China pledges to step up urban renewal, stabilise housing market in 2026

China will step up urban renewal and efforts to stabilise its property market in 2026 at the start of its latest Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), according to a readout of a housing policy conference released on Tuesday.



The conference, held in Beijing on December 22-23, mapped out key housing development tasks for the Five-Year Plan period, and called next year a critical starting point for policy implementation, according to the readout published by the housing ministry's official outlet.



A major focus will be the "vigorous implementation of urban renewal", alongside efforts to stabilise the real estate market, prevent and defuse risks and improve the supply of affordable housing.



China's property sector, once a key engine of growth, has been in persistent decline since mid-2021, despite repeated government pledges to shore up the sector. Weak home sales and falling prices have weighed on consumer confidence and homeowners, with around 70% of household wealth tied to real estate.