Beijing — China's new national residential standard, the "Good Housing" (好房子) code, is reshaping what buyers can expect from a new home in 2026 — mandating taller ceilings, quieter walls, and smarter, greener buildings as the sector shifts from "having a place to live" to "living well."
The National Standard Arrives
The Ministry of Housing's Residential Project Code took effect on May 1, 2025, and from May 2026 all new residential projects must be built to the "Good Housing" benchmark. Minister Ni Hong has described 14 key upgrades over previous rules.
| Requirement | New Standard |
|---|---|
| Floor height | ≥ 3.0 m (up from 2.8 m) |
| Elevators | Mandatory from 4th floor; ≥2 from 12th floor |
| Sound insulation | Impact noise limit cut to 65 dB |
| Connectivity | Mobile signal in public areas & elevators |
| Safety | Higher railings, dedicated AC outdoor units |
Beyond the Basics
The standard also pushes green, low-carbon, intelligent and safe features: better waterproofing (roof lifespan extended to 20 years), age-friendly design, and whole-home smart systems. The ministry is compiling a "Good Housing" construction guide covering design, materials, building, and operations.
A Quality Upgrade Cycle
For developers, the code raises the bar on quality and differentiates premium product. For buyers, it promises quieter, brighter, healthier homes — and a structural lift in the value of compliant new supply versus aging stock.
Source: Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, 2026