The Beijing government has made it more difficult for non-locals to purchase a flat but there is a way to beat the restrictions — marriage.
The new measures announced by the capital earlier in February targeted non-locals, in order to clamp down on speculation in the real estate market.
They can own only one home, provided that they have lived in the city for at least five years, while Beijing residents are restricted to two homes each.
Marrying a Beijing resident is the fastest way to become a local.
This has formed a gray area when it comes to buying homes in Beijing.
Some may even go through a fake marriage to purchase a home and then divorce later.
Beijing couples who want to have two properties just have to divorce to create two “households”, with each entitled to two homes.
However, those planning to exploit this loophole should listen to what officials say — the restrictions are only temporary.
The measures may be eased when prices of homes return to “reasonable” levels, said Chen Zhi, Vice Secretary-General of the Beijing Real Estate Association.
For instance, those not registered in the capital may only need to present proof of income and social security taxes paid for three consecutive years, instead of the original five years, before they can purchase their first home in the capital.