CPPCC debates rising cost of housing

Source:

03-13-2006 17:21

During the annual sessions of the CPPCC, the cost of housing is one of the hottest topics. Members have called for a greater supply of affordable houses to mid and low income earners.

Mr. Guo Song-hai conducted an intensive study on the housing prices in China, and he concluded that the price hike in large cities has depressed the common people's desire of purchasing houses.

He said: “The supply of affordable houses should be 60 to 70 percent of the housing total. But in the market, luxury houses are more than affordable ones, and the average price is fairly high. ”

Mr. Guo also suggested that size and price restriction should be adopted by all real estate developers who build economical houses, and more favorable policies should be given to those developers as well.

He said: “The ideal size of an affordable apartment ranges from 70 square meters to 120 square meters. Only those whose incomes are below the average disposable incomes of urban residents are allowed to buy. ”

Ms. Cai Ling, from Hubei Province criticized the practicality of the over-sized houses, and believed these phenomena will make housing unaffordable.

She said: “Affordable houses should be built and provided in accordance to the local residents' income level. Over-sized houses will make them disappointed. There should be a strict restriction on the size of those houses. Also, the government should provide welfare apartment for the disadvantaged people. ”

Some CPPCC members also called for a system to monitor the application process in order to prevent real estate speculation.

Editor:Wang Ping