they raise hopes of further policy support for the housing market. China’s economy is contending with US tariffs, deflationary pressures and a deep-rooted property crisis — all of which are weighing on growth. Still, few expect Beijing to roll out sweeping stimulus on the scale of 2015. Read more about that here.