China announced a slate of fresh measures Friday to reinvigorate its ailing property industry after the latest data showed housing prices have slumped nearly 10% since the start of the year. Among other things, the central bank said it would reduce the minimum down payment for mortgages and remove the floor on interest rates for first and second homes. China’s housing market has slumped after a crackdown on excessive borrowing by property developers several years ago, dragging along a wide range of other businesses — such as home furnishing, appliances and construction — and slowing growth in the world’s No. 2 economy. Dozens of developers, whose legions of high-rise apartments have transformed urban landscapes across China, have defaulted on their debts. Many projects have just stalled, unfinished. He Lifeng, a vice premier, said officials would roll out policies to suit each city and “fight the tough battle of dealing with the risk of unfinished commercial housing.” |
Pictures with characterExhibiting a timeless eleganceWorld Insights: XiReimagining the future of cultureFighting to understand the concept of beautyMuseum visits surge in popularity this summerSpecial performance for artists with Plum Performance Award and Peony Award was heldThe fabric of Chinese cultureThe cultural seed bank of a civilizationXi Congratulates Madagascar's President on Re