Top 10 tips to let or sell your property to Chinese buyers

This year, the 16th February ushers in the Chinese Year of the Dog, symbolising good luck for the year ahead. There are still a few things you should avoid doing on New Year’s Day however such as cleaning clothes, using scissors, being near crying children and leaving the house (if you are a woman); if you manage these, which is especially impressive if you are a parent, then you will have good luck in the year ahead. Good news if you are planning any property investment opportunities this year. If you are planning to attract Chinese tenants or sell your property to Chinese buyers, you might want a little extra help than relying on the Year of the Dog’s luck alone so here’s our handy guide.

1. First impressions

The entrance of a home is very important to the Chinese as that is what attracts positive energy and good fortune to those living there. The front door for example, should not be aligned with the back door as the positive energy will simply flow out of the property leaving the inhabitants with money and health worries. The front door should also not face staircases or lifts for the same reason.

Does your property have kerb appeal?

2. Feng Shui

The Chinese believe a home should be a balanced environment where the position of doors, windows and furnishings help the good energy to flow through unencumbered. Light and airy homes with little clutter appeal to most people so Feng Shui practices are often just good common sense. There are few touches however, that can make all the difference to a Chinese client; such as working out the property’s position in relation to the points of a compass and how each area corresponds with the Bagua (Feng Shui energy map) then placing something symbolic in that area.  Good example is placing a money plant in the south-east area of the property because that symbolises money and wealth and brings good energy to that area.

Read our guide to what makes the perfect rental home

3. The landscape

Equally important to Chinese buyers or tenants is the property’s location, or rather the landscape around the property. A mountain behind the house brings good fortune and provides supporting energy to the house for example. While there aren’t any mountains in London, the land being higher at the back is still a good sign, as are any tall trees. The front of the property should be as clear and bright as possible, not blocked by other buildings, and if there is water at the front too, that is an excellent sign.

Top 10 locations where homes earn more than the average worker

4. Location, location, location

All buyers and tenants look for a pleasant, central location with transport links. If the Chinese buyer or tenant has plans to study in London then choosing a location that is within reach of the good universities and educational establishments is a must. Though take care, the Chinese are particularly against living near to hospitals, temples or graveyards.

Read more about the continuing appeal of the UK as an education destination

5. Shape and form

The Chinese appreciate symmetry particularly when it comes to property. Square or rectangular rooms within a square or rectangular property create a harmony of the home’s energy. Irregular shaped rooms with acute corners and nooks and crannies however, promote mental tension and disharmony in relationships with others. It’s worth keeping in mind that an attractive style feature from a developer can take on a different meaning for a Chinese customer.

What’s best for property investment – period conversions or new builds?

6. The magic number

In Chinese culture, numerology has great significance. The luckiest numbers are: three (because it is associated with life), six (because it represents flow and things running smoothly), eight (which represents wealth) and nine (as it represents longevity). Chinese will often go to great lengths to have these numbers in their lives, from license plates and phone numbers to house and flat numbers.

Conversely the unluckiest number is four as it represents death. Chinese apartment buildings often skip the fourth floor jumping straight to five; it’s a little like the Western jitters about the number 13. Superstition is a powerful thing so if you have a door number four or an apartment on the fourth floor, you are unlikely to attract any Chinese interest in your property.

See the top reasons why London continues to attract property investment

7. Earth, wind and fire

Colour carries heavy symbolism in Chinese culture too. Red symbolises fire and brings luck and happiness; yellow symbolises earth and brings power and prosperity; black represents water however it brings destruction and disaster; white symbolises death and also solace and fulfilment so it has positive and negative connotations; blue represents wood and brings advancement and immortality; gold means wealth, purple signifies divinity and green means nature and purity.

Being mindful of these colours when choosing the colour schemes will help to appeal to Chinese clients, though it is fair to say black walls would be an disaster for any potential buyer or tenant.

Top 10 furnishing tips to maximise your property investment

8. Contemporary living

Much of the focus has been on Chinese culture and tradition. While this is important, it is equally important to show contemporary China too. Cutting-edge Chinese interior design companies are emerging on the world stage. Visit some homes and decor design events or view new Chinese decor and furnishing style so you can present a genuinely on-Chinese-trend property rather than a Westernised view of Chinese style.

How Design Shanghai 2017 inspired global interior trends

9. From fortune cookie to smart cookie

Integrated high tech and a home that can boast internet of things connectivity will be especially appealing to most buyers and tenants but especially so for those from China. China is proud to be challenging the supremacy of Japan and Germany in the tech race and announced the creation of voice-activated smart speakers and an A.I. home bot. For a Chinese tenant or buyer, anything less than a smart home simply won’t do.

What smart tech should your rental property include?

10. Word of mouth

Naturally, following all of these tips is pointless unless you are advertising to the right market. You need an agent with good links to the Chinese community in both London and China and understands the culture. They will be able to market your property in the right way and ensure that your commitment to appeal to Chinese clients doesn’t go unnoticed.

With this in mind, in 2017, we expanded our China presence by opening a new Shanghai office to keep pace with the demand for London property from Chinese investors. These clients appreciate our specialist advice on property valuations, property management and furnishing, all within their local timezone and on their doorstep. Our directors also visit China on a bi-monthly basis to personally meet with our clients.

This is coupled with our China Desk in London, a dedicated department employing Chinese-speaking people to provide a complete service to Chinese HR departments and their employees with their accommodation needs in London. You can make contact with our local team in China or get a free rental valuation here.   

Sending our very best wishes and trust that the Year of the Dog brings great luck and fortune your way.

Sign up for the latest UK Government / legal information including Tax Changes. Click here to sign up.