Shanghai releases "Seven Measures" for the real estate market

In order to better meet the rigid and improved housing needs of residents and promote the stable and healthy development of the real estate market, on February 25th, the Municipal Housing and Urban-Rural Development Commission, the Municipal Housing Management Bureau, the Municipal Finance Bureau, the Municipal Taxation Bureau, and the Municipal Housing Provident Fund Management Center jointly issued the "Notice on Further Optimizing and Adjusting the City's Real Estate Policies," which will be implemented starting from February 26th, 2026. The notice further adjusts housing purchase restrictions to serve livability and promote a balance between work and housing, focusing on meeting residents' reasonable housing needs. Specifically, the notice stipulates further adjustments to housing purchase restrictions. Firstly, the years of social security contributions or individual income tax payments required for non-Shanghai residents to purchase housing within the outer ring road have been shortened. For non-local residents or adult singles purchasing housing within the outer ring road, the years of social security contributions or individual income tax payments required for purchasing have been adjusted to at least 1 year prior to the purchase date. Secondly, eligible non-Shanghai residents can purchase an additional housing unit within the outer ring road. Non-local residents who have contributed to social security or paid individual income tax in the city for 3 years or more, based on the existing housing purchase restrictions, can purchase an additional housing unit within the outer ring road. Lastly, eligible individuals holding the "Shanghai Residence Permit" for 5 years or more can purchase housing within the city without the need to provide proof of social security or income tax payments. According to the above regulations, non-local residents who have continuously contributed to social security or paid individual income tax in the city for 1 year or more prior to the purchase date can purchase unlimited housing units outside the outer ring road and are restricted to purchasing 1 housing unit within the outer ring road. Those who have contributed for 3 years or more are allowed to purchase 2 housing units within the outer ring road. Meanwhile, individuals holding the "Shanghai Residence Permit" for 5 years or more are limited to purchasing 1 housing unit within the city.