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Real Estate in Xi'an, China | Expat Exchange
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Real Estate in Xi'an, China

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Mar 23, 2023

Summary: The most desirable neighborhoods in Xi'an, China are the Beilin District, the Qujiang District, and the Yanta District. The average cost to buy a nice 2 bedroom home in Xi'an is around $150,000 USD, while a nice 3 bedroom home can cost around $200,000 USD. These properties typically include modern amenities such as air conditioning, central heating, and high-speed internet. Foreigners are allowed to purchase property in Xi'an, however, there are certain restrictions in place. For example, foreigners are not allowed to purchase agricultural land or land designated for military use. The best way for an expat to search for a home to buy in Xi'an is to use a real estate agent or a property search website. These agents and websites can provide detailed information about the properties available in the area, as well as help with the paperwork and legal aspects of the purchase.

How do I find a place to live in Xi'an?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"When looking for a place to live in Xi'an, there are multiple avenues to explore. Finding a good agent in the city who is familiar with the different neighbourhoods is an ideal way to start. Searching online on rental platforms such as Airbnb and Chinese rental platform like Ziroom and DankeApartments, can also give an indication of the type of accommodation, price range and availability. Once you have a shortlist of potential places to live, it is worth discussing directly with the landlords, or agents, for further details about the accommodation. Additionally, Xi'an is filled with plenty of communal housing options such as college dorms, shared apartments, or expatriate complexes. It is worth looking into these types of accommodations as well," said one expat in Xi'an, China.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Xi'an?

"Expat homes and apartments in Xi'an typically offer modern, comfortable living in an international setting. Expat residences are usually spacious and well-equipped with quality furniture and appliances. Security is often an important feature, with gated compounds offering shared amenities such as pools, tennis courts, and children's play areas. For those who may be relocating from western countries, there are high-speed internet networks and quality home maintenance services that make the whole process of settling in simpler and efficient," said one expat who made the move to Xi'an, China.

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What is the average cost of housing in Xi'an?

If you are thinking about moving to Xi'an, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Xi'an can vary depending on the area and type of accommodation. Overall, the cost of renting or buying a property in Xi'an is generally considered to be quite reasonable compared to other large cities in China. Typical rent costs range from 2,000 to 6,000 RMB per month, while purchase prices are typically between 8,000 and 17,000 RMB per square meter," said one person in Xi'an, China.

Should I buy or rent a home in Xi'an?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Xi'an, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"My wife owns a condo which is basically what many Chinese own in liu of Americans buying a house. Many more rent apts/condos from others," remarked one member in Xi'an.

"It is important to consider both buying and renting when deciding where to live in Xi'an. Buying a home can provide long term stability and (often) potential for appreciation, while renting may be more flexible if you are uncertain of your stay or if you don't want to be locked into a full mortgage. If you are interested in buying, consider researching real estate prices, availability of financing options, and any special taxes or fees associated with purchasing a property in Xi'an. If you are interested in renting, look into prices, availability, and the terms and conditions of your lease. Consider the location, neighbourhood amenities, and commute time when making your decision," explained one expat living in Xi'an, China, China.

What do I need to know when buying property in Xi'an?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Xi'an, they said:

"1. It is important to research the local market and understand the current trends in the area before making a purchase. 2. It is important to understand the local laws and regulations regarding property ownership and taxation. 3. It is important to have a clear understanding of the terms of the contract and any potential risks associated with the purchase. 4. It is important to have a reliable and experienced real estate agent to help guide you through the process. 5. It is important to have a good understanding of the local culture and customs to ensure a smooth transaction. 6. It is important to have a good understanding of the local infrastructure and amenities to ensure a comfortable living environment," explained one foreigner living in Xi'an, China.

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Xi'an?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Xi'an, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Xi'an. According to the Chinese government, foreign citizens, companies, and other organizations are allowed to purchase real estate in China, including in Xi'an. However, there are certain restrictions in place, such as the fact that foreign citizens are not allowed to purchase agricultural land or land designated for military use. Additionally, foreign citizens are not allowed to purchase more than one property in China," explained one expat in Xi'an.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Xi'an what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"In a rental property in Xi'an, tenants can typically expect to find a refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioner, and water heater. Other common appliances may include a microwave, oven, and range. Depending on the property, tenants may also find a television, internet router, and other electronic devices," explained one person living in Xi'an, China.

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Xi'an:

We asked foreigners in Xi'an what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats can search for homes in Xi'an by looking online for real estate websites that specialize in the area, such as local classifieds or international real estate portals. They can also contact local real estate agents who can provide more information about the area and help them find a suitable home. Additionally, expats can look for housing through social media networks, such as expat forums or Facebook groups, to connect with other expats who may have advice or recommendations," said one in Xi'an.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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