4.5M views · Dec 14, 2018 · 12:30 · 3 HN recommenders · 4 mentions · discussed 2018–2022
PolyMatter explains China's housing bubble and why around 50 million homes sit empty. It covers cultural and economic reasons behind the overbuilding and the government's bind.
Why Hacker News points people here: Recommended as a clear, compact explainer on China's empty homes, ghost cities and property troubles.
“it explains clearly (for a complex situation) what's been going on in China's real estate, the 'ghost cities' and the demolitions.”HN comment, 2022
“I watched a really nice 12 mins video[0] on this topic only yesterday.”
Nice 12-minute explainer on China's empty homes.
I watched a really nice 12 mins video[0] on this topic only yesterday. I haven't fact checked it though. [0] this video
“You might be surprised to learn why there's excess housing.”
Explains cultural reasons behind excess Chinese housing.
You might be surprised to learn why there's excess housing. Young men who are courting a lady need two or three houses to have any chance of winning her hand: Why 50 Million Chinese Homes are Empty - this video
“it explains clearly (for a complex situation) what's been going on in China's real estate, the 'ghost cities' and the demolitions.”
Clear explanation of China's property situation and ghost cities.
I was befuddled by what's been going on there. So earlier today I watched this [0], it explains clearly (for a complex situation) what's been going on in China's real estate, the 'ghost cities' and the demolitions. Below that,[1] a recent look at a 'ghost city' by two western bikers. [0] this video [1] link
Explains why China builds empty housing.
China builds useless buildings/cities because it raises the GDP and because it's often the only viable way to raise funds for local governments. The Chinese people invest in useless buildings because it is often the only viable way to invest your savings. Some of the useless buildings built for buildings sake will potentially be filled as people move from rural areas, but a lot won't. this video
