Beijing — China's 2026 urban agenda pairs large-scale city renewal with an expanded affordable-housing push, as policymakers seek to stabilize the property market while improving living standards through "stock optimization" rather than fresh building booms.
Shenzhen: Supply Outpaces Construction
Shenzhen's 2026 housing plan, released in May, targets the construction or raising of 30,000 affordable homes and the supply of 40,000 — the first time in years that supply has exceeded new construction. The shift signals a city leaning on existing stock and completed units to meet demand.
Guangzhou's Dual Track
Guangzhou plans to presale 4.483 million square meters of commodity housing in 2026 and build or raise 30,000 affordable homes. It will accelerate urban-renewal districts such as Beijing Road–Hongqiao, Jiangnanxi–Changgang, and Tianhe's 22 urban-village projects, with a fixed-asset investment goal of 33 billion yuan.
National Direction
At the December 2025 national housing conference, the Ministry of Housing underscored 2026 priorities: control increments, digest inventory, and optimize supply; revitalize idle land through urban-village renewal; and acquire existing commercial homes for affordable housing, relocation, dormitories, and talent apartments.
- Quality-improvement projects for "good housing" (好房子)
- Renovation of old residential communities and accessible, age-friendly upgrades
- Stronger role for the "white list" financing mechanism to support legitimate developer needs
The approach marks a structural pivot — from building more to making better use of what exists.
Source: Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, city housing bureaus, 2026