Shanghai Real Estate Trading Center hotline said no new policy has been issued
and clarified existing replacement-purchase rules. For non-Shanghai household
families: selling their only property allows replacement with one dwelling
anywhere in the city; buyer and seller must be the same person and no social
insurance or individual income tax proof is required. This rule has been in
effect since 28 May 2024. For households or adult single buyers owning two or
more properties who sell some units: replacement purchases must match the sold
units in both number and location—units sold outside the Outer Ring Road may
only be replaced with units outside the Outer Ring Road; units sold inside the
Outer Ring Road may only be replaced with units inside the Outer Ring Road—also
exempt from social insurance or individual tax proof. This took effect 26 Feb
2026. For foreign nationals: after selling all Shanghai properties, a foreign
individuals may replace and purchase one dwelling in the city without submitting
a foreign residence permit (work category), a one‑year local labor contract
prior to purchase, or one year of local social insurance/individual tax payment
proof; the buyer must sign a foreign individual owner‑occupancy commitment. This
The rule took effect on 29 Jul 2026.
