Guangzhou has significantly liberalized its housing purchase restrictions for Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and foreign residents, according to the latest policy guidance in effect in 2026. The adjustments remove social insurance and tax payment requirements for eligible buyers and dramatically expand purchase quotas, marking one of the most open policies for non-mainland buyers in any major Chinese city.
New Qualification Requirements
Under the updated rules, foreign nationals need only provide proof of employment or study in Guangzhou along with a written commitment to use the property for self-occupation. Hong Kong and Macau residents must present their identity documents, Mainland Travel Permits, and proof of work or study in the city — with no social insurance or individual income tax payment history required.
Taiwan residents are similarly eligible with corresponding identification and work or study documentation. All eligible buyers must sign a self-occupancy commitment, consistent with China's broader policy framework aimed at curbing speculative purchases.
Purchase Quota Expansion
In terms of purchase limits, in restricted zones of the city, buyers are limited to one unit for properties of 120 square meters or less, but face no unit limit for properties larger than 120 square meters. In non-restricted zones, there is no purchase quota at all for any property size.
The relaxation is particularly significant for the 120-square-meter-plus segment, which includes the vast majority of new luxury developments in Guangzhou's core districts — a segment that has attracted strong interest from Hong Kong and Macau buyers seeking mainland investment properties or second homes.
Provident Fund Access for Foreign Nationals
In a further liberalization, foreign nationals holding valid foreigner work permits and work-type residence permits are now eligible to apply for housing provident fund loans in Guangzhou — a benefit previously reserved for mainland residents. This access to subsidized-rate housing finance significantly enhances the affordability calculus for eligible foreign buyers.
Broader Context
Guangzhou's liberalization is part of a broader trend of Chinese cities relaxing purchase restrictions to stimulate demand. The move follows similar adjustments across tier-one cities and reflects the policy direction established by the central government's July Politburo meeting, which emphasized stabilizing the real estate market and meeting diverse housing needs. The city's proximity to Hong Kong and Macau positions it to capture significant cross-border demand as travel and business connections continue to normalize.