China’s real estate market enters 2026 in a state of deep reassessment. Four years of subdued leasing, soft sales absorption, weaker footfall, rising vacancies,cautious capital, and persistent debt strain have pushed every asset class into a defensive posture. The old model—relying on scale, momentum, and rising prices—no longer offers a path forward. What the sector faces today is not simply cyclical weakness, but a structural shift in expectations, business models, and economic purpose. The only sustainable response is to break the cycle of decline: the cycle in which cost-cutting erodes service quality, eroded service quality weakens demand, and weaker demand triggers yet more cost-cutting. This downward spiral has reached its limit.

Our latest Prime UK Residential report gives the facts, figures and perspectives you need to make your next property decision. Whether that’s selling, buying, letting or renting, we’ve got you covered.