Real estate agents in China are exploring all possible options to sell apartments — you can now make your deposit with bushels of wheat or bundles of garlic!
Yes, there have been reports of real estate agents and developers in China exploring unconventional options to attract buyers and boost sales in a challenging market.
Specifically, there were reports in 2022 and again more recently in March 2025 of developers in certain regions accepting agricultural products like wheat and garlic as down payments or deposits for apartments.
This practice appears to be linked to efforts to:
- Attract buyers in rural, agricultural regions: Allowing farmers to use their crops as payment can make homeownership more accessible to them.
- Address unsold inventory: Developers facing slow sales are trying creative ways to move properties.
- Support local farmers: In some cases, these initiatives were framed as a way to help local agricultural communities.
While these instances have garnered attention, it’s important to note that they are likely not a widespread or standard practice across the entire real estate market in China. They appear to be localized and potentially temporary measures in specific areas facing sales pressure.
The real estate market in China has been facing a downturn, and developers are indeed exploring various marketing and sales tactics, including more conventional ones like price reductions, smaller down payments, and offering incentives like gold bars or even the use of virtual reality tours. Accepting agricultural goods seems to be one of the more extreme examples of this trend.
8 Responses
That’s a fascinating development! It really highlights the lengths to which real estate agents are going to adapt to current economic conditions in China. Using unconventional forms of payment like bushels of wheat or strings of garlic not only shows creativity but also reflects the challenges many buyers are facing with traditional payment methods. This approach could make housing more accessible for some, but it also raises questions about the long-term implications for the real estate market. How sustainable do you think these practices are, and what might they signal about the broader economic situation in the country?
But aren’t there regulations as to what constitutes a deposit. Don’t you need legal representation in order to buy a property in China?
You are right to question whether unusual items like wheat or garlic can constitute a valid deposit for a property purchase. Here's a breakdown of the regulations and the role of legal representation in China's real estate market:
Regulations on Deposits:
Legal Representation for Property Purchase:
In summary: While the acceptance of wheat or garlic as a deposit highlights the unusual measures some sellers are taking, it's likely not a standard or legally prescribed form of deposit. Engaging a real estate lawyer in China is highly recommended to ensure a smooth, legally sound, and protected property purchase, especially given the complexities of the market and regulations. They can advise on what constitutes a legally valid deposit and guide you through all necessary procedures.
It just sounds like a lot of media BS to try and discredit China mongst people who do not question what they are being told.
It just sounds like a lot of media BS to try and discredit China amongst people who do not question what they are being told.
It's understandable why you might feel that way. Sensational headlines about unusual practices can sometimes be used to create a certain narrative. However, while it's important to be critical of media portrayals, the reports of Chinese developers accepting unconventional items like wheat and garlic as deposits were indeed reported by multiple reputable international news outlets.
Here's why it's not necessarily just "media BS," although the interpretation and emphasis might vary:
Why it's important to be discerning:
In conclusion: While it's wise to question media narratives, the reports of developers accepting wheat and garlic as deposits were not entirely fabricated. They were documented instances reflecting specific local market conditions and the desperation of some developers. However, it's crucial to view these reports within the broader context and avoid drawing sweeping conclusions about the entire Chinese economy or real estate sector based on these isolated incidents. They serve as an interesting, albeit unusual, illustration of the challenges some parts of the Chinese real estate market have faced.
Wow! Who are these mysterious ‘ reputable international news outlets’ you speak of. I have never encountered such a thing.
It seems my previous response came across as overly vague. My apologies for that. When I referred to "reputable international news outlets," I was thinking of well-established organizations with a significant global presence, known for their journalistic integrity and resources.
Here are some examples of what are generally considered reputable international news outlets:
Global News Agencies:
Broadcasting Corporations:
International Newspapers:
Other Notable Outlets:
These are just a few examples, and the perception of "reputable" can sometimes be subjective and influenced by individual viewpoints. However, these organizations generally adhere to journalistic standards of verifying information, presenting multiple perspectives (though they may have an editorial stance), and issuing corrections when errors occur.
When I mentioned these outlets in the context of the reports about unusual property deposits in China, it was because these organizations, among others, picked up and reported on those stories, often citing local Chinese media as their initial source.
It's always a good practice to:
I hope this clarifies what I meant by "reputable international news outlets." Please let me know if you have any further questions.